[Closed] Roof rack bike carriers

I have the Thule 591 and 561

591 is really quick, simple and secure, pop thje bike up, twist the clamp lever, two straps, done. But when the bike is dirty, the dirt can work as a grindign paste on paintwork - not something that worries me, but might worry a carbon frame.

Fork mount (561) is more hassle, obviously - I got it as my DH bike has a ruddy great shock where the 59's clamp wants to go, so I was having to put a filthy DH bike in the car, It's rock solid, although 15.20mm axles forego the locking mechanism that you get for QRs. Some QR 20mm axles like Fox 36s and BOS have a QR lever that doesn't quite work with the 561 - need some fiddling, or leaving one side open, but Nothing major.

I have a thule 591 that clamps on the downtube. the clamp mouth is rubberised so Ive used on carbon and steel frames without a second thought. Its much easier to get the bike on than fork mounted. I've even used it with my fat bike.

I've used both down tube and fork clamped Thule racks and the forks mount is actually much more solid. I've only used the 15mm and 20mm axle mount so can't comment on the qr mount but would imagine the same.

The down tube rack is a bit less fiddly to get the bike on and isn't particularly wobbly but deffo not as solid if that is your main concern.

Front wheel goes in a wheel bag in the boot, if you have a few different bikes with different front axles they might be a pain though.

I've a set of three Thule 591. Simple, solid and dependable. Been running them for years with no problems.

When i do eventually replace my current vehicle I'll be getting a tow bar mount. Although the 591's are simple to use, the roof of my car is covered in scratches from the dirt of the bikes falling on it. Fuel ecomany takes a big hit and I reckon the savings in fuel will more than pay for the hitch/rack in no time.

Thanks guys.

Had a van on last job which was great & previous car had a towbar and I still have bike rack for that but new car will be bloody expensive to have a towbar fitted if lease company will even let me.

Anyone tried an Atera GIRO AF+ ?

whenever this comes up the general consensus in that the Thule 591's are the best/most popular. I have 3 on my car and use them regularly. I have put some helitape on all the bikes where the downtube clamp goes, which works fine. My carbon road bike goes in the car tho...:)

I have the older Thule 510 that clamps the downtube and have used it on carbon bikes with no qualms at all. Just try and wipe off the worst of the mud in that area.

Had a towbar on last two cars (and roof rack options too) and found the tow bar rack excellent for long journeys (solid and our out of the wind etc) but a faff for short journeys.

Current car (had it a year) didn't have a towbar and I haven't bothered fitting one - the racks get used often enough that they just sit on top of the car the whole time. Got 2 x 591 and a 561 types. As most have said - the 591 are fantastically easy to use and quick and solid enough, but it needs care if you care about the finish on your bike (I don't particularly!) especially when they're dirty. I've also nicked the finish on a shock shaft where it came into contact with the clamp - thank fully beyond the end of the stroke.

561 fork mount is rock solid, but more of a faff for bolt thru (if I need to use that then there's usually a QR wheel candidate for it).

I haven't used that Atera rack (although I've got friends who swear by their towbar racks), but it looks good. I think the clamp looks better than the Thule one as it goes up to meet the frame, rather than pulling the frame on to it like the Thule does. That can make the Thule on a bit fiddly with kids bikes.