How to Strap a Bike to a Roof Rack

When it comes to the best bike carrying option, you have to consider the roof rack of your vehicle. You may need to transport your bike for different purposes such as going on a trip or migrating to another place. There are some things that you can’t leave behind. Your lovely bike is one of them. Almost all bike lovers prefer carrying their bikes on the roof rack.

However, the problem with carrying a bike on the roof rack is how you can secure the bike on the rack properly. There are some simple steps you need to follow for that.

Here, I will be telling you some simple steps; and by following these, you will be able to strap your bike on a roof rack easily. So, let’s get started.

Before getting started, you need to know one important piece of information. Let’s just talk about that before describing how to strap a bike to the roof rack.

There are two types of bike racks (the upright and the fork-mount) available on the market. If you have an upright rack installed on your vehicle, you should tie it properly using enough straps. If you have the fork-mount rack, you don’t need as many straps as the upright one.

How to Strap Bike to Roof Rack

Mounting Your Bike

Now, strapping your bike on the roof racks has two simple steps. At first, you’ll have to mount your bike on the roof rack.

If you have an upright roof rack installed on your vehicle, you may need to lift your bike a bit. Keep the bike in its position and up the clamp set.

There are two types of upright bike racks: the frame-mounted bike rack and the wheel-mounted bike rack. In a frame-mounted bike rack, the clamp will be attached to the frame of the bike. The clamp is attached to the wheel in a wheel-mounted bike rack.

On the other hand, the fork-mounted rack will ask you to take off the front wheel of your bike. It will make the tying procedure much easier and also will not allow the bike to make any movement.

Tying And Strapping The Bike

Once you are done mounting the bike, you are now ready to tie down and strap your bike. Make sure that you have quality tie-down straps. You may get one with your bike rack as many manufacturers provide so. However, if you don’t get any with your rack, you have to get an aftermarket one.

Now, you need to look for the contact points that you will use for tying down your bike. The contact points should spread throughout your vehicle roof as it will make your bike more stable.

After finding out the contact points, you should start strapping down your bike. You need to strap your bike tightly. You should avoid over-tightening as it can damage your bike. You can strap your bike following a loop pattern which means more than a wrap of the strap in a particular place, especially when you are dealing with upright racks. It will ensure the stability of your bike. Also while strapping down your bike, make sure that you have locked your bike properly.

This is all about the strapping process. Actually, your strapping mostly depends on the strap quality. You will not have to make extensive strapping if your strap is of high quality. If you want to carry more than just one bike, make sure that all the bikes are stable enough and tied perfectly.