handlebar on bike rack too close to motorhome body (1 Viewer)

[themountaintiger]

for first time added couple of bikes to fiamma bike rack, but handlebar end is too close too motorhome body. I fear driving over a bump and it going into or just scratching motorhome. Ive thought about turning handlebar 90 degrees, but is there a better solution? thought id read once upon a time perhaps half a tennis ball on end..

 

[Deansford Moll]

tennis ball will still damage camper, i always turn mine around, better safe than sorry,

 

[Bluemooner]

We turn ours better safe than sorry

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[MikeandCarolyn]

Turn both sets of handlebars horizontal-bikes fit together better.
I also remove outside pedal so that cover fits better.

 

[Mr Ed]

Try adjusting the top bracket at its base (red thingy)

 

[Rapido925M]

I fit the clamp to a point which keeps the bike away from the body: there are quite a number of places where the clamps can be attached, including lower on the bike frame, which causes it to slope outwards.

I used to loosen the handlebars, rotate, retighten then reverse the procedure when the bike was removed. Unfortunately, one time I failed to retighten completely and the bars moved whilst out on a ride .

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[themountaintiger]

Thanks to all of you.. sounds like its normal to turn handlebars..

 

[Linda and Steph]

Depending on the rack you may be able to move the bottom rail to an outer position and buy a longer top arm From Johns Cross, I did this when I came across the same problem.

 

[Eddystone]

including lower on the bike frame, which causes it to slope outwards.

I do this too. I also find that clamping the seat post tube is more stable than the cross bar.

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[Robert Clark]

Thanks to all of you.. sounds like its normal to turn handlebars..

We applied a self adhesive plastic reflector to the back of our MH, in line with the ends of the handle bars
like these
Prevents scratching and rubbing of the paintwork
Broken Link Removed
Never had to move the handlebars once!
Broken Link Removed

Also fitted folding peddles, which helped too.
Happy cycling!!

Robert

 

[themountaintiger]

I do this too. I also find that clamping the seat post tube is more stable than the cross bar.

i will see if this is possible..

 

[themountaintiger]

Depending on the rack you may be able to move the bottom rail to an outer position and buy a longer top arm From Johns Cross, I did this when I came across the same problem.

bike is already in position 2 of 4.. ive a ladder on rear so wouldnt go in number 1 rail. I was thinking today that a longer arm (another number 3 one of 4) might help keep it more away..

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[busby]

bike is already in position 2 of 4.. ive a ladder on rear so wouldnt go in number 1 rail. I was thinking today that a longer arm (another number 3 one of 4) might help keep it more away..

Thats all you need to do,,fit a longer top arm,,,i had same problem. It just means your bikes lean back a little. Good luck. BUSBY.

 

[hilldweller]

The correct answer is so obvious, move the motorhome body.

 

[Larrynwin]

I bought a Fiamma Bike Block ProD1 from Johns Cross, it is a jointed stay which enables more flexibility and spacing.

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[s20hymer]

hya if its a mountain bike with wide handle bars cut an inch of each side.. sorted

 

[Poohbear]

All I did was packed the clamp that goes around the crossbar with a bundle of non-slip matting so that the bike leans outwards. There is plenty of length in the plastic strap to allow this.

 

[Bellini]

Turn the handlebars. It takes but a few seconds with an Allen key.

Also, load the bikes pointing alternate ways to make loading easier. This also gets around the pedals hitting each other, in my experience.

I won't have anything attached to my motorhome's body. Loading as pictured ensures things fit compactly and won't foul any bodywork.

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[Jim]

I always loosen and turn the handlebars. They fit in the rack tidier and the risk of damage to the van is minimalised. Protective pad or not, handlebars can cause a fair bit of damage to a van if allowed to touch it.

 

[maison]

Always turn our bars and load bikes facing alternate ways.

The use of an adjustable clamp also allows us to position our outermost bike at the most convenient angle.

Turning the bars takes less than a minute per bike. We keep the appropriate Allen key in a handlebar bag on one of the bikes so that it is always handy.