getting a bike rack installed

[Frugle]

I have no choice, I have to be able to carry my bike around, and it has already scratched the inside of my car significantly

does anyone else have one on their car (roof rack)?

does it damage the paint or car?

what do I need to do to keep the car safe?

it is a thule roof mounted bike carrier...

thanks!

 

[ltoman]

that is part of my husband likes his vans. fits his mountain and or street bikes he takes with him so often.
he tried putting an after market rack on top of his car, but it did not work and thus he gave that up.

 

[Frugle]

now how did it not work?

I don't really have the option to buy a van for just me......I need something for my car...so I'm hoping this roof rack will do the trick.. (it is a light road bike, so It shouldn't need much)

thanks!

 

[ltoman]

He thought he picked the right one, and it seemed fine, but it was not. This is not something he typically does (order wrong parts!) so it broke. After that, he opted to keep it in the back of the car since it fit, rather than spending even more money on it. We also have two vans, which have been used for that purpose as well. Sorry I can't be more of a help to you on this.
Good luck!
Are you a mountain biker? Or street bike?
He rides both, but lately street - with those clamp pedals.

lauren

 

[Frugle]

Well I'm getting it installled from a shop, so they ordered everything, and if it doesn't fit, they will fix it or order a new one. so that shouldn't be an issue.

right now I'm focusing more on road biking, but I do both..

BTW, I use clipless pedals (ironically where you are clipped in) both on and off road

now is there something i should do to my paint to get it ready, or to the roof of my car? Should I get them to put something on the bottom of the rack to protect my car?

 

[ltoman]

Well I'm getting it installled from a shop, so they ordered everything, and if it doesn't fit, they will fix it or order a new one. so that shouldn't be an issue.

right now I'm focusing more on road biking, but I do both..

BTW, I use clipless pedals (ironically where you are clipped in) both on and off road

well sounds like it should be fine - good luck and let us know!
Lauren
sorry not to be a better help to you!

 

[Frugle]

no, thank you for your comments! I appreciate them!

 

[Frugle]

so okay, I bought the thule, and just now got around to taking pictures.

the way it works I feel very safe... the two peices that touch the car are either rubber, or rubber coated. So I really don't think it will cause anything other than light marring.

the fairing came with some 3M clear bra stuff to put under it to be sure not to scratch your car..


so overall I'm happy and would recomend anyone the Thule roof rack system.