CaptainDeliciouspants Posted June 20, 2018 Share Hi everyone I know there have been similar questions posted on here, but nothing pertaining to roof carriers where the bike stands upright with the wheels on. I've just bought a Specialized Epic hardtail with the carbon frame. I've been using the Thule 598 roof mounted carrier with my other bikes which all have aluminium frames with no issues. Now there is obviously some concern about carbon frames sustaining damage from the clamp, granted these mainly seem to involve super thin frames like road bikes. I just wanted to find out if anyone else has experienced this kind of problem with this specific carrier used with carbon MTB frames? Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOEKVLAG Posted June 20, 2018 Share I've got 3 of those on a Fortuner (so high to get to and when travelling), have used them extensively with carbon frames (Momsen, Specialized, Merida, Scott) and have not had a problem in years. Thule really is the best type of carrier. ct_rider 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted June 20, 2018 Share Just don't over tighten the clamp, and you'll be fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ct_rider Posted June 20, 2018 Share Has anyone had cosmetic damage after transport? Is it necessary to get a carbon frame protector? https://www.thule.com/en/za/bike-rack/roof-bike-rack-accessories/thule-carbon-frame-protector-_-984000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicoR Posted June 20, 2018 Share Has anyone had cosmetic damage after transport? Is it necessary to get a carbon frame protector? https://www.thule.com/en/za/bike-rack/roof-bike-rack-accessories/thule-carbon-frame-protector-_-984000 Yes. It will scratch the clamp area. No issues with rims though. I use some clear frame protector for my road bike and a make shift frame guard for my mtb. Make shift frame guard for mtb consist of some boot grip (Game sells them) wraped with insulation tape. Those frame protectors are damn expensive compared to the above that works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainDeliciouspants Posted June 20, 2018 Share I've got 3 of those on a Fortuner (so high to get to and when travelling), have used them extensively with carbon frames (Momsen, Specialized, Merida, Scott) and have not had a problem in years. Thule really is the best type of carrier.That really puts my mind at ease! And yes, there's a reason Thule stuff is so expensive HOEKVLAG 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainDeliciouspants Posted June 20, 2018 Share Yes. It will scratch the clamp area. No issues with rims though. I use some clear frame protector for my road bike and a make shift frame guard for my mtb. Make shift frame guard for mtb consist of some boot grip (Game sells them) wraped with insulation tape. Those frame protectors are damn expensive compared to the above that works for me.I'll definitely be doing this.... Thanks! That Thule frame protector does seem like a waste of money, can't see that thing being very effective.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicoR Posted June 20, 2018 Share The Proride 598 can’t be over tightened as it torques when tight enough Captain Fastbastard Mayhem 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurora Posted June 20, 2018 Share Used the Proride for many years now. Never had any scratches on the frame. Only damage was when my wife forgot she had bikes on the roof and drove into the garage. Andrew_Smith 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edereese Posted June 20, 2018 Share The Proride 598 can’t be over tightened as it torques when tight enoughWhat he said.. I have been using mine for 2 years now on various frames. It's not possible to over tighten 598 as it clicks once you get to specific torque. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainDeliciouspants Posted June 20, 2018 Share Used the Proride for many years now. Never had any scratches on the frame. Only damage was when my wife forgot she had bikes on the roof and drove into the garage.I've had nightmares about this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainDeliciouspants Posted June 20, 2018 Share What he said.. I have been using mine for 2 years now on various frames. It's not possible to over tighten 598 as it clicks once you get to specific torque. Yes the torque limiter on the ratchet is very convenient.... I have read that some people don't even tighten it all the way to the point that it clicks. But seeing as you've had no issues this seems unnecessary..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurora Posted June 20, 2018 Share I've had nightmares about this! Make sure you have your bikes and racks insured before using them just in case. It ends badly for both... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grease_Monkey Posted June 20, 2018 Share Been clamping carbon mtbs on my Thule roof racks for ages, other than one or two paint chips from operator error / not being careful, I've had no issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grease_Monkey Posted June 20, 2018 Share Yes the torque limiter on the ratchet is very convenient.... I have read that some people don't even tighten it all the way to the point that it clicks. But seeing as you've had no issues this seems unnecessary.....That torque limiter seems waaay too tight for me. I stop long before it hits the limiter - no need for it to be that tight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droo Posted June 20, 2018 Share I've had nightmares about this! Hang something bright from your mirror when you've got the bikes on. And stay away from shopping malls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now