Clamping a Carbon Scott Bike

Adam has bought a Scott CR1 and wants to take it away in his car and is worried about clamping the frame, we give him our suggestions on the safest way to transport his pride and joy. He also wants advice on clamping the bike in his work stand, so we tell him the best way

Question: Hi Sam,
Now that I have jumped into the carbon fiber pool with my Scott CR1, can you give me some tips to take care of the carbon frame? Can I clamp it in my work stand? What about using a car rack for transporting the bike? I have a Thule rooftop rack which grabs the down tube, is that safe or should I use a trunk type rack? Any other tips you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Adam.

Hi Adam,

Good choice with the Scott CR1, it’s been our bike of choice for a year now, so we want to have a good look and a ride of the Scott Addict, hopefully soon.

OK, yes you can clamp your frame, but I wouldn’t. You have to try very hard to damage your carbon frame, but if you are clamping it on a roof rack the carbon tube will vibrate against the clamp and maybe damage the carbon weave, if this happens; that’s bye bye to your Scott CR1. My suggestion is to either carry the bike in comfort inside the car or use a roof rack that you have to remove the front wheel and the front forks are clamped in just like a front hub, so not putting any more strain on the frame than normal riding, well depending on how fast you drive.

If you are going to use a trunk type rack then make sure the bike is well tied down so that it doesn’t move around and bump into anything, like the car or other bikes on the rack. Make sure the frame tubes are not touching anything, like the pedals of another bike etc. a good idea would be to put foam protection on the frame tubes and tape it in place.

When you put you bike on the work stand its better to clamp it by the seat pin, much safer and there is no chance of damaging the frame and it’s just as easy to work on the bike.

Enjoy your cycling, Adam.

Scott CR1