Recommended Roof Bike Rack w/ the Best Clamps for Round Crossbars

Question:

Im considering mounting the rack directly onto my round bar, but Im worried that it might damage the plastic wraps on the bar. Are there any protective pads or adapters available to prevent this?

asked by: HG

Expert Reply:

No, there isn't I am sorry. Malone does not include padding on any of their accessory's crossbar clamps. I would be concerned about recommending you add some additional padding to the clamps on the Malone Pilot item # MPG2103 too. They're designed without them in mind so adding padding may effect the clamps ability to completely secure to your crossbars. Plus an alternation like this would void your warranty in the event of a failure.

My only option is to suggest upgrading slightly to a better quality bike rack. The Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier item # Y02103 has nearly identical capacities but the mounting method to the crossbars is quite different. It uses a sliding clamp design instead of a metal one that screws in from below. Personally, I think this works quite a bit better for round bars, like your set up, because you do not have to torque down a metal bracket so hard.

I have linked both installation instructions below along with a couple of review videos so you can see exactly what I am talking about.

expert reply by: Jerred H