Transporting your bike can be a tricky affair as it requires you to choose a viable means of transportation that considers the safety of your bike, car, and other motorists.
The use of Seasucker bike racks is one of the most popular ways of transporting bikes on the roof of your vehicle. However, just like any other equipment, there is a risk of failure.
The below piece will address Seasucker bike rack failure and also some of the solutions to these problems. Read on to find out.
Are Seasucker Bike Racks Prone To Failure?
Yes, just like any other equipment, Seasucker bike racks are prone to failure. Below are some of the ways your Seasucker bike rack may fail to deliver optimally.
1. Travelling At High Speeds
Driving at a speed of more than 140km/h may lead to the loosening of the vacuum cups due to strong crosswinds. Your bike may end up falling over, leading to its damage as well as endangering the lives of other motorists.
2. Failing to Clean the Vacuum Cups and Your Car Roof
For your Seasucker bike rack to hold on for a long duration, you need to clean the surface of your car roof and the vacuum cups as well.
If you fail to clean them, the pressure between the vacuum cups and the facet will not be rigid. It ultimately undermines the efficiency of the rack.
Clean the vacuum mount with a soft cloth and ensure there is no dirt on the sealing edge. Check to see the rubber does not have cuts as they will allow air to flow in, and the Seasucker will fail to hold vacuum.
Common Issues with Seasucker Bike Racks
Although Seasucker bike racks are a fantastic transporting option, there are several issues associated with their use. The most common problems include;
1. Seasucker Bike Racks Have a Low Profile
A Seasucker bike rack sits a few inches above your car roof. If you hurry and indulge in high-speed driving, the vacuum cups may not hold your coveted bike. Heavy crosswinds and hard turns may loosen the vacuum cups pressure, and your bicycle may topple.
2. You May Have To Check the Vacuum Cups Regularly
Another setback when using Seasucker bikes racks is the need to check the vacuum cups while in transit. It can be overwhelming if you have a long trip or you are in a hurry to reach your preferred destination.
Remember, if the orange band is visible, the vacuum mounts are losing power, and you have to pump them again.
3. The Need for Extra Caution
Additionally, the cups are made of soft rubber to ensure they complement all surfaces. If a cup gets damaged, it fails to hold onto the surface as it should. You should, therefore, take extra precautions when using Seasucker bike racks.
Are Seasucker Bike Racks Safe?
Seasucker bike racks provide an ideal option to transport your bike on the roof if you do not have other bike racks. However, are they safe? Are suction bike racks safe? Below are some safety considerations.
1. Safety While Driving
If you are driving at a low speed, the vacuum cups work efficiently, and there is a low probability of failure. However, if you attain high speed (more than 140km/h), then the vacuum cups may lose vacuum, and your bike may fall off, leading to damage.
2. Is My Bike Secure When I Use The Seasucker Bike Rack?
Using the Seasucker bike rack without the Boot Cable Anchor designed for C-locks or a window-mounted cable anchor renders your bike unsafe. Incorporate either of the two and enhance the security of your bicycle while away.
3. Can The Seasucker Bike Rack Damage My Car?
No, it cannot damage your car. The stainless steel used to make the Seasucker bike rack gets dipped in plastic to prevent damage to your car paint. Cleaning the surface of the roof also ensures the vacuum cups do not damage the roof.
4. Can The Seasucker Bike Rack Damage My Bike?
The Seasucker bike rack cannot damage your bike. However, it may cause bike damage if the vacuum cups lose their grip on the surface because the bike will fall over. Ensure you clean the surface of your roof car and the cups to enhance optimal performance.
How to Use a Seasucker Bike Rack Safely
Proper installation of your Seasucker bike rack is vital if you want to enhance high performance. Installing one is straightforward, does not require any special skills, and only takes a few minutes. However, there are several measures to observe if you want to transport your bike safely. They include;
1. Clean the Surface of Your Car
Make sure the surface that you mount the vacuum cups is clean and moisture-free. Ensure your roof is rust-free. An unclean roof enhances the loosening of the vacuum cups, and your bike may end up falling and getting damaged.
2. Clean the Vacuum Cups
Before you mount the vacuum cups, make sure you clean them before each use and take a quick look to ensure they are not damaged. Working with damaged vacuum cups reduces their efficiency, and you may end up damaging your car roof or the bike if it falls over during transit.
3. Mount Your Seasucker Bike Rack
If you pass the above checks, it is now time to mount the Seasucker bike rack. Push the cups softly against the surface of your car’s roof and work the rack’s vacuum pumps. It is a short exercise that requires approximately 15-20 pumps.
Pump until the orange band disappears. The band lets you know you have done enough. It also enlightens when the Seasucker rack is losing grip by becoming visible during transit. Repeat the same routine for all vacuum cups and the rear wheel holders and begin your journey.
Remember to check the vacuum caps after driving for a long duration to ensure enough pressure between the vacuum cups and the surface.
Can You Lock A Seasucker Bike Rack?
Seasucker bike racks can’t get bolted onto your car. To add extra security to the setup, use the Boot Cable Anchor designed for C-locks. The anchor allows you to leave your vehicle unattended for a short duration.
Incorporate the steel rod so that it closes inside your boot. The external section features a 1.375-inch hole which allows you to thread a cable lock. The lock gets made of polished stainless steel that is extremely strong. It is dipped in plastic to protect your car paint.
Additionally, you can use a window-mounted cable anchor to secure your bike. It is made of stainless steel and uses a window clip. Mount the anchor on your window and run your cable through the lock and around your bike.
The window-mounted cable anchor is an effective way of securing your bike without harming or scratching your window. Remember to set the pad against the window, clip it in place, roll up your window and run the cable lock through the clip and around your bike.
How Long Do Seasucker Bike Racks Last?
There is no defined amount of time that your Seasucker bike rack will last. How long the Seasucker will last depends on;
- Part of the roof surface to attach the rack. Mount the vacuum cups on a flat surface for optimal performance.
- The weight of your bike. If your bike is heavy, you need to check the state of the vacuum mounts regularly when in transit to ensure they maintain the vacuum.
- The vacuum mounts condition. With extended use, the vacuum cups become vulnerable to damage. Proper maintenance techniques like efficient cleaning and storage enhance the lifespan of your Seasucker bike rack.
Conclusion
You now know about the issues that lead to Seasucker bike rack failure. To avoid these setbacks, ensure you clean your vacuum cups before each use, the surface of your car roof, and observe proper storage techniques to enhance optimal performance and a prolonged lifespan. Additionally, guarantee the security of your bike by incorporating a window-mounted cable anchor or boot cable anchor.
