Cautionary Tale

[Catrin]

I did suspect that it had to at least be cracked already as it was the only thing that made sense... The rare times I've put any of my bikes in the car I am careful to not put the drive-train on the bottom.

I am just thankful that I didn't drive all the way to the park and then have this happen when I tried to unload the bike there...at least I didn't burn as much gas as I normally do. The bike was in at an odd angle, and my LBS guy had to take the wheel off to get it out of the car. I was afraid the entire shifter would have to be replaced and thankfully it didn't

[OakLeaf]

+1 that it was already broken.

I don't even own a rack, and I drive to ride more often than I ride from home. The only thing that has EVER happened to my bike from riding in the car, is once one of the wheel quick-releases got pulled partially open. Luckily for me the wheel didn't come off and I noticed it when the brakes started rubbing.

Lots of people show up at the club rides with their bikes in their cars ... sometimes with both wheels off and the frame stuck in the trunk. Basically the only thing on a bike that's meant to move with no more force than it takes to slide on and off carpet is the quick-releases, so as long as you check those (and as lph said, keep the drivetrain up, for the sake of your carpet as well as your bikes) you're fine.

[Crankin]

I quit putting my hitch rack on the car every season when the local car wash banned me from going through because my rack broke their equipment!
My seat folds down and my small bike fits in the back. But, I have to be careful not to smoosh the shifters. I've gotten it stuck at odd angles more than a few times, where I had to pray and work to unstick the bar.
My next car is going to be different.

[WindingRoad]

Catrin that is just too bizarre, it HAD to be already cracked or something. You aren't Wonder Woman.... I don't think? It sounds like a pretty easy fix, I'm sure they will take good care of you at Nebo... don't worry about it, it was a total fluke.

[Catrin]

It is an easy fix, and as my hitch mounted rack is quite heavy (around 50 pounds) and locked to my hitch, I am simply going to use it That does mean I won't go through an automatic car wash but that never hurt anyone. If I can get help and figure out how/where to store it I will take it off for the winter.

Yes, it was a fluke, and the more I think about it the more I am inclined to believe it was already cracked. Thankfully it didn't happen on the trail

[hebe]

I'm glad that it's a cheap and easy fix, and that it didn't fail while you were riding

[Catrin]

I'm glad that it's a cheap and easy fix, and that it didn't fail while you were riding

Yep Did I mention that I LOVE my bike rack?