Can a Carbon Fiber Frame Bike Be used on a Yakima ForkLift Roof Mounted Carrier

Question:

2009 toyota prius with yakima towers and round bars. Im sure the Y02098 will fit to this. What Im concerned about is the 2011 Trek 7.9 FX that will mount onto it. The forks and entire bike are carbon fiber and I want to make sure there will be no problem mounting onto the skewer. Yes, the bike hasnt been manufactured yet but should be ready in august, but there are plenty of them out on the road from previous years. Any concerns?

asked by: Brad H

Expert Reply:

There should not be any more concern with a fork mount than say a full wheel mount. The weight of the bike is resting in the same place whether that is on a wheel or fork mount would not make much difference.

The bigger concern with carbon fiber frame bikes is using them on a hitch mounted hanging bike rack. Bouncing on the back of a vehicle while hanging by the top tube can stress the frame in a way it is not designed to handle.

When you mount the bike on the rack, just take the same precautions you would when mounting the wheel. Make sure it is clear of debris and mounted properly.

expert reply by: Patrick B