Should Tailgate Pad and Bike Carrier be Used With Carbon Fiber Bikes

Question:

Is this product appropriate for carbon fiber bikes?

asked by: Breck

Expert Reply:

The Yakima GateKeeper Tailgate Pad and Bike Carrier Y07410 can be used with carbon fiber bikes because it has paddings and cradles that will secure the bike snugly to the pad. Having said that it is not the best option for the lighter and more pliable carbon frame bikes. If you are going a short distance and know you are going to be on totally smooth surfaces, then a tailgate pad will suffice, but the best option is going to be a hitch-mounted bike rack.

There is a relatively economical option I recommend checking out, the Hollywood Racks TRS 2-Bike Platform Rack # HR3000. The reason I like this rack for carbon frame bikes is because it secures your bikes by the wheels so there is no frame contact, protecting your bike from frame damage. This is also the most budget-friendly rack for your style of bike and even offers you the ability to protect the investments you made in your bike and the rack by adding the Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable Lock # HRLHPTC.

I have added a link to our selection of bike racks for carbon frame bikes.

expert reply by: Kyle S