Right, posting this because it might be of interest for someone facing a similar challenge. The challenge was carrying an MTB with an E86 coupe. I know there are other solutions - such as Saris carriers - available involving straps and relatively complex setups (in my humble perspective that is. Of course that is all in the eye of the beholder).
A while ago I happened to stumble across the "suction cup bike racks". I decided to test the version produced by Rockbros, rather than the one produced by SeaSucker as the Rockbros version is a lot cheaper and was available way faster. Rockbros' and SeaSuckers' products are shaped slightly different, however the principle is the same: (a) removal of your front wheel (b) three large suction cups in the front to which you connect your fork with either a quick release pin or a bolt through axle and (c) one large suction cup in the back to which you attach your rear wheel.
I had the same doubts as most of you probably will have but it really works a charm. Stopped four times in the first twenty kilometres, only to find out that everything was still rock solid:
Installs in five minutes and you can very easily check whether the cups have sufficient suction, because if not, a colored part of their plunger will stick out.
Thus: this makes me a happy chappy, as I can now use my coupe as a proper SUV.
By the way, I chose the one bike carrier. Rockbros also produces carriers for two and three bikes, each with more suction cups. However , I am afraid the roof is to convex for that many suction cups, as the aluminium bit is not that flexible.
A while ago I happened to stumble across the "suction cup bike racks". I decided to test the version produced by Rockbros, rather than the one produced by SeaSucker as the Rockbros version is a lot cheaper and was available way faster. Rockbros' and SeaSuckers' products are shaped slightly different, however the principle is the same: (a) removal of your front wheel (b) three large suction cups in the front to which you connect your fork with either a quick release pin or a bolt through axle and (c) one large suction cup in the back to which you attach your rear wheel.
I had the same doubts as most of you probably will have but it really works a charm. Stopped four times in the first twenty kilometres, only to find out that everything was still rock solid:
Installs in five minutes and you can very easily check whether the cups have sufficient suction, because if not, a colored part of their plunger will stick out.
Thus: this makes me a happy chappy, as I can now use my coupe as a proper SUV.
By the way, I chose the one bike carrier. Rockbros also produces carriers for two and three bikes, each with more suction cups. However , I am afraid the roof is to convex for that many suction cups, as the aluminium bit is not that flexible.
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