Types of roof mounting bike carriers
There are three different types of roof mounting bike racks that fit to the roof of a car. The difference between these types of racks is how they secure the bike - frame holding, fork holding, and tyre holding. So when choosing the between the different types of roof mounting racks the main consideration is the bike that you will be carrying.
Frame holding bike carriers
Price range: low to mid
Frame holders are often the cheaper options. They clamp to the bike downtube, which limits the types of bikes that they can accommodate.
Kids bikes: The best option for children's bikes.
Carbon frames: Only suitable if the rack has a carbon frame adapter as an accessory to protect the frame. We recommend looking at Fork holding or Tyre holding racks.
E-bikes: Not suitable due to the bike frame sizes and the weight limit of the racks.
The decision about whether to go for steel carriers or relatively expensive aluminium carriers won't just be influenced by price. (Don't worry about corrosion; all the steel carriers we sell are made from polyester or powder coated rustproofed steel.) Apart from the CRUZ Bici-rack and Thule FreeRide (which hold tubes to 80mm) bike downtubes greater than 50mm diameter simply won't fit on the cheaper steel carriers. The Atera and Thule aluminium cycle carriers not only hold bigger downtubes, and look very smart, but they are also much easier to use. If you have to lean over towards the centre of the car you'll appreciate the benefits of a quick catch / quick release handle at shoulder height.
View our full range
Fork holding bike carriers
Price range: mid to high
Fork holding bike racks secure the bike via the front forks. The front wheel needs to be removed and transported either in the car or on a wheel rack.
Disc brakes: Most fork mounting bike carriers are suitable for bikes with disk brakes. Make sure that you check the description / specifications before purchasing.
Carbon frames / forks: Most of our fork mounting bike carriers do not clamp of contact the forks so are suitable for bikes with carbon forks. Make sure that you check the description / specifications before purchasing.
E-bikes: Not suitable due to the weight limit of the racks.
Tyre holding bike carriers
Price range: high
Tyre holding racks secure the bike via its tyres.
Carbon frames / forks: All tyre holding racks are suitable for carbon bikes as the rack is only in contact with the tyres
E-bikes: The Inno Tyre Hold 2 is the only roof mounted bike carrier that is suitable for some e-bikes (but not all!).
Carrying bikes on the roof: FAQs
How do I attach the bikes / bike carriers to the roof?
Roof mounting carriers have to be fitted to a set of roof bars going across the car. If you need roof bars and roof mounting bike carriers then check out our package deals.
Roof bar and bike carrier package deals
There is a number of ways that roof mounted bike carriers can be attached to the bars, depending on the type of bar that the item is being attached to. We have a guide on the different types of fittings.
Attaching items to roof bars
How many bikes can I carry?
It's possible that you may be able to carry up to 5 bikes on your car, but this is dependent on the length and type of your roof bars. Aluminium through bars will maximise the number of bikes that you can carry. We have a guide which provides some examples of what can be carried on different roof br lengths and types.
How much can I fit on my roof bars?
We recommend 'top and tailing' your bike carriers to make the best use of the available space.
You must not exceed the maximum load recommended for your roof bars or your car’s roof (check the handbook)
Can I carry bike carriers and other items (eg. a roof box) on the roof ?
This is dependent on the roof bars you have and the amount useable roof bar space, as well as the width of the box and the bike racks. If you have right roof bars it's usually possible to fit two bike carriers alongside a choice of roof boxes.
Aluminium through bars will always provide you with the most useable amount of roof bar space, so it’s always best to choose these over the aluminium flush bars or steel square bars, especially if you are needing as much space as possible. Flush bars are not usually long enough to carry a roof box and a bike.
You'll often have to use T-track fittings for both the bike carriers and roof box. These fittings slide into the channel on the top of aluminium bars, meaning you can use the full length of the bar to attach your gear. If you use 'around-the-bar' fittings they may clash with the roof bar feet. T-track fittings are supplied with some roof boxes and bike carriers and are available separately in a lot of cases.
How much can I fit on my roof bars?
You must not exceed the maximum load recommended for your roof bars or your car’s roof (check the handbook)
Can I carry an e-bike on the roof?
Roof mounting bike carriers really are not designed for e-bikes, even if you are happy to lift a heavier e-bike to roof height.
- Typically roof mounting bike carriers take a maximum weight of around 17kg, which won't be enough for the vast majority of e-bikes, even with the battery removed.
- 'Frame-holder' roof mounting bike carriers will not usually work securely with the shape of the downtube on an e-bike.
- Many e-bikes have a longer wheelbase than standard bikes meaning they are too large for some roof mounting bike carriers.
The Inno Tyre Hold will take a maximum weight of 23kg so it can work for some e-bikes. Because this rack secures the bike by the tyres it will take unusual shaped frames. It won't work with all e-bikes though; it's only suitable for wheelbases between 85cm and 120cm, it takes a maximum tyre width of 2.7" and it's not suitable for bikes with mudguards fitted very close to the tyres or bikes with rear kickstands.