Darko Posted May 2, 2019 Posted May 2, 2019 So I've got the Thule tow bar rack, and it's a really cool piece of kit. All in all I'm pretty pleased with it. Except, I don't think the bikes are as stable as they can be. They often move "around" once strapped in. Basically pivot inside the loop - if this makes sense. Like swaying. The front also moves left and right like it's turning and the wheels rotate in the wind. Most of this during acceleration / braking. Now, yesterday, at the red barn, I saw a guy with the same rack, and his bike was ultra stable and locked down. Wheels weren't moving. The front wasn't turning. Should I also be using straps while the bikes are on? Where can I find these straps? How do I lock the bikes down? Thank you, Strapless in Johannesburg.
Dadbod Racing Posted May 2, 2019 Posted May 2, 2019 Hi Darko, I've used a few bike racks in the past and have always strapped my bike down regardless of if the bike moves or doesn't move with the standard straps but that's just me. I always put a tie down through the wheels and pull the bike closer to the bike just for peace of mind. If I have the whole families bikes on the rack I use a proper tie down with rachet as my daughters bikes are odd sizes (the one which I'm trying to get number two off of) so that requires a proper tie down cause the rack straps don't do it. Hope this helps.
Bikalot Posted May 2, 2019 Posted May 2, 2019 Hi Darko Check out on of the products in our range, the Imbi Bike Saver. The main purpose of the Imbi's is to protect your bike from scratching up against each other, but because of the way in which is straps the bikes onto the rack, it makes the bikes significantly more stable whilst on the rack. One set would protect and strap together two bikes, shout if you have any further questions. https://www.bikalot.com/collections/accessories/products/imbi-bike-saver
Grebel Posted May 2, 2019 Posted May 2, 2019 Those type of hanging racks are not the most stable. For a budget solution, try the old pool noodle for protection and a few luggage straps (the nylon type with the cam lock buckles or the stretchy ones with the hooks. I had a Holdfast one and used the stretchies to hook the front and rear wheels to the frame to stop them spinning and one to tie it back to the rack to stop it swaying. more than one bike on the rack and the pool noodles were used as bumpers. Thankfully that all went away when I bought my platform rack...
Darko Posted May 2, 2019 Author Posted May 2, 2019 Those type of hanging racks are not the most stable. For a budget solution, try the old pool noodle for protection and a few luggage straps (the nylon type with the cam lock buckles or the stretchy ones with the hooks. I had a Holdfast one and used the stretchies to hook the front and rear wheels to the frame to stop them spinning and one to tie it back to the rack to stop it swaying. more than one bike on the rack and the pool noodles were used as bumpers. Thankfully that all went away when I bought my platform rack... I've got the noodles. They help. Just wanted to keep the bikes firmly fastened if that makes sense. Hi Darko, I've used a few bike racks in the past and have always strapped my bike down regardless of if the bike moves or doesn't move with the standard straps but that's just me. I always put a tie down through the wheels and pull the bike closer to the bike just for peace of mind. If I have the whole families bikes on the rack I use a proper tie down with rachet as my daughters bikes are odd sizes (the one which I'm trying to get number two off of) so that requires a proper tie down cause the rack straps don't do it. Hope this helps. Will have a look for those at builders this weekend! Hi Darko Check out on of the products in our range, the Imbi Bike Saver. The main purpose of the Imbi's is to protect your bike from scratching up against each other, but because of the way in which is straps the bikes onto the rack, it makes the bikes significantly more stable whilst on the rack. One set would protect and strap together two bikes, shout if you have any further questions. https://www.bikalot.com/collections/accessories/products/imbi-bike-saver Yes! This is perfect. Will try out the ones at builders and see how they might help, if I don't come right, I'll order a few from you guys! Thank you!
Darko Posted May 2, 2019 Author Posted May 2, 2019 Hi Darko Check out on of the products in our range, the Imbi Bike Saver. The main purpose of the Imbi's is to protect your bike from scratching up against each other, but because of the way in which is straps the bikes onto the rack, it makes the bikes significantly more stable whilst on the rack. One set would protect and strap together two bikes, shout if you have any further questions. https://www.bikalot.com/collections/accessories/products/imbi-bike-saver Got em! Bikalot.com Thank you for your purchase! Hi Darko, we're getting your order ready to be shipped. We will notify you when it has been sent.
Grebel Posted May 2, 2019 Posted May 2, 2019 I've got the noodles. They help. Just wanted to keep the bikes firmly fastened if that makes sense. Use the luggage straps and/or the bungy cords
ChrisF Posted May 2, 2019 Posted May 2, 2019 Hi Darko Check out on of the products in our range, the Imbi Bike Saver. The main purpose of the Imbi's is to protect your bike from scratching up against each other, but because of the way in which is straps the bikes onto the rack, it makes the bikes significantly more stable whilst on the rack. One set would protect and strap together two bikes, shout if you have any further questions. https://www.bikalot.com/collections/accessories/products/imbi-bike-saver Darko rather save your cash .... Sadly this product has NOT worked for us .... when you start driving the "thick bit" rotates, the strap becomes loosened and things start moving about .... I litterally cut the thickened section off the one strap .... it now sort off works in limited applications. The other strap has not been used in 2 years. Sorry Bikalot, but this product was a let down to us.
Wimmas Posted May 3, 2019 Posted May 3, 2019 I use hollow pool noodles that I buy for next to nothing from westpack lifestyle to protect the frame, fork, crank etc. I also use bungy rope to stabilise wheels from turning.
Darko Posted May 3, 2019 Author Posted May 3, 2019 Darko rather save your cash .... Sadly this product has NOT worked for us .... when you start driving the "thick bit" rotates, the strap becomes loosened and things start moving about .... I litterally cut the thickened section off the one strap .... it now sort off works in limited applications. The other strap has not been used in 2 years. Sorry Bikalot, but this product was a let down to us. Thank you! This is why I created the thread. I'm a noob, and as I add miles to the bike I'm obviously going through all the things all you guys went through when you started. Like transporting, what works, what doesn't. Etc. I try my best to chat to a lot of people on the trails / in the car parks etc - the community is ultra friendly. I really do appreciate the feedback. I've ordered the Imbi, let's see how it works for us. I've also ordered a few of the shorter straps off takealot so hopefully the combination works.
Darko Posted May 3, 2019 Author Posted May 3, 2019 I use hollow pool noodles that I buy for next to nothing from westpack lifestyle to protect the frame, fork, crank etc. I also use bungy rope to stabilise wheels from turning. I've got the noodles, and have been using them, I think what I was missing was the straps / rope to tighten everything. Will give the imbi a go, along with the straps I also bought, and report back on what works best!
Darko Posted May 3, 2019 Author Posted May 3, 2019 Hi Darko Check out on of the products in our range, the Imbi Bike Saver. The main purpose of the Imbi's is to protect your bike from scratching up against each other, but because of the way in which is straps the bikes onto the rack, it makes the bikes significantly more stable whilst on the rack. One set would protect and strap together two bikes, shout if you have any further questions. https://www.bikalot.com/collections/accessories/products/imbi-bike-saver Already delivered! That's crazy guys. Thanks for the great service so far. And for the 'Ass Magic' cream. Ha ha.
ChrisF Posted May 3, 2019 Posted May 3, 2019 Darko jip, the school fees have been paid .... Bit outside your question, for now. But well worth thinking about this .... We started with the "towbar rack" - https://thulestore.co.za/thule-xpress-2-bike This is very handy for a single bike. Very much so if I want to drop off the bike at the workshop on the way to work, as the unit clips off and stays in the boot. But yes, it takes a few bungy cords to keep the wheels steady. PS - DO take note of the pedal position when you put the bike onto the rack. On some cars the inside pedal can scratch the bumper if it is in the low position. Fitting a second bike onto these racks requires noodles and patience to mount everything .... Next we bought a platform rack - https://thulestore.co.za/thule-velocompact-3-bike-7-pin One of the EASIEST units to use !! Fitting the bike is a breeze ! BUT, this is a bulky item to store in the garage ... And fitting three bikes is not easy .... the new wider handle bars cause some fun .... The biggest issue with these towbar type racks are the fine dust that collects on your bike's drive-train .... not a biggy if you will only be doing the odd entry road to a trail. Doing a trip to the Northern Cape where we do hundreds of kilometers on dusty roads .... For these long dusty roads I prefer a roof mounted bracket - https://thulestore.co.za/thule-proride-2795 The ONLY issue with these ... DONT drive under low overhangs !!
Darko Posted May 3, 2019 Author Posted May 3, 2019 Darko jip, the school fees have been paid .... Bit outside your question, for now. But well worth thinking about this .... We started with the "towbar rack" - https://thulestore.co.za/thule-xpress-2-bike This is very handy for a single bike. Very much so if I want to drop off the bike at the workshop on the way to work, as the unit clips off and stays in the boot. But yes, it takes a few bungy cords to keep the wheels steady. PS - DO take note of the pedal position when you put the bike onto the rack. On some cars the inside pedal can scratch the bumper if it is in the low position. Fitting a second bike onto these racks requires noodles and patience to mount everything .... Next we bought a platform rack - https://thulestore.co.za/thule-velocompact-3-bike-7-pin One of the EASIEST units to use !! Fitting the bike is a breeze ! BUT, this is a bulky item to store in the garage ... And fitting three bikes is not easy .... the new wider handle bars cause some fun .... The biggest issue with these towbar type racks are the fine dust that collects on your bike's drive-train .... not a biggy if you will only be doing the odd entry road to a trail. Doing a trip to the Northern Cape where we do hundreds of kilometers on dusty roads .... For these long dusty roads I prefer a roof mounted bracket - https://thulestore.co.za/thule-proride-2795 The ONLY issue with these ... DONT drive under low overhangs !! ha ha. Thank you. We've currently got this bad boy: https://thulestore.co.za/thule-3-bike-hang-on-non-tilt?___SID=U It's definitely a case of however many bikes Thule says can fit, minus 1. So we can fit 2 bikes on there nice and snug. Would never in a million years fit 3. The one you started off with actually has straps, now that I'm paying attention, so I guess that's where my early struggles come from, as the hang on 3 doesn't. Eish. It just so happens that I'm in between cars as well at the moment, and looking at a smaller SUV, so hoping to get that platform rack you have next. And use the hang on, just like you if I'm commuting short distances. Now that you mention the dust after a long drive, we took the bikes to the coast, and I found that one of the bikes' tyres were completely deflated. Perhaps from the heat of the exhaust etc? Will definitely invest in the platform rack once I get my grown up car!
Bikalot Posted May 3, 2019 Posted May 3, 2019 Darko rather save your cash .... Sadly this product has NOT worked for us .... when you start driving the "thick bit" rotates, the strap becomes loosened and things start moving about .... I litterally cut the thickened section off the one strap .... it now sort off works in limited applications. The other strap has not been used in 2 years. Sorry Bikalot, but this product was a let down to us.Hi ChrisF, please drop us a DM with your contact details. Happy to chat about it, we have had a lot of good feedback on the product and keen to see if we can help you.
ChrisF Posted May 3, 2019 Posted May 3, 2019 ... Now that you mention the dust after a long drive, we took the bikes to the coast, and I found that one of the bikes' tyres were completely deflated. Perhaps from the heat of the exhaust etc? .... a friend sustained some expensive damage to carbon rims .... the platform rack was low enough that stones being kicked up on the gravel roads "sand-blasted" the one rim This is not possible on my previous or current vehicle. But certainly something I would double check before attempting a long drive on gravel roads with the platform rack. Our platform rack is used 98% of the time, with the roof rack not even fitted to my current car ... The "hang on" unit is kept purely for those short trips, where the bike gets dropped off somewhere.
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