Recommended Bike Rack for Carrying Carbon Fiber Bike Frames

Updated 05/30/2017 | Published 05/26/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(231)

$478.95

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(168)

$1549.90

Question:

Hi, it appears that the Yakima Zipstrips apply less compression on the top tube of the a carbon bike compared to the rubber elastic bands typically found on other bike racks. Consequently, the Yakima should be safer from potentially damaging carbon bikes. Is that a reasonable assumption? However, does it hold the bike down as tightly as the rubber bands do? Also, can I tilt down the mast if I have one or several bikes attached?

asked by: Keih

Expert Reply:

The ZipStrips on the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack, # Y02458, are adjustable allowing you to set the amount of pressure the straps will put on the frame of your bike. However, I would not recommend using a hanging bike rack for carbon fiber frame bikes. The prolonged vibration on the frame may cause weak spots in the bike's frame. Also, you cannot tilt the RidgeBack with bikes loaded on the bike rack.

For carbon fiber frames, I recommend using a platform style bike rack. Using a platform rack that uses wheel mounts will not put stress on the your bike's carbon fiber frame.

If you have a 2 inch Class III hitch, then I recommend the Thule T2 Pro XTR 4 Bike Platform Rack, # TH69TX. The Thule rack can carry up to 4 bikes and uses wheel mounts to secure your bikes to the rack. No unnecessary stress on the bike frame when using this rack. This rack has a weight capacity of 160 lbs and can carry a single bike weight of 60 lbs. The Thule T2 Classic can also be tilted away from the vehicle with the bike loaded or unload on the rack.

expert reply by: Jared P