Transporting bike on a roof rack (flat)

WildWood80 · 21-01-2025 10:26AM #1

Hi folks

Bought a new car and have no tow bar for the present. I do have a roof rack but it’s very high and would prob need a ladder to put it on a standard roof bike rack every day. I use the bike for commuting so a ladder in the car would be madness.

Bike is a hybrid and is heavy so was wondering if I could put it on its flat directly on the roof rack for the time being. I assume there is no ‘flat’ bike roof rack ?

cletus · 21-01-2025 10:49AM

I've never seen one, but a quick search brings up this

https://www.google.com/amp/s/newatlas.com/bicycles/pender-hydraulic-ebike-lift/%3famp%3Dtrue

I've no idea if it's available over here or not

CramCycle · 21-01-2025 11:17AM

I put mine on my son in laws roof rack flat, and bungee cord it down but my bike is fairly light but no issue just lying it down and bungee cording it down. Make sure to put a cloth around pedals so it doesn't scratch the roof.

WildWood80 · 21-01-2025 12:13PM

Thanks 👌👌

Dr_Colossus · 21-01-2025 02:08PM

With a hybrid I'd be fearful of damaging the roof with the handlebars and pedal especially on a new car so I'd remove the pedal and rotate the handlebars at a minimum. Would have to do that twice a day so could get tedious fairly lively when part of your commute.

Would the bike fit in the car even if you removed the front wheel, I'd go that route if possible and easier to load/unload with less risk to car and bike.

Tow bars are expensive so if you don't have a specific bike rack already worth considering the long term plan as to what rack best suits the car.

WildWood80 · 21-01-2025 03:36PM

Yeah you are prob right. I have it in the car at the moment but I prob would have preferred on the roof. I might measure the roof rack height and see how it works.

Seth Brundle · 21-01-2025 03:58PM

I wouldn't even consider lifting my hybrid up on top of the car. Not only is it likely to damage the roof but it is heavy and at some point, lifting it up or down will result in damage (possibly to me!).

I would get a boot/tailgate mounted rack to keep you going - something along the lines of these…

https://www.adverts.ie/other-bike-parts-accessories/hollywood-racks-f1-deluxe-3-bike-car-rack-black/35986981

https://www.adverts.ie/other-bike-parts-accessories/car-bike-rack-up-to-3-bikes/35791041

WildWood80 · 21-01-2025 05:35PM

I assume both would work for an SUV ?

07Lapierre · 21-01-2025 05:43PM

Seasucker?

https://www.seasucker.com/collections/bike

longford76 · 21-01-2025 05:44PM

I used a foldable step to assist with reach when I had a taller car for a time. The step stayed in the car and took up little space. I positioned the rack on one side of the car and assuming parking at a kerb get that height head start too.

Something like this:

https://www.woodies.ie/curver-2-tier-foldable-stepstool-grey-1146832?objectId=60662&queryId=97689239b893394e6b49bf21e2272640&indexName=prod_default_products

Seth Brundle · 21-01-2025 05:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123081396#Comment_123081396

the second link should work but I would double check befor eparting with money
https://www.adverts.ie/other-bike-parts-accessories/car-bike-rack-up-to-3-bikes/35791041

Browse through adverts.ie - the two links I popped up were from a very simple search - there are probably loads more

gn3dr · 21-01-2025 06:59PM

You could try these clip on steps instead of a ladder

If your front wheel is quick release consider fitting the bike attachments to your roof rack which mount the fork. Much easier to lift up then, not so much because of the lower weight but more the maneuverability.

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/roof-box-accessories/products/4549046/door-latch-roof-box-access-step?loc=ie&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqL28BhCrARIsACYJvkfPm7yet_hDlScmzEj-VPm5v-4ine-COFSECnu1eH3u4V3TdrMxOB8aAst9EALw_wcB

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOOENJOY-Universal-Foldable-Supports-Rooftop/dp/B08R86CDKC/ref%3Dasc_df_B08R86CDKC?mcid=f7547908b6b53e1b9e0a5bd1351fe6bd&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697324252067&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12955753309171008489&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007850&hvtargid=pla-1185359707140&gad_source=1&th=1

Paddigol · 22-01-2025 09:12AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123079806#Comment_123079806

I presume you meant “so the roof doesn’t scratch the pedals”?

JMcL · 22-01-2025 05:54PM

Would a folding stool something like that shown (miniature bodybuilder an optional extra) work. We use one for dealing with the roofbox on the car and it folds up nicely either behind the back seat or under the front

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M1ANK5A

Transporting bike on a roof rack (flat)

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