[Closed] Thule 598 and carbon frames?

I haven't bothered, the clamp area on the 598 has loads of give and with the torque limiter on the ratchet I don't see the point.

There are two issues. The crush strength of the tube and the rubbing action as the bike moves relative to the clamp.

I think you'd have to have a really really weak frame to crush the tube and be properly ham fisted. Lightweight metal frames often have wall thicknesses of less than 1mm so if you really wanted to you could probably crush the tube of a metal bike.

My main concern would be from the rubbing action. When I first got my 591 on just one 30 mile drive my 591 rubbed through one layer of help-tape and the paint through to bare metal at the contact points of the jaws. If it was a carbon frame it could have very well worn a hole straight through the tube, especially if there was a thin smear of gritty mud between the jaws and frame. I now use about 5 layers of electrical tape at the contact points which seems to be a lot more durable than hello tape and is easily and frequently replaced.

So if I were you cover the contact point with a good number of layers of whatever protective tape is your favourite and keep an eye on it. This method works fine for me.

I bought one and use it when putting my carbon Defy on the 598. Cost a tenner or so, why take unnecessary risks...

Hi thought this might be of interest to some people, have contacted thule and giant and the advise is bascally do not clamp carbon frames,or if you do we will not be liable.

Thule are bringing out a new roof rack in march which looks ideal and just clamps the front wheel and rear wheel.
Oh its called the upride.

I've been using a 598 on my Diverge for a couple of years without issue. Torque limiter seems to work just fine. Have occasionally used a tea towel as protection for the frame when it's been filthy, to avoid the rubbing issue mentioned above.

Agree with wobbliscott. The only damage my 591's have ever done to bikes has been abrasion due to be dirty post ride when clamping. Easily solved with a quick wipe or wrap a rag round etc.

I've used 591s and 598s with carbon frames for 10 years or more, driven all over the country plus trips to Europe. I agree it's wise to put a strip of Heli tape on the clamped area and if possible make sure that the clamped area is clean, but otherwise never had an issue.

Also find it odd that Thule would advise not to clamp a carbon frame yet manufacturer an accessory specifically designed to allow you clamp carbon?

I use a 598 with my carbon Cannondale. As above, the torque limiter and squishy jaws work well and doesn’t appear to have done any harm to mine in the past 2 years of use.

Thule have said that while a 598 with a carbon frame protector should be ok on most bikes they say to ask manufacturer and will not be liable for damage caused by using the rack.
If you ask the manufacturers will say no its not safe!.
The new upride will be there flagship rack and its being sold as carbon safe.

Im sure a 598 would be fine but my carbon road bike cost me a fortune so thought i would ask.

They're bound to say that though aren't they! Covering their arses.

Yeah i agree.

I've had my planet X carbon roadie in mine without a problem. If you're worried get the adaptor thingy too

Not sure how to link to you tube but if you search
Thule upright contactless bike carrier posted by Bicycling Australia

You can see for yourselves.

Here's a link from singletrack [url= http://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/eurobike-2017-thule-introduce-hydration-packs-and-new-bike-racks/ ]upride[/url]
Not sure if it is available yet. Inno and Yakima do something for the roof too.
Some more manufacturer's advise against frame clamping, CUBE,Cannondale,BMC and Canyon.
[url= https://auxtail.com/about/carbon-clamping/ ]carbon clamping[/url]