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Transporting my new lightweight carbon toy

by PurpleDog
Mon, Jul 14, 2014 23:16
36

Now I've bought a shiny new Trek Emonda, made from gossamer thin eggshell carbon, I was wondering how I get it to all the events I'm undoubtedly going to want to ride in?

I have a convertible so no roof racks, and no room to carry it inside if I want the roof closed so that's a dry-weather only option. I have a towbar with a 'hang by the top tube' type rack, but they're not advised as I understand it?
... leaving the wheel-clamp towbar types like the Thule Ride-On 9502 and similar as the only apparent option, but they still need strapping around the tubes as well, so is that just as worrisome?

All the thousands of carbon roadies out there must be transporting bikes by the thousand - how do you all do it without risking your ridiculously expensive faberge bikes?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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36 comments

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notfastenough | 9 years ago
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I reckon Matt eaton is right, the 9-3 is a reasonable size so bags are the way forward.

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pauldmorgan replied to mikeakelly | 9 years ago
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mikeakelly wrote:

If you're serious about looking after your bike(s) - just get one of these:

http://www.thule.com/en/gb/products/carriers-and-racks/bike-carriers/tow...

It fits 3 bikes with total security (4 with an extension), is rock solid and doesn't seem to hit my mpg much. Not cheap, but the only type I've used that really does the job.

+1 - I have a similar style Thule one on my camper (although not tow ball mounted). I have the clamp on the seat post. When I use my carbon bike I put an cheap aluminium seat post in there just for transportation.

I reckon that if you put a long aluminium seat post in and dropped it all the way down you'd also be safe clamping the seat tube as it's supported from inside and so can't deform. I've not tried that though.

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PurpleDog replied to pauldmorgan | 9 years ago
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Pauldmorgan wrote:

+1 - I have a similar style Thule one on my camper (although not tow ball mounted). I have the clamp on the seat post. When I use my carbon bike I put an cheap aluminium seat post in there just for transportation.

Aargh! Silly carbon seat mast! Still... it's going to be tougher than the down tube (I hope!)

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tom_w | 9 years ago
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This could be the solution you are after; tow hitch mounted, only grips the bike by the wheels not the frame:

http://www.saris.com/product/superclamp-2

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PurpleDog replied to tom_w | 9 years ago
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tom_w wrote:

This could be the solution you are after; tow hitch mounted, only grips the bike by the wheels not the frame:

http://www.saris.com/product/superclamp-2

Does indeed look perfect, if I could figure out how to mount it on my towball.

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saxman | 9 years ago
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What you want is the INNO INH3050. It appears to be much better than the Saris in that it is U shaped rather than just hooking over the top of the wheels. Go here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1AxQdEMlWI to see video of fitting to tow bar, & fitting bike to rack. They also do a roof top version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIm46ERcUF8
The roof top version is available in the UK from The Roofbox Company so I guess they could get hold of the tow bar version without too much trouble.

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