How do you transport your carbon bike

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2015-03-22 2:18 AM

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Subject: How do you transport your carbon bike
I'm looking at purchasing a new carbon tri bike and want to know what is the best way to transport it. I currently use a tow ball mounted rack that holds my bike by the top tube. Is this ok to use on carbon bikes?

Thanks

2015-03-22 7:05 AM
in reply to: todd89

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Pro
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Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike
Are you talking about a bike rack that straps/rests the bike in two spots on the top tube? If yes, then you're perfectly ok. If you have the single clamp with a lever that pushes down on the top tube, then I wouldn't use that.

Personally, I put the bikes in the car when we ride/race. With the front wheel off, I can easily fit two bikes, all the gear needed and two overnight bags (both me and my wife races). And no, I don't have a very large vehicle… Volvo S60 (so yes, a sedan).
2015-03-22 10:32 AM
in reply to: audiojan

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Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike
Ditto on inside the car. I was amazed where I could fit the bike with the front wheel off. I have been racing for a couple of years and still don't even own a rack.

2015-03-22 10:50 AM
in reply to: todd89

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Champion
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Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike
In the car is always my preference but over the years I have used just about everything.

1. Typical trunk mount system when the top tube sat in the grooves and then strapped in
2. Hitch mount where the wheels sat in a tray and held on by the top tube
3. Hitch mount where the wheels sat in a tray and clamp went to front wheel
4. Roof rack minus front wheel.

I have driven 5-600 miles with 2-4 incident free.
2015-03-22 3:38 PM
in reply to: #5102495

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Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike
Thanks. The rack I use has the top tube of the bike sit in a groove and then is strapped down on the top tube.

Thanks
Luke
2015-03-22 4:32 PM
in reply to: todd89

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Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike
Usually in the vehicle but I have used a bike rack as well. The type were the top tube rests on the rack & has straps to hold the bike in place. No issues with either.


2015-03-22 4:37 PM
in reply to: todd89

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Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike

We have transported our bikes on a hitch mount with one bar over the top tube, on a hitch mount with the top tube rested in two spots and the bikes dangling, laying in the back of pickup trucks, in the back of trucks with the front fork locked in, on roof racks, thrown into the back seat of a car with both wheels taken off, in hard cases, in soft cases, and I wouldn't hesitate to strap it on the hood of a car if needed.  Our carbon bikes have never failed........it's a bike, it will hold up to most anything you can do to it short of jumping up and down on it.  If carbon was a fragile as some people think it must be then you'd be crazy to ride it.

2015-03-23 10:21 AM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike
Aluminum is more delicate... thin tubes that can dent.
2015-03-23 10:43 AM
in reply to: todd89

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Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike
Just an FYI that often a tri bike won't work with a certain rack because it has angles and shapes that rack manufacturers don't plan for. My tri bike won't work with the two racks I already had. So you sort of won't know until you try your specific bike.
2015-03-23 12:12 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike
Originally posted by Left Brain

We have transported our bikes on a hitch mount with one bar over the top tube, on a hitch mount with the top tube rested in two spots and the bikes dangling, laying in the back of pickup trucks, in the back of trucks with the front fork locked in, on roof racks, thrown into the back seat of a car with both wheels taken off, in hard cases, in soft cases, and I wouldn't hesitate to strap it on the hood of a car if needed.  Our carbon bikes have never failed........it's a bike, it will hold up to most anything you can do to it short of jumping up and down on it.  If carbon was a fragile as some people think it must be then you'd be crazy to ride it.




+1
2015-03-23 5:33 PM
in reply to: todd89

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Subject: RE: How do you transport your carbon bike
In the back of my car because I don't want people walking off with it.

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