bike carrier

How to choose a roof bike carrier?

Roof bike carrier : ideal for 1 bike.
Characteristics:
  • Requires a roof bar
Advantages:
  • Universal product (no vehicle assignment list),
  • Allows good rear vision to be maintained,
  • Allows access to rear door and use of tow bar to be maintained,
  • No contact with vehicle body,
  • Independent attachment of bikes (no possible contact between bikes = preserving of paintwork on frames),
  • No need for additional accessories,
  • Easy product to install,
  • Ideal for long journeys,
  • The least bulky for storage after use,
  • Leaves lightboards and plates visible (no need to purchase a lightboard).
  • Does not require purchase of a bike adapter for bike frames without a crossbar.
Drawbacks:
  • The attachment of the bikes on the bike carrier may prove to be difficult as it requires lifting the cycle to the level of the bars, i.e. with arms outstretched,
  • Affects vehicle aerodynamics and therefore fuel consumption (+22% for a Renault Scénic II),
  • Reduces the space available on the roof bars for other accessories (roof box, sailboard, etc.),
  • May limit access to certain car parks due to height,
  • Need to add the price of the roof bars to the cost of the bike carrier.
Points to be noted to help you choose:
  • Compliance with standard NFR 18-903-2,
  • Check that the shape and diameter of the frame of your cycle are compatible with the bike carrier use restrictions),
  • 2 possible materials for arms and gutter:
    • aluminium (light, aesthetic, no corrosion),
    • steel (strong, economical)
  • Anti-theft locking:
    • Of bike (on bike carrier),
    • Of bike carrier (on roof bar),
  • Anti-corrosion protection of metal parts (epoxy paint on rail, anti-corrosion treatment of fastenings),
  • Diameter of arms and thickness of gutter for greater rigidity,
  • Attachment of wheels:
    • Wheel block = easy to use
    • Textile strap = economical
  • Check that the product comprises a kit for racing bike rims (all Automaxi products include this kit)
Recommendations for use:
  • Check that the roof bar on which you attach your bike carrier offers all safety and quality guarantees (compliance with standard NFR 18-903-1),
  • Measure the height of your car with the bikes mounted on the roof to avoid unpleasant surprises at toll gates and in underground car parks.
Top