Comments on: DIY Suction Mounted Roof Rack

By: Siafa Alvin (@SiafaAlvin)

Siafa Alvin (@SiafaAlvin) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:49:34 +0000

I think the idea is that commercial racks are oftentimes too cumbersome and time-consuming to constantly take down and put up. I’m sure you’ve seen people who leave their bike racks in place even when not in use.

By: Bill Chance

Bill Chance — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 02:51:49 +0000

I’ve had commercial racks come off at speed… still, a safety cord of some kind (ran through a closed door) would help with peace of mine.

Thanks for sharing.

By: Walter Anderson

Walter Anderson — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:22:06 +0000

You can do that with a commercial rack as well…

By: Keith Neufeld

Keith Neufeld — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:58:54 +0000

I reckon you unstick it from the roof and put it inside your car when you park.

By: Walter Anderson

Walter Anderson — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:38:00 +0000

If a commercial rack is a little “theft-prone,” how is this any better?

By: Andy L

Andy L — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:21:48 +0000

I would imagine that the bodywork would flex and distort over time also.

By: Tony Woolf

Tony Woolf — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:12:49 +0000

Don’t try this at home! The only legally safe roof rack is endorsed by the vehicle manufacturer or reputable supplier for the vehicle it is used with.
I know these suction devices are good but would it stand the force of the wind at 70 mph (plus possible adverse wind speed)? A friend of mine had a bike rack carying a tandem, at 70 mph it ripped the gutters off the car. Luckily there was no vehicle close behind. And there were no usefully salveagable parts of the tandem.
And as for being theft-proof, a knife to puncture the rubber and release the vacuum and it would just lift off.

By: trkemp

trkemp — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:48:24 +0000

This is neat, but I’d be afraid of it coming loose. Not only would you lose your bike, but if it hit anyone/anything else there would be significant legal issues.