Roof Rack How-to?

[chiph]

Took some photos of my bike on the roof rack while I was adjusting it to fit the bike, and thought everyone might appreciate some info.

First step is to remove the bike bar from the load bars and set it on the ground. You'll need to adjust the position of everything and it's too hard to do with the bike 4 feet up in the air -- not to mention the nice dent it'll put in your car if you drop it (or hole in the roof if you have the sunroof!)



Place your bike on the bike bar and slide the wheel clamps back and forth until the bike doesn't want to roll away. At this point you'll want to verify that the strap buckles are facing towards you as they would be when the bike bar is back on the car. You'll have to slide the wheel clamps off the bike bar to rethread-them if they're facing the wrong way. Don't forget that the larger of the two "ears" on the wheel clamps face inwards.



You'll also want to make sure the stabilizer arm clamp will fit around your bike frame. I found that my bottom tube was too thick (MINI supposedly sells thinner rubber inserts for this eventuality), so I had to clamp to the seatpost tube. I don't really care for this, as the shifter cable is pressed up against my bike's paint (will eventually wear the paint away).



Now remove your bike from the bike bar, and re-mount the bike bar to the load bars. Pivot the stabilizer bar up a bit so you can get to the allen screws, and tighten things down. This is where you realize your bike will be facing backwards as you drive down the road and have to redo the fitting step



Lift up your bike and set it on the wheel clamps and strap it down loosely. Now clamp the stabilizer bar onto your frame and tighten the wheel straps. Important step: Be sure to lock the stabilizer bar to keep it from coming loose, or you'll arrive at the trailhead without your ride. Not to mention you wouldn't want your bike stolen if you were to stop somewhere to buy some Gu or some bottled water.

You're done!



OK, who realizes the stupid mistake I made? Yes, that's right - I mounted the bike on the rack while the car was in the garage. There is No Way to back the car out without causing major damage to your bike and your car. Same applies when returning to your house after your ride - car + bike will NOT fit back into the garage. I recommend placing a large object in the middle of the garage (like your trashcan or rubbishbin) to remind yourself not to pull in.

And, for those who are curious what the roof looks like when the rack is removed:



The bolts have a sealing O-ring to keep water out, plus the bolt threads have threadlock on them.

Hope this helps everyone.
Chip H.

[MiniShuttle]

Nice tutorial Chip. Sounds like we need a cling decal for the inside of the windscreen that says "BIKE ^". When the bike goes up the the decal goes on.

I'll be sure not to repeat your minor oversight in the garage.