How I travel with my Tri Bikes on Mach-E roof using SeaSucker vacuum cups

[MachTri]

I made a quick YouTube on how I travel with my Tri Bikes on the Mach-e. I'm pretty happy with this solution. I drive with them 2-3 times a week during Tri season (April - Sept). I like that the Sea Sucker stores easily under the back cover.



Here's links:

• Sea Sucker Mini Bomber 2 bike holder: https://amzn.to/3jCmEhh
• Sea Sucker Cable Anchor: https://amzn.to/3EbHP3b
• Cable Anchor + Lock: https://amzn.to/3jJtsJK
• Cable Extension: https://amzn.to/37RHTZB
• Velcro: https://amzn.to/36h6mr4

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[mkhuffman]

I just can't get past the suction cups being the only thing keeping my bike from flying off into the sunset, and smashing to pieces behind me. It does look like a great solution though, especially how easy it is to transport the rack.

 

[RickMachE]

Now, after using Google, I know what the term "Tri Bike" means.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

I made a quick YouTube on how I travel with my Tri Bikes on the Mach-e. I'm pretty happy with this solution. I drive with them 2-3 times a week during Tri season (April - Sept). I like that the Sea Sucker stores easily under the back cover.



Here's links:

• Sea Sucker Mini Bomber 2 bike holder: https://amzn.to/3jCmEhh
• Sea Sucker Cable Anchor: https://amzn.to/3EbHP3b
• Cable Anchor + Lock: https://amzn.to/3jJtsJK
• Cable Extension: https://amzn.to/37RHTZB
• Velcro: https://amzn.to/36h6mr4

I have a Cervelo P3 that I've took through the IMWC a few times. looks like a perfect setup for it.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Now, after using Google, I know what the term "Tri Bike" means.

aka Time trial bike. Not that many of us use them for time trials.

 

[MyLittlePony2022]

Thanks for the video. That is really cool. I have seen threads about the suction cup roof mounts but this the first time I have seen them installed. What a great option. The lock is interesting. I think it will keep an honest person honest. However, if a thief wants the bike, you will be missing the bike and have a broken window.

 

[MachTri]

Thanks for the video. That is really cool. I have seen threads about the suction cup roof mounts but this the first time I have seen them installed. What a great option. The lock is interesting. I think it will keep an honest person honest. However, if a thief wants the bike, you will be missing the bike and have a broken window.

Yea it's to avoid "crime of opportunity". I figure breaking the window will set off the alarm. I never leave it out of sight for more than a few min. It's not uncommon for a group of cyclists to request outdoor seating or window seats for a post-ride lunch.

 

[MachTri]

I just can't get past the suction cups being the only thing keeping my bike from flying off into the sunset, and smashing to pieces behind me. It does look like a great solution though, especially how easy it is to transport the rack.

I've been using it for years (had it on my 2015 Volt before getting the MME).

 

[jlauro]

My one question...

What does it do to range?

 

[MachTri]

My one question...

What does it do to range?

I'm getting about 1.8 kw/hr on the highway with 2 tri-bikes. So, about the same hit as winter driving. Tri bikes and Time Trial bikes are often referred to as "areo bikes". Regular modern road bikes would be ok, but I imagine it would be a drag with a couple MTBs up there.

 

[mkhuffman]

I installed a trailer hitch and use a hitch mounted rack. That works great but I think it is worse for aerodynamics than the roof would be. The bikes are catching a lot of air when I go down the road.

 

[MachTri]

I installed a trailer hitch and use a hitch mounted rack. That works great but I think it is worse for aerodynamics than the roof would be. The bikes are catching a lot of air when I go down the road.

True, bikes aren't designed to travel sideways. They'd be like air breaks. Not so bad something boxy, like a jeep, they are in the draft.

 

[jlauro]

I installed a trailer hitch and use a hitch mounted rack. That works great but I think it is worse for aerodynamics than the roof would be. The bikes are catching a lot of air when I go down the road.

I would think they would be close enough to be drafting in the Mach E's wake. On top the bikes would be more aerodynamic than a sideways bike but they don't have something in front of them pushing most of the air out of the way. Would be interesting to compare actual numbers...

 

[phidauex]

Would be interesting to compare actual numbers...

I did a whole ridiculous analysis based on a few hour-long drives with and without my hitch mounted bike rack, on the same route (to the in-laws), in similar weather conditions.

The details are, uh sticky, but the punchline is that I measured a 5% increase in cruising power, and a 9% increase in energy consumption at typical highway speeds (55-75mph) with the bike rack and two bikes. Not bad at all.

 

[MachTri]

I did a whole ridiculous analysis based on a few hour-long drives with and without my hitch mounted bike rack, on the same route (to the in-laws), in similar weather conditions.

The details are, uh sticky, but the punchline is that I measured a 5% increase in cruising power, and a 9% increase in energy consumption at typical highway speeds (55-75mph) with the bike rack and two bikes. Not bad at all.

That's amazing number crunching! Thanks for providing that. I should do the same with the roof mount for comparison. Only problem is, I don't know where your in-laws live. ?

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