I'm considering the purchase of a Thule rack system for my Acura TL. The bike mount I'm specifically interested in is the "Sidearm". I'm wondering if anyone has this mount, and if so, can you explain how it secures the bike to the rack? I don't want to have someone walk away with the bike while it's on the rack. It looks like it secures the front wheel well enough, but looks like someone could pop the quick release on the wheel and pull the bike up and off the rack fairly easily. I've also sent an e-mail to Thule customer support with no response so far. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm considering the purchase of a Thule rack system for my Acura TL. The bike mount I'm specifically interested in is the "Sidearm". I'm wondering if anyone has this mount, and if so, can you explain how it secures the bike to the rack?
Fantastic rack, I just bought two to replace my old ones that clamped onto the frame from underneath the downtube. The front bar clamps down over the wheel holding it very securely on the roof. The rear wheel is held on by a strap. If you have ever locked your bike on the front of a bus, it is the same type of system.
You can buy a locking system so that a thief can't raise the clamp bar, but they could just pop your front wheel off and get your bike that way. If you're worried about security, I would spend the extra money on a cable lock or something. There isn't really a great way to secure a bike on a roof though -- the theif can always steal or cut through the entire rack. Fortunately, not an issue where I live.
