Thule bike rack with 2 bikes

[pazaudi]

I wasn't really sure where to post this so if it needs moving, apologies.

Anyway, a random question here but does anyone use the Thule roof rack system with 2 bikes on the roof? I have got two (one for each bike) and I'm wondering what's the best positioning for them, should I mount both bikes facing forward one either side of the car or alternate them and have one facing rearwards to keep them together on the passenger side?

Just wondering what you folk prefer.

 

[ishaw]

Re:

I don't use a thule roof rack, but do use 2 thule bike racks mounted to my roof bars via on-track system. I point both forwards and have one on each side of the roof. Works for me. I've also swapped the fittings over on the bike rack so the locking mechanism is facing outwards on both sides, making it easier to get them on and off.

 

[pazaudi]

Ok thanks, that's kind of what I was expecting but I've seen all sorts of set ups on cars and I guess technically with one each side the car is balanced too.

 

[ishaw]

Re:

I don't think it makes much difference with 2 bikes, more and I suspect it would need alternate positioning to fit more easily. Mu roof bars are quite narrow due to contouring so can only get 2 up there,possibly 3, but I'd have the middle one facing backwards.

 

[pazaudi]

Re: Re:

I don't think it makes much difference with 2 bikes, more and I suspect it would need alternate positioning to fit more easily. Mu roof bars are quite narrow due to contouring so can only get 2 up there,possibly 3, but I'd have the middle one facing backwards.

Thanks for your help, I'll have a play around with the set up tomorrow.

 

[Samdrog]

Re:

I put my bike with expensive forks facing backwards to protect the stanchion from rock strikes.

 

[ishaw]

Re: Re:

I put my bike with expensive forks facing backwards to protect the stanchion from rock strikes.

I've not had many rocks fly over the roof of my car

 

[Peachy!]

On my Thule bars I put two bikes facing forward, just cause it looks better IMO then put a third in reverse in the middle when I need to carry an extra bike, as for motor way stone chip prevention, I give the bikes a quick wrap around with pallet wrap (industrial style cling film) get about 100m for a fiver on e-bay.

 

[Samdrog]

Re: Re:

[/quote]
I've not had many rocks fly over the roof of my car [/quote]

Have you ever had a stone chip? Whilst the probability of debris hitting the stanchion is low. Why take a risk on 1k forks.

 

[ishaw]

Re: Re:

I've not had many rocks fly over the roof of my car [/quote]

Have you ever had a stone chip? Whilst the probability of debris hitting the stanchion is low. Why take a risk on 1k forks.[/quote]
If I was that worried, I wouldn't ride my bike at all. I'd leave it in the garage wrapped in sponge with an exclusion zone round it, maybe fenced and gated