I have a saris thelma 3 bike rack on my bike. I’ve put a variety of bikes on it without any issues. yesterday when I left my LBS I found that my new toy - a speed concept - wouldn’t fit.
There was not enough clearance between the wheel and the downtube to sit on the rack and not have the front wheel support make solid contact with the downtube.
I figure this can’t be good - and I don’t want a new bike rack as I like my thelma a lot.
Anybody else have this issue with a bike like the P2, P4, P3, DA, Trinity,Shiv, where the front wheel and downtube are pretty tight?
Any thoughts on how to fix this? I’m tempted to just take a large file to the front wheel support on the saris and file off a few CM of the plastic.
I intend to contact saris, but their website seemed funky today - so I’ll try again tonight, or perhaps I’ll just call.
I cannot help you with your clearance issue, but have a question about the rack. Can you leave your race wheels on your bike when traveling? or will it damage them?
I have a set of HED C2’s that I prefer not to take on and off everything i rack my bike.
I cannot help you with your clearance issue, but have a question about the rack. Can you leave your race wheels on your bike when traveling? or will it damage them?
I have a set of HED C2’s that I prefer not to take on and off everything i rack my bike.
i travel to races with zipp 404’s just fine. anything bigger won’t work.
Wow, wish I would have read this first. I ordered a Thelma 2 after seeing my friends and all the ++++ reviews. I got it all put together and tried to put my Cannondale Slice on it…NO FIT. Wheel and Down tube are too close. Wheel cradle rubs the frame. I"m pissed. I’m tempted to file it down in that area and just use it like that. I know it would void the warranty, but I bought this through my team discount and so I got it for $200. I don’t think I can get anything else this cheap that will work.
We started with a Thelma- worked fine with my road bikes and P3C… did not work when my wife’s and my S3 entered the stable… we went to Thule T2- very heavy (for my wife to opererate) and started to rust quickly in some spots. Now have (for the past 2 years) a 1 up usa quick rack- and it will work with ALL bikes. Spend the money and never turn back. Do a search on ST for feedback of that rack, too.
Yeah, I ride a 51cm Slice. My buddy rides a 56 and his seems to fit, but too tight for the 51. I just need about 2mm of clearance and it would be fine, so I’m thinking of just shaving off the plastic area in the area where the contact would occur.
Thanks for all the input and I may take a look at some of the other racks that you all recommended if I can’t get this to work.
Wow, wish I would have read this first. I ordered a Thelma 2 after seeing my friends and all the ++++ reviews. I got it all put together and tried to put my Cannondale Slice on it…NO FIT. Wheel and Down tube are too close. Wheel cradle rubs the frame. I"m pissed. I’m tempted to file it down in that area and just use it like that. I know it would void the warranty, but I bought this through my team discount and so I got it for $200. I don’t think I can get anything else this cheap that will work.
What did you end up doing???
This sounds too obvious, but maybe let the air out of the tire?
I had the same problem when I purchased my Scott Plasma Ltd. Kind of upset because I have (2) Saris racks. A two and a three.
I ended up buying yet another rack to safely transport my very expensive TT bike. Ended up purchasing a 1up USA rack with extra bike attachment. The rack works like a dream. Very fast to load and unload. Also can work well with either 1 7/8 or 2" receivers. There is a small attachment that fastens with one bolt which allows me to use the rack on my truck and without the attachment, I can use the rack on my Scion which has a much smaller receiver on the hitch. I’ve used several different racks and In my opinion… the 1up rack is the best money can buy. Well worth the expense , considering the value of the cargo it carries. I wouldn’t use any other!!
Thanks, bit tried that first. Still not enough clearance. Thanks tho
You mean to say that even with the front tire deflated, the Thelma would not allow your bike to fit? Awwww… Was wanting to get a Thelma for my P4. I was hoping it would fit.
I have a QR CD.01 with SRAM 80’s. Encountered the same fit problems. I cut about 3inches off the front wheel tray. Worked like a charm. Still holds MT bikes and road bike just fine as well. Figured I would just order a new tray if I ever wanted to resell it.
The other issue I had was getting tire straps over the s80’s without the help of a pliers. They are just long enough to fit over. I got some extra straps from LBS and just Double them up. Works great. Jut my two cents. I have traveled on three hour trips with Tri bike in that tray with no issues.