Solution for Loose Rear Wheel with a Yakima Raptor Aero Roof Bike Rack

Updated 11/30/2015 | Published 11/26/2015

Question:

I just purchased the yakima roof rack system for my mini cooper s and use the raptor aero trays, used it the first time today to carry 1 26 inch and 1 29 inch mountain bike, it worked great, held both bikes well, little movement but felt safe with bikes on the roof, tried to put a skinny tire 700x23 tire mavic race wheel road bike in one of the trays and straps wouldnt tighten down to hold the wheels from moving, will these strap pads fit the straps on the raptor aero trays to take up the extra space between the wheel and the strap Thanks

asked by: David N

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Yakima and he informed me that the real holding power of this rack is coming from the downtube clamp.

Step 27 of the install instructions refers to this. If the wheel is loose in the tray you’ll want to slid the strap until it rests against the rim. Adding some kind of pad to decrease the gap would probably be fine.

He did not recommend the use of the straps you referenced.

expert reply by: Jameson C