putting bike on Saris rack for 600 mile car ride

I drove about 400 miles to do my first tri, and 250 miles to do my second tri last month.

All I did was make sure the the rack was firmly attached to the car, the bike was secure in the rack, secured the front wheel to the down tube to keep the wheel steady in the wind, then bought a cable and lock and put it through the rack, the front tire, the frame and the rear tire for peace of mind during those times I had to let it out of my sight. Water bottles go in the car, obviously. Check the inboard pedal to ensure that if wind buffets the bike, it won't hit the car. When I stopped for gas or food, I took that as an opportunity to check the straps holding the rack to the car.

Piece of cake. No problems.


That said, if I had a little more room in the car on either trip, I probably would have just taken the wheels off and put the bike inside the car and saved a little gas because it was kinda like dragging an anchor in the wind, hehe.

I assume you mean the saris 'bones' rack. It is a very good rack. I took my road bike from PA to Florida and back on it.

Make sure you take the time to put the rack on properly and gradually increase the tension in the straps.

I think you should be ok with it if you use it properly.

I am taking my 2 sons with me (giving the wife a whole week off) so there will be no room in the car ('06 Avalon) for a bike. 

 

I use my Saris Bones rack regularly for trips up to 200 miles.  I just haven't done it for 600 miles, stay a week, and 600 miles back.

Edited by frm-fat-2<fat 2012-05-14 9:22 PM