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So Thule clip on racks. Got 2 at the moment that I intend to use with my new carbon stumpy.
This one
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/trunk-bike-racks/thule-clipon-high-2-9105-_-910501
But I'm worried about the clamp as I can't get it on the seat post. I'm not happy with it clamping on the top tube.
Also this one
https://www.thule.com/en-gb/gb/bike-rack/trunk-bike-racks/thule-clipon-3-9103-_-910301
Which is a bit better as it's rubber clips but it's Sat on the frame.
I can't decide which to use. I prefer the fact that the weight is on the wheels with the first but the clamp not worth considering. Maybe make a better one?
Thoughts?
I can't use a roof rack as I'm too short
I’ve used ones similar to the second one, no problems on carbon frames.
I put my Bronson cc in the first one, no issues. There's no reason to horse the clamps up.
Edit- bottom ones a hanging one, bugger that, I hate those things, that's putting all the weight on your top tube, and swinging about. Naw.
I have a few thule bike racks (towball mounts though)
One is a hang on type with exacly the same rubber mounts as the second linked rack. It's absolutely fine on either of my carbon frames. just make sure to bungee the wheels to the lower portion of the rack to stop it swaying about and scaring folk like nobeer as you pass them on the motorway. (Hint: bikes swaying about behind a car is ****ing stupid so do this with all your bikes. not just carbon ones)
On the wheel trough type. If the frame clamping bar doesn't reach the seat tube I just use a thin piece of lagging between the clamp and top tube.
I bet its easier to crush/damage a light aluminium frame than a light carbon frame. Go for wheel support, to keep the bike from rubbing on the rack or another bike, avoid the high mount ones unless you specifically want to keep your lights and number plate clear to avoid a light board. They just had wind resistance and potentially put your bike above most height barriers (I used to be able to squeeze mine under by tugging the handbrake which would squat the rear suspension down on my old car!)
The clamps only need to be snugged up on the frame, also you may find you can clamp the seat tube of the frame, which of course has a metal seatpost inside it.
I’m not happy with it clamping on the top tube.
Why not? You only need to clamp it firmly enough to stop it moving. It's not like you're putting the material under any strain. Same goes for work stands.
Clamp it to the top tube, it will be fine.
Top or downtube is fine. Just want to do it light to stop it moving. Top carrier is the one you want, puts all the weight on the wheels not the top tube. Don’t want to suspend the carbon frame.