Cycle carrier roof in Exeter
Professional cycle carrier roof services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
45-60 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Roof-mounted cycle carrier fitted to your existing roof bars. Tested for security, torqued properly, and you'll get clear instructions on safe loading and driving.
Bikes On Top, Confidence Below
Roof-mounted bike carriers are brilliant - until you drive into your garage with them still loaded. But before you worry about that, you need them fitted securely to roof bars that can actually handle the weight.
💡 Pro tip: The biggest risk with roof carriers isn't them falling off - it's forgetting they're up there. Put a Post-it note on your dashboard when bikes are loaded. Seriously.
Installation Done Properly
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Carriers aligned, torqued to spec | Finger-tight, work loose on motorway |
| Weight distributed across roof bars | All weight on one bar, exceeds limit |
| Test loaded with actual bike | Assumed it's fine without testing |
| Clear loading instruction given | Shoved in back of car, good luck |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Bar Check | Verify roof bars suitable and secure |
| Fitting | Carriers aligned and torqued to specification |
| Testing | Load test with your bike, shake test |
| Training | Show you safe loading technique and height awareness |
📦 You're Left With
- Carriers properly secured to roof bars
- Confidence they're not going anywhere
- Knowledge of safe loading and driving
- Torque wrench settings for future checks
Pricing Guide
| Service | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single bike carrier | 45 mins | £60-£85 |
| Two bike carriers | 1 hr | £60 |
| Remove/refit existing | 30 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Assumes roof bars already fitted and secure.
Perfect For...
✅ Boot space needed - carrying bikes without blocking rear access
✅ Keeping paintwork pristine - no boot or towbar contact
✅ Multiple bike/cargo setup - bikes on roof, boot box as well
✅ Aerodynamics matter - roof carriers better than boot-mounted for MPG
Why Choose Us for Cycle carrier roof in Exeter?
Fitted securely to existing roof bars
Tested for stability at height
Advice on safe loading and driving
Torque checked for highway use
What to Expect
Step 1: Roof Bar Check
I verify your roof bars are secure, weight-rated for bikes, and properly torqued. If your bars are loose or dodgy, I'll tell you before adding bikes to them.
Step 2: Carrier Installation
Carriers aligned along roof bars, positioned for best weight distribution. Bolts torqued to manufacturer specification. Shake test to verify nothing's moving.
Step 3: Loading Demo & Height Warning
I load one of your bikes to show you the technique. Then we measure your total height (car + carrier + bike) and I stick a reminder somewhere you'll see it. Low bridges and car parks are your enemy now.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to fit your own roof bike carriers? Here's the safe way:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Torque wrench (essential for proper tightening)
- Allen keys (usually metric, check carrier)
- Tape measure (for positioning)
- Spirit level (for alignment)
📏 Positioning carriers
- Check roof bar weight capacity (usually marked on bars)
- Position carriers evenly spaced along bars
- Align both carriers parallel using tape measure
- Don't put all carriers close together (spreads load)
🔩 Securing carriers
- Hand-tighten mounting bolts first
- Check alignment while still adjustable
- Torque bolts to manufacturer spec (usually 6-9 Nm for bike carriers)
- Re-check torque after 50 miles (bolts can settle)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not using torque wrench (either too loose or over-tightened)
- Positioning carriers too close together (concentrates weight)
- Exceeding roof bar weight limit (bars + carriers + bikes)
- Forgetting to re-check torque after first journey
💡 Pro trick: Measure your vehicle height with bikes loaded and write it on a sticker inside your sun visor. Most car park height barriers are 2-2.1m. Your car with bikes? Probably 2.3m+. Do the maths before you drive in.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚗 No roof bars yet? That's a separate fitting job. Once bars are on, I can fit the bike carriers. Factor in the extra cost and time for roof bar installation if you need them.
Fuel economy hit? Roof-mounted bikes kill your MPG - expect 10-25% worse depending on speed and bike size. Towbar carriers are more aerodynamic if you do long motorway journeys regularly.
Wind noise? Even without bikes, roof carriers whistle in the wind. That's normal. With bikes loaded it gets louder. Nothing wrong, just physics. Remove carriers when not in use if it bothers you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need roof bars first?
Yes - cycle carriers mount onto roof bars, not directly to the roof. If you don't have roof bars fitted already, that's a separate job (or buy a kit). Once you've got bars, I can fit the bike carriers to them.
Is it safe having bikes on the roof?
Yes, when fitted properly. The worry is forgetting they're up there and driving into low car parks or garages. I can't fix that - you need to remember. The carrier itself is secure when installed correctly.
How many bikes can go on the roof?
Depends on your roof bar length and weight capacity. Usually 1-2 bikes safely. More bikes means boot or towbar carriers are better options. I'll advise based on your setup.
Will they scratch my roof?
The carriers themselves won't, but bikes can shift and scratch during loading. I'll show you the proper loading technique to minimize risk. Use frame protectors if you're worried about expensive bikes.
Do you remove them when not in use?
I can do, but most people leave carriers fitted once they're on. They add wind noise and reduce fuel economy, so removing between uses makes sense. Takes about 15 minutes to remove or refit.
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