While the vast majority of us would much rather ride a bike than a drive a car, sometimes we have no option but transport our bike(s) to the location of the ride.
Walking around the buzzing town of Bowral over the weekend of the 2016 Bowral Classic, there were a myriad of stunning bikes atop participant’s vehicles. While the bikes were many and varied, we noticed many drivers had entrusted Thule racks to safely carry their freedom machines to the Southern Highlands.
Three Key Points About Bike Racks
Still several months out from the event, now’s a good time to think about how you’ll get your bike to Bowral.
Numerous bike-carrying options are available out there with all options covered – roof mount, tow bar mount, car, ute, hatchback … there are racks for all occasions. When looking at carrying systems it’s critical to take several key points into account.
- First and foremost is security – the rack needs to securely hold the bike at the legal maximum speed limit. In addition to this, by law (and by Australian standards) it should remain firmly in place if the vehicle is forced to come to a sudden stop.
- Second is bike protection – while carbon fibre frames offer incredible strength and durability, they are susceptible to crushing or cracking, particularly if pressure is applied to a particular or localised area.
- Third is the risk of theft – those bikes on the roof may well be worth as much as the car itself! When you run in to a store or step away for a few minutes, you need the peace of mind to know the bike will be there when you return.
The bike is securely held in position via the wheel starts of the Thule ProRide roof mount carrier.
As valued Bowral Classic supporters, Thule offer a wide range of bike carrying systems that fit all of the above criteria and more. On our official event vehicle we use Thule ProRide racks and have found them simple to operate, easy to install, totally secure and frame-friendly for our precious Bianchi Oltre XR4.
The Bianchi Oltre XR4 securely in place on the Bowral Classic BMW.
The bike sits securely in place on an aluminium track. Lift the bike onto the track and the Thule ProRide automatically positions it via a uniquely designed frame holder and wheel tray. Once the bike’s safely in place, a torque-limiting dial controls the force going into the frame giving a clear signal of correct mounting.
Diagonal quick-release straps securely hold the front and rear wheels in place – over several months of use we’ve found these straps to remain strong, secure and show no sign of UV damage.
Safely Locked In Position
The frame is supported by oversized, soft claw pads that adapt to various sized & shaped frame tubes – thus minimising the risk of damage. The frame holder features a built-in lock, keeping it in position and ensuring the bike can’t be removed without the key.
Upon both initial installation and moving the Thule ProRide racks from vehicle to vehicle, no tools are required with the racks easily sliding into roof-bar T-tracks. They are then secured via an inbuilt tensioner.
Used and tested extensively, the rack offers total peace-of-mind bike transport.
The only critical thing you need to remember is fact there’s a bike on the roof. No drive-through restaurants, garages or shopping centre carparks … that would be a recipe for disaster.
For details about the Thule range visit www.thule.com.au
