BIKE RACKS AND CARRIERS FOR CARS MEGATHREAD - all questions asked and answered here

[Isaakk]

Geez mate that is only 27% over the official rating lol... Balls of steel I gotta say!

I did have the idea of going with a rack that takes the front wheels off, but those types have a 2kg lower capacity than the Highroad, which is basically the weight of a front wheel.

Have you got a photo of the straps in action??

If you look closely in previous attached photo it's strapped (rear crossbar - ends of rack to chainstay of either bike, with another in the middle around the inside chainstay/seatstay). It's actually very solid. Fore-aft and actually holding the bike down on the rack the racks are secure. It's the sideways load and swaying given the base width of the rack that they're weakest.

Not strapped is a little sketchy (sways a lot), but have done for short distances.

I should note I also slightly upgraded the mount for the crossbars to the roof too. Stock is 1x M6 bolt going into ~3mm of thread either side. Made up some adapters to use both M6 mounts into M8 on each end.

Edit: I will say, it's significantly easier getting the bike up and into the Highspeed rack (sans front wheel) than the Highroad.

 

[Haakon]

Thanks mate.

No worries Its the best knob clamp I came across - just drop it on and lower the handle. Taking it off is just release safety catch and pull handle back up.

I cant remember if I had it shipped from Germany by that website or if I used a freight forwarder, but either way it was about $250-300ish landed I think.

Its had two MTBs on it with plenty of "spirited" driving and many interstate trips and it's never budged.

So long as you're ok making or having made an adapter, you can pair it with whatever bike rack you like. The one I have was a cheapie from Cyclingdeal thats been perfect, wish I'd bought another as a spare before they stopped making it!

 

[rowdyflat]

All fair points.

I already have to use a step ladder to reach the roof racks, due to current vehicle having lifted suspension

Have been using roof racks for 12+ years so I'm not so worried about driving into a low clearance area.

I was originally looking to get an eeb within 20kg with pedals, so they can fit in my my Yakima Highroads. But the more I think of it, a lightweight eeb is going to be really annoying when all my mates who have eebs, are full powered.

The best I can find is a medium weight eeb that is around 22kg. 4.5kg more than the Banshee so I don't think it will be too challenging to lift.

I'm interested in whether this type of rack design is easy to get the bike in/out, when you're already in a compromised position lifting it overhead.

Cheers!

The point about light ebikes. They are slightly lighter my wife has the trek but still farkin heavy.
If your friends are under 70yo they will be male testosterone competitive and unless you are full powered you will definitely be left behind.

 

[fjohn860]

No worries Its the best knob clamp I came across - just drop it on and lower the handle. Taking it off is just release safety catch and pull handle back up.

I cant remember if I had it shipped from Germany by that website or if I used a freight forwarder, but either way it was about $250-300ish landed I think.

Its had two MTBs on it with plenty of "spirited" driving and many interstate trips and it's never budged.

So long as you're ok making or having made an adapter, you can pair it with whatever bike rack you like. The one I have was a cheapie from Cyclingdeal thats been perfect, wish I'd bought another as a spare before they stopped making it!

Yeah thanks, I'm currently pricing up the bits to make one to see if it's worthwhile

 

[teK--]

If you look closely in previous attached photo it's strapped (rear crossbar - ends of rack to chainstay of either bike, with another in the middle around the inside chainstay/seatstay). It's actually very solid. Fore-aft and actually holding the bike down on the rack the racks are secure. It's the sideways load and swaying given the base width of the rack that they're weakest.

Not strapped is a little sketchy (sways a lot), but have done for short distances.

I should note I also slightly upgraded the mount for the crossbars to the roof too. Stock is 1x M6 bolt going into ~3mm of thread either side. Made up some adapters to use both M6 mounts into M8 on each end.

Edit: I will say, it's significantly easier getting the bike up and into the Highspeed rack (sans front wheel) than the Highroad.

Ah yes I was too busy looking at the front of the bikes to notice the straps. Looks good and in hindsight I should have got the full width roof bars instead of the flush ends.

Nice work with the mount adapters too.

The point about light ebikes. They are slightly lighter my wife has the trek but still farkin heavy.
If your friends are under 70yo they will be male testosterone competitive and unless you are full powered you will definitely be left behind.

Pretty much.

Kenovo SL was on my shortlist for example; tipping 20kg with only a 320Wh battery and 50Nm.

For another 2kg you can get a 700Wh battery and full power motor in the Amflow PX.

 

[oldcorollas]

may as well go full eeb?

Bike Lifter

Mount your e-bike onto your roof rack solo, without the strain. Patent-pending design. Built for Australian conditions.

cyclerise.com.au

such a simple idea with the gas struts...

 

[teK--]

may as well go full eeb?

Bike Lifter

Mount your e-bike onto your roof rack solo, without the strain. Patent-pending design. Built for Australian conditions.

cyclerise.com.au

View attachment 424316
such a simple idea with the gas struts...

My Facebook ad feed has been smashed that item for weeks!!

Looks functional but too exxy and agricultural looking for my liking. Also not sure i like clamping around the dropper post stanchion.

 

[rowdyflat]

Apparently similar works well for kayaks and believe me you wont stay young and strong forever

 

[Dales Cannon]

Apparently similar works well for kayaks and believe me young stay young and strong forever

I have looked at kayak lifters over the years and never quite got there. The problem doing the lift manually is at the end of any decent paddle the boats are wet and the shoulders are weak.

 

[rextheute]

No worries Its the best knob clamp I came across - just drop it on and lower the handle. Taking it off is just release safety catch and pull handle back up.

I cant remember if I had it shipped from Germany by that website or if I used a freight forwarder, but either way it was about $250-300ish landed I think.

Its had two MTBs on it with plenty of "spirited" driving and many interstate trips and it's never budged.

So long as you're ok making or having made an adapter, you can pair it with whatever bike rack you like. The one I have was a cheapie from Cyclingdeal thats been perfect, wish I'd bought another as a spare before they stopped making it!

Thule racks also work on the dog dick hitch - same same principal I guess , 'handle clamp thingo ' it is adjustable also if your balls were smaller / bigger - yanno , I \'ll stop now ..
it just works

 

[rowdyflat]

I have looked at kayak lifters over the years and never quite got there. The problem doing the lift manually is at the end of any decent paddle the boats are wet and the shoulders are weak.

Remember that well from late teens when we would shuttle the Yarra.