So, after our car got hit from behind last year, with the bike rack and bikes on the back, I’m in need of a new bike carrier. I’m currently leaning towards getting something that will mount on the roof rack as I don’t fancy the expense of fitting a tow bar mounted system (as I don’t have a tow bar) and it was always just a bit too much faff to get everything onto the old saris bones boot mount one.
Looking about it seams as though I can either go for a roof carrier that will fit a bike with both wheels in place, but that needs to clamp into the frame of the bike, or I can get something that needs the front wheel removing so that the bike can be fixed on via the front axle.
Can anyone recommend one type over the other (I’d guess the front wheel clamp will be less fussy about frame shape/size) or let me know about any particular carriers that float your boat?
Thule 591/598 has always been spot on for me used with ht and fs usually a few on ebay
as above - put some frame saver/copter tape around the downtube where you'll clamp it - a muddy frame can end up causing a lot of paint scratches.
I much prefer the 561 as you take the front wheel off which reduced the height a bit. Always seems a bit more stable too.
Thule 591 for me, I managed to get Halfords to price match here which was cheaper than anywhere else I could find. Fits all my bikes (26" 456 Evo2, 26" Rocket and an Arkose) fine.
I never fancied one of the wheel out ones, 'cos then I have to put the filthy wheel in the car and one of the reasons for the rack is to avoid car filth.
591 or whatever the new equivalent is.
Whole bike on means zero faff and no storing a muddy wheel inside. Clamping near the bottom bracket isn't a problem. I think later ones come with longer straps that work better for plus-size tyres.
591 or whatever the new equivalent is.
598. Mine happily transports gnarmac and gnarpoon, and I believe there are fat bike tyre trays available as well. Stable, secure, easy to mount etc.
Yes, can't really fault the Thule 598. I stick a bit of 'copter tape on the downtube where it clamps and then it's all pretty simple. They even sell an adaptor that will take the 5" wheels of my fatbike.
I have the whisperbar fork clamp - it has a clever thru axle clamp + a QR clamp which works for both the types of bikes I need to transport.
Not sure if it copes with boost though...
I would say as good quality as the thule, but cheaper.
I like my Yakima Frontloader. Holds the wheel rather than the bike so nothing touching the frame. I only use it if the tow bar rack is full of course
Whatever you get make sure the bikes are on properly. Had a scary moment on Saturday approaching Swinley when a bike toppled over on the roof rack of the car driving towards me. Luckily the yheard it and pulled over before the errant bike caused an accident.............
Luckily they heard it
After a top tip on here I have one of those extra rear view mirrors intended for keeping an eye on kids in the back. Except rather than being aimed at the back seat it's at the front of the dash so I can see the bikes on the roof.
I am a Thule fan, but relatively rcently got a Yakima Highroad (which is an update I think of their front loader): Yakima
It cost a lot, but is loads better than my Thule racks and secures via the front wheel. Would get another in a heartbeat.
Thule now do a front wheel rack - its called the Upride
I bought a atera giro af. Very happy with it.
I needed to carry bmx, mtb, road bike and bikes with mudguards. Mud guards ruled out axle mounted and front wheel mounts.
I was worried about changing the clamp to fit all the bikes but it takes seconds.
Anyone know if a 591 is workable with the Evil frame/linkage design?
(Also Stanton FS frames actually)
I am a Thule fan, but relatively rcently got a Yakima Highroad (which is an update I think of their front loader): Yakima
It cost a lot, but is loads better than my Thule racks and secures via the front wheel. Would get another in a heartbeat.
Hmm....just about to buy a Yakima Frontloader based on don't like the Thule clamp on the frame plus heavily discounted at my local camping store maybe because Highroad coming along? - people seem to like the Frontloader and other than if got over around 2.5" tyres or mudguards can see no reason not to get one ? (do have a Thule towbar rack which is great but sometimes the car with the towbar has disappeared and I'm left with big teens / ice hockey kit and a plan to ride while they train)
Older Thule Freeride here - 4 bikes on the roof.
^^^mistake reading this thread I'd made my mind up and now I find the Thule Upride looks great
My XL hardtail will not fit on the Thule 591 - the front wheel is too far forward to be safe, and you cannot adjust the rack clamp forward/backward like you could on their old racks thanks to the curved ally base.
I am thinking Upride or the Yakima Highroad now
Well, I think the two Yakima ones look very promising. Should be quite happy to take something like a Bronson or Nomad if I manage to save up enough for next years sales and there isn’t as much to mess about with as the wheel off carriers.
Has anyone else tried any of these and had use of the Thule uprider? The uprider looks a little less secure to me but I can’t decide if that’s just me being daft or not.
How many of the Yakima ones can you use side by side? A6 estate, always had towbar racks before
Of your looking towards yakima then look up there forkchop model. It’s two parts wheel,wrap for the rear and then you fix the fron via the fork bolt.
Been using mine now for quit a while and it’s a solid bit of kit and as long as your rails or bats can go long enough you can fit any size or length bike on them.
you cannot adjust the rack clamp forward/backward like you could on their old racks thanks to the curved ally base.
You can (at least on mine). Maybe not as much as on the flat design, but enough for me to fit my large longshot FlareMax ok.
The Upride is really nice, especially if you have a bike with a big downtube or a lot going on near the BB (or in my case a bloody great motor!) I have a couple of the other Thules that grip the downtube too and they work very well if they fit but require you to hold the bike steady for longer whilst attaching it (not a problem unless you’re short, weak or have a very heavy bike).
Speaking for a friend, I’d avoid fork clamping racks. Not because one had to put the muddy wheel in the car, but because one will leave it behind when you drive off. A friend left £300 of front wheels at Haldon car park and only found out 150 miles away. The friend’s wheels were never seen again.
Four 591s on the roof of our CRV. Not found a bike I could not carry.