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Originally Posted by whitev70r
For the rare times where you have to transport your road bikes (eg. to a fondo, race, or ride), what's the best bike rack that you have used and would highly recommend? I heard that the traditional kind where it is clamped and held by the top tube is not a good idea because it puts too much pressure and stress on the frame which means it has to be the rear hitch platform style that clamps it down by the wheels (would same reasoning be true if you have carbon wheels?). Thule, Yakima, and now I'm seeing the Kuat more ... some can get real $$$!
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Yes, a hitch tray style rack on the back is the best, but the costliest. Either a Thule T2 or Yakima Holdup or Kuat NV or Sherpa. But yes, $800 for the Kuat, and not to mention the price of a hitch if your vehicle allows for one. I have a roof rack, and use a fork mounted Thule Circuit and also a Yakima Forklift. Both are fine and secure, but I like the Thule's clamp a little more. I'm also on the look out for a RockyMounts Jetline or Tierod, just because I want to test it out.
I also have a hitch on my other vehicle and use a Yakima Highlite, which is really good, as it's lightweight yet secure. But if you're moving mountain bikes or non-traditional frames without a horizontal top tube, it can get tricky (or then you have to use frame adapters)..hence why the tray style rack is best in that case. Clamping down by the wheels is fine. My coach has a Thule T2 XT, with the add-on, so he carried 4 carbon bikes with carbon wheels down to Walla Walla & back with no issues. Good luck on your search!