When you’re transporting your bike, chances are that you’ll want to use a bike rack. But can you carry a carbon fiber bike on a bike rack? In this post, we’ll take a look at how to transport your carbon fiber bike safely and securely. Whether you’re using a roof-mounted or hitch-mounted rack, we’ll help you make sure that your investment is safe and sound.
Why a Truck Mounted Bike Rack Is a Bad Idea for Carbon Bike Frame
While a truck rack can be used, the pressure on the top tube over time can lead to scratched and possibly cracks.
Let’s face it, you probably spent thousands of dollars on that carbon bike, and you don’t want to risk damaging the frame on your way to an epic ride.
Rather than risking damage to your frame with a truck rack, consider putting it inside your vehicle if you have the space available.
What Kind of Bike Racks Is Recommended for Carbon Bike Frames?
When you transport your carbon bike, it’s important to choose a hitch mount or roof rack. With these types of racks, the weight is on wheels and tires rather than the top tube of the frame – which means there’ll be less risk of damage from bumps and friction during transportation!
If you have a carbon fiber bike, you know that it’s a delicate and expensive investment. When transporting your bike, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that it arrives safely at your destination.
Why Are Hitch Bike Racks Better for Carbon Bike Frames?
There are a few reasons why hitch bike racks are often considered the best option for transporting carbon bikes:
The weight of the bike is on the wheels and tires, not on the frame itself. This helps to protect the frame from damage.
Hitch racks are typically easier to load and unload than roof racks. Just lift the bike onto the platform and clamp the wheels in place with the extension arms. The only contact is on the tires and can be adjusted depending on the wheel size.
Hitch-mounted racks tend to be more stable than roof racks, which means there’s less risk of your bike shifting or falling during transport. The platform supports the weight of the bike and the only contact with the bike is on the tires or possibly a single point of contact while holding the bike upright.
If you’re looking for a safe and easy way to transport your carbon bike, a hitch-mounted rack is a great option.
There are a couple of minor drawbacks to hitch-mounted racks, which are the extended length added to your vehicle, so fitting in the garage could be an issue.
Also, if someone rear-ends your vehicle, bikes could be damaged. This is why some people prefer a roof rack.
Are Roof Racks Fine for Transporting Carbon Frames?
Like hitch-mounted racks, the weight is on the wheels and tires, not on the frame. And, the contact points are limited to the tires with no pressure on the frame.
The main advantage of a roof rack is that your vehicle’s length isn’t extended, so it can fit in the garage easier and there’s less chance of being hit from behind and damaging the bikes.
The downside is the increased height of your vehicle with bikes loaded on top. This likely means removing bikes from a vehicle before pulling into a garage.
Also, lifting a bike onto a roof rack can be more challenging than a hitch-mounted rack. You may need help loading and unloading the bike onto the roof.
Final Thoughts
While it may be cheaper and easier to purchase a truck-mounted bike rack, it is not the best option for those who own carbon fiber bikes. The vibration from the road can damage the frame and components of the bike over time, making it more expensive to maintain in the long run. It is better to invest in a quality rack that will protect your investment and keep your bike safe while you travel.
