Should carbon frames go on a trunk rack?

tensorgirl · May 22, 2012

Hey everyone!

So, I've got a cheap bike rack for my car. Got it back when I had a trunk and now I have a hatchback (rack still fits ok). I've been putting my carbon bike on the rack for a while (even used it when I moved cross country from UT to WI a few years ago). A bunch of people at the LBS just told me you shouldn't ever put a carbon bike on a trunk rack (I guess you're also not supposed to put all your weight on the top tube, either, according to the same people). Is that true?

I'm just wondering if it's a myth, or if the tight ties on the rack paired with road bumps somehow damage the frame. I did notice a tiny indentation in my top tube the other day and wondered if that's how it got there. I've been putting the bike inside the car since I heard this, but want to know if there's actually any science behind the claim. If so, I hope I haven't caused any actual damage...

niksch · Oct 19, 2012

I learned a little too. I've been looking to upgrade from by hitch mounted "dangly" rack to a platform rack. Those Küat's look interesting, I'll have to check them out.

eschummer · Oct 19, 2012

+1 on the Kuats. Just acquired a set after reading good things about it here. Sturdier than what I had been using, holds the bike securely and no contact with the frame. One thing I might mention is the attachment to the class III hitch. The bolt needs to be really tight in order top prevent side to side wobble by the whole assembly, This is OK, but makes any removal away from home dependent on you bringing the right tool (19mm ratchet).

jlandry · Jan 18, 2013

I just purchased my first carbon bike and was worried about my hitch rack and the top tube issue. Instead of buying a whole new rack i think I'll try one of these "bar adapters". Swagman Deluxe Bar Bike Adapter - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available

Anyone have experience with these?

mgringle · Jan 18, 2013

I went with a hitch mount platform rack - the Saris CycleOn Pro - and love it. Lifetime warranty as well.

Mr_Clean · Jan 18, 2013

Trunk racks might be okay as long as the bikes don't bang on the trunk or other bikes. it's also safer to secure the wheels and cranks if possinle. How about clamp type racks like the Thule Prorides? I've stopped mounting carbon bikes on those. Unfortunately,this is my setup on my Focus hatch as well.

lbkwak · Jan 18, 2013

I've been using Thule Raceway Platform like f3rg. I've used with both flatbar bikes and road bikes without an issue.

Visitor302 · Jan 18, 2013

I doubt anything with a bungie/elastic type securing mecanism should cause a problem,,,, HOWEVER.... In the 80's I had one that had a steel hinge clamp type deal that secured with a screw and a wing nut. I thought nothing of securing cromoly steel with it, but I'd hesitate to put carbon fiber in that thing!
I wonder if your LBS was concernd that the bike may swing and rub on the rack, causing ware, and the CF would eventualy get worn through?

Should carbon frames go on a trunk rack?

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