Bike Bra / Protection when transporting on a roof rack.

I've recently acquired roof racks and roof mount system so I can transport my bike to the Mornington Peninsula where my family will be holidaying later this year.  (looks like a nice place to ride).  I'm fully aware of watching out for low lying objects and hopefully remember it's on the roof when I drive under our carport. 

I'm keen to protect the bike whilst it's on the roof from bugs, stone chips and perhaps inclement weather.

I have done a bit of research but now I'm after some first hand experience and ideas from AC members.

Here are a few I've found

Colorado Cyclist bra $40 + $40 postage.   had good comments about it.

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/CXYUBZPD 

Skinz...  about $80 delivered but I did read they weren't too durable.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Skinz-Bicycle-Bra-Bike-Rack-Type-Cover-Road... 

Scicon Bike Defender - roughly $47 delivered. - had some good comments about it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/370629596716?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_...

someone even suggested using Pallet plastic wrap. 


Who's got some experience of methods that have worked well?

Appreciate any suggestions.

Rich

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Specialised Roubaix on July 20, 2012 at 21:45

We wiped the bugs off without too much bother, but yes I was a bit envious of those who had one.  Good luck

Permalink Reply by Pete (repeats ?) Roberts on July 20, 2012 at 22:08

I have seen these on top of cars,and though "Good idea" then wondered what Extra drag effect was caused on the bike, causing two possible problems:

  • more wind battering on the bike caused by the cover causing more stresses to the frame whist driving at high speed
  • reduced aerodynamics of the car causing poorer fuel consumption  

What's your thoughts on that train of thought ?

Permalink Reply by Richard Stevens on July 20, 2012 at 22:48

came across this in some chats too.. one guy reckoned his fuel economy halved but that would be crap.  I'd believe that it would add more drag but not be too noticeable. 


with a bike bra on I would have thought that the bike would get buffetted around a bit more...would this be much different to having me (88kg) sitting on it doing 50-60kph down and around some of the descents around Adelaide?? 

Is there anyone out there who has used one over a long distance?  Maybe I need to get to the next GS4 early and see if anyone rocks up using one :) 


 

Permalink Reply by Jeremy Champion on July 20, 2012 at 23:12

Richard I have driven over to Geelong for the UCI Worlds and Melbourne for Around the Bay as well  as locally to the Barossa and Vctor Harbor. Drag effect has been minimal no damage to frame and no stone chip damage. I am only driving an Impreza and basically sit on the speed limit. No problems with roadside vegetation I mount the bike on the drivers side and I have not hit my carport roof yet and my mates will tell you if anybody is going to do it I will. Bugs yes but I'm always cleaning my bikes anyway given the need to put other stuff inside the car and the tow bar mount rack always got in the way for me would not transport my pride and joy any other way. 

Permalink Reply by Richard Stevens on July 20, 2012 at 23:19

thanks for the info Jeremy..so did you use any protective materials or nothing?

Permalink Reply by Jeremy Champion on July 21, 2012 at 1:01

Nope he's up there in all his glory on show.

Permalink Reply by heather on July 21, 2012 at 0:22

Are very tight covers available -- like just squeezing a bike into a bike bag for airline travel. Then there would be no flapping of the cover during vehicle movement. Would also avoid eddying effect of air passing over shapes of bike bits. Think of yachts that tend to have a smooth keel and planes an aerodynamic shape. Downside would be when a cross-wind, so may not save on fuel consumption after all. If driving a small car and suddenly hit a strong cross-wind in a hilly area, could be negative.

Permalink Reply by Andrew K on July 21, 2012 at 21:24

Remember to stay away from garages when you have a bike on the top. Many a decent bicycle has been sacrificed to the garage gods.

Permalink Reply by Michael Bland on July 22, 2012 at 17:23

Take that bra off & show us your bikes !!

sorry I couldn't resist ..

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