Carry a tandem bike on roof rack

[DeanBrown3D]

Has anyone carried a tandem bike on their roof rack (mine is a D2)? I laid mine down on blankets last weekend, which was ok but I'm afraid of bending the wheels if I mess up getting it up there or tying it down. I've see special tandem fork mount carriers but the yakima and thule are both over $400! Would a regular-bike fork carrier work, both size and strength-wise? (I've never used a this type of mount before so assume no prior experience there).

 

[honda50r]

Props on a tandem bike.

I regularly carry two bikes atop my Baja rack with a "rack" built onto it. (A support plank and two Yakima Skewer mounts).

But, not sure about a Tandem. I suppose a normal skewer mount would not work for such a long bike? I suppose you could use a standard skewer mount then simply ratchet down the bike tri.

I will grab some pics of set-up tomorrow, maybe it will help

 

[DeanBrown3D]

Actually, I guess I could use some advice also on whether to use a wheel-mount, fork-mount or frame mount. Keep in mind it's a tandem though. Thanks!

 

[DeanBrown3D]

Props on a tandem bike.
... not sure about a Tandem. I suppose a normal skewer mount would not work for such a long bike? I suppose you could use a standard skewer mount then simply ratchet down the bike tri.

Hello Honda50r

Was looking at this:

http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-Mount-Rooftop-Bicycle-Carrier/dp/B0000AT0WE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I'm not with the bike right now so I'll measure up tonight. Just wondering why you think it might not work? Also I don't know what you mean by the 'tri'. Thanks!

 

[Blamo]

I made a Thule work for my montain bike tandem I spliced the tray &hit works fine. I would use h/d skewers my tandem weighs 42lbs

 

[riceybean]

This.

http://www.yakima.com/shop/bike/roof/boa

 

[honda50r]

This.

http://www.yakima.com/shop/bike/roof/boa

I wouldn't trust that rear mount with such a long, heavy bike. But, it could work I suppose.

Splicing the trays is actually a very good idea!

 

[fishEH]

People ride those things? I thought they were just used as funny props in movies and such.

 

[DeanBrown3D]

Splicing the trays is actually a very good idea!

Is that welding an extension between the ends or something?

 

[KyleT]

Hitch wheel rack. Make it work somehow.

 

[honda50r]

Is that welding an extension between the ends or something?

The front/back of any decent rack has tube attachments. Separate in the middle and attach those attachments on the rack you already have, just spread apart

 

[pschuler]

2 cross bars and a tandem tray or 3 cross bars and a 2 trays if you want to keep the wheels on. The top of the discos is high and could be difficult to get to. Looks like a nice usa made Cdale though!

 

[DeanBrown3D]

This.

http://www.yakima.com/shop/bike/roof/boa

The only thing stopping me buying that is it has a plastic handle and cam. I don't like that at all, and neither do some of the reviewers of that on Amazon.

 

[mike97d1]

While I have not had a tandem on mine, I carry bikes on my rack often with nothing other than the rack and some straps.
I stand the bike up with the front wheel against the front of the rack (wheel sit between to crossbars and next to one of the bars going front to back), and I use 2 straps on the handle bars (like you would strap down a motor cycle. Some times I will run another strap across the back of the bike to keep the back tire from bouncing. I usually run one over the top bar in front of the seat. I don't see why this metho would not work perfectly on a tandem, since its just longer.

 

[DiscoBlanco]

The only thing stopping me buying that is it has a plastic handle and cam. I don't like that at all, and neither do some of the reviewers of that on Amazon.

I've been using this setup for years. Maybe 10? Never had an issue. It's quite solid. The fork mount does 90% of the work, that rear support just keeps the bike from going sideways.

I have mine set up on a hitch mount basket.

 

[riceybean]

The only thing stopping me buying that is it has a plastic handle and cam. I don't like that at all, and neither do some of the reviewers of that on Amazon.

Get it from REI, you can return it no questions asked if it doesn't work. Defiantly going to need some modification to fit the SD rack bars though. I think the Yakima bars a 1" diameter.

 

[DeanBrown3D]

I've been using this setup for years. Maybe 10? Never had an issue. It's quite solid. The fork mount does 90% of the work, that rear support just keeps the bike from going sideways.

I have mine set up on a hitch mount basket.

I was actually talking about the fork mount - with the quick release handle and cam in plastic. It has to be a little stronger to hold a tandem.

Leaning toward a hitch mount now too. But still the tandem mounts are around $350.

 

[DiscoBlanco]

I was actually talking about the fork mount - with the quick release handle and cam in plastic.

So was I.

It has to be a little stronger to hold a tandem.

The fork clamp is pretty solid, you're clamping down aluminum or steel. It's up to you, but for $60 and the ability to return it to the store, I'd take a shot.