Bike Rack For Carrying Carbon Fiber Road Bike With A Class 1 Hitch

Question:

I know this question has been asked before, but I really am sold on the Hollywood Destination 2 rack, but I would really like to figure out a way to solve the carbon bike compatibility problem. I have a Cannondale Synapse 105 carbon bike, weighing 19 pounds, and was wondering if I wrap a cloth around the frame area where the Hollywood clamp goes, if that would prevent any damage or scratching. I keep reading that this rack is NOT recommended for carbon bikes. Does that mean I could possibly CRACK the frame by over tightening the clamp and/or scratching? It seems Im really locked ininch to this particular rack because its one of the few that are compatible with my 1 1/4inch Class 1 receiver without having to go to a Tire Mount type of rack which is much more expensive and HEAVIER. Heavier is not an option because of my limited 200 lb Tongue weight. PS- I have a Curt 11772 hitch installed on a 1998 Infiniti I30.

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

Hello again James. Generally, we do not recommend using a frame mounted bike rack like the Hollywood Rack # HLY94FR with a carbon fiber bike. The frame mount clamps or hooks could cause damage to the frame. It could scratch or at worst crack and break. You would try adding cloth or some other material to protect the frame, but I cannot guarantee that this would prevent damage.

There are some great class 1 compatible wheel mount options. I suggest you take a look at Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack # KU74FR. This has a wheel mount hook making it compatible with carbon fiber frames. The rack itself weighs only 47 lbs, so even with your hitch having a tongue weight capacity of only 200 lbs, you will have more than enough capacity for the rack and your road bike. As I said before, you could easily carry two bikes with this rack, as long as they weigh less than 40 lbs apiece. I really like the Kuat racks in general. I have been using one as my personal rack for a few years now and I am very happy with it. It is durable and easy to operate. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is made here in the USA. I know they are a bit more expensive, but since you have a carbon fiber bike I cannot in good conscience recommend a frame mount rack.

expert reply by: Jesse M

James P.

5/30/2024

Thanks for clearing this up. Yeah, I wouldn't want to damage that Canondale Carbon Synapse 105 bike. Unfortunately, that rack you suggested is a little more than I wanted to spend at this time, so I'll just have to transport it on my other vehicle that DOES have a wheel mount design. Thanks again, Jim

Jesse M.

5/31/2024

@JamesP I know a lot of those carbon fiber road bikes can be expensive and we would never want to risk damaging your investment. Bit I definitely feel you on the price of the rack. There is a 1-bike version of the Kuat Transfer # KU64FR that costs a bit less. Aside from that, the Inno Tire Hold # INH110 is another less expensive 1-bike option that will work for you. For a 2-bike wheel mount rack, the Kuat Transfer 2 # KU74FR will be out least expensive option.