How do you mount a roof-mounted bike carrier to roof bars?

Short answer: A roof-mounted bike carrier attaches to the Roof Bars’ crossbars. Follow these steps: loosely fit the carrier feet onto the bars, position them according to the distance between the bike’s wheels, tighten the feet in alternating order, place the bike and secure the front wheel and frame with the clamp, then lock it. It cannot be installed without Roof Bars — they are the surface the carrier attaches to.

Before Installation

• Do you have Roof Bars? If not, you need to get them first; the type of roof rails on your vehicle determines which series to choose.
• Is the bar spacing sufficient? The carrier rests on both bars. If the bars are too close together, the carrier will not sit steadily; check the spacing specified in the guide.
• How many bikes will you carry? The roof-mounted bike carrier in our store has a capacity of one bike ; for two bikes, you need two carriers and sufficient bar width.
• Weight Calculation: The weight of the carrier plus the weight of the bike must stay within both your vehicle’s roof load limit and the Roof Bars’ capacity (85 kg while traveling with Thunder Carrier).

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Loosely fit the carrier onto the bars. Place the feet on the two crossbars without fully tightening any of them.
2. Adjust the position. The bike’s front and rear wheels should fit comfortably into the carrier slots. The handlebars must not hit the antenna, dish, or another bike.
3. Tighten in alternating order. Tighten the feet in an alternating pattern rather than one after another; this distributes pressure evenly and keeps the bar from being pulled to one side.
4. Position the bike. Fit the wheels into the slots, then attach the frame clamp to the bike frame (the tube section). Do not overtighten the clamp on a carbon frame.
5. Fasten the wheel straps. The front and rear wheel straps prevent the bike from shifting forward or backward; use both.
6. Lock it and shake it. Close the locking mechanism, then hold the bike and push it from side to side and front to back. The bike and carrier should move together, while the carrier should not shift on the bars.

Before You Set Off

• Remove detachable parts. Items such as a bottle, basket, bike computer, or pump can fall off on the road. If the bike has a loose mudguard, check that too.
• Remember the extra height. A vehicle with a bike on the roof is about 40–50 cm taller; this extra height is a common cause of damage at parking garage, underpass, and garage entrances.
• Stop and check within the first 50 km. Connections settle after you set off; at your first break, recheck both the carrier feet and the clamps and straps.
• Adjust your speed and cornering. A bike on the roof raises the center of gravity and increases sensitivity to crosswinds.

Roof-Mounted or Rear-Mounted?

A roof-mounted carrier leaves the tailgate free, does not cover the license plate or tail lights, and does not extend the rear of the vehicle. On the other hand, you have to lift the bike and it creates a height restriction. Rear-mounted solutions avoid the lifting problem but bring issues with license plate and light visibility and access to the tailgate. For one bike and a vehicle of moderate weight, a roof-mounted solution is more practical in everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you mount a roof-mounted bike carrier to roof bars?

Loosely fit the carrier feet onto the two Roof Bars crossbars, adjust the position according to the distance between the bike’s wheels, and tighten the feet in alternating order. Then place the bike in the slots, attach the frame clamp to the frame, fasten the front and rear wheel straps, and close the lock. Finally, push and pull the bike by hand to check that it does not move.

Are Roof Bars essential for a bike carrier?

Yes. A roof-mounted bike carrier attaches to the Roof Bars’ crossbars; there is no other surface for it to grip. If your vehicle does not have Roof Bars, you need to get them first, and the type of roof rails on your vehicle determines which series to choose.

How many bikes can be carried?

The roof-mounted bike carrier in our store holds one bike and is designed for individual use. To carry two bikes, you need two separate carriers and sufficient bar width; the total weight must also stay within both your vehicle’s roof load limit and the Roof Bars’ capacity.

What should I watch out for when securing the bike?

Attach the frame clamp to the tube section of the frame and do not overtighten it on a carbon frame. Fasten both the front and rear wheel straps. Remove detachable items such as a bottle, basket, pump, or bike computer — they can fall off on the road.

Can vehicle height be an issue with a bike on the roof?

Yes, this is a common cause of damage. A vehicle with a bike on the roof is about 40–50 cm taller; account for this at parking garage, underpass, and garage door entrances.

When should I check the installation after fitting it?

Make the first check within the first 50 km after setting off, because the connections settle during this time. At a break, recheck the carrier feet, frame clamp, and wheel straps.

Related product: Bike Carrier