Can I trust this AliExpress bike rack???

[@Boopop1024]

Yay for estate cars, wish more people would stick with them for family cars rather than SUVs.

[@hertzvanrental2024]

Station wagons are awesome. So much room . I just chuck my bike inside the car

[@nugginusslover476]

Luke, now you are even covering bike racks to avoid the inevitable mtb build 😄

[@not-a-raccoon]

We all know it's just a matter of time. He's dipped his toe into the pond 😏

[@nrgpup77]

Absolutely need to see it happen, even if you're mostly roadie. They make legit air forks for $120-130 now

[@KerryJapan1]

I own this unit and just drove from Tokyo to Osaka this weekend. That’s 600km at 125kph. I bought the 4 suction cup (2 bike) version. The unit worked superb both ways (1200 km). Fantastic product. Another benefit to this unit is that it rides on top of the car where the air is cleaner. The rear carriers tend to make the bikes filthy with road muck.

[@yehnahthx]

If it wasn't Rockbros, I would have been way more sceptical. I have some of their bags and they are great quality

[@BlueScreenOfDeathPL]

Rockbros products are up to 2x more expensive than the cheapest aliexpress brands, so it’s one of the more reputable/tested ones.

[@mphillips24]

Was going to say the exact same.

[@xXSgtJackXx]

Here in Brazil, 95% of aliexpress products are from Aliexpress because their quality is comparable with "premium" brands from here while being 1/3 of the price

[@not-a-raccoon]

I had a rockbros bag too and it was fantastic. Only bag I found that didn't rattle and flop

[@BlueScreenOfDeathPL]

@@xXSgtJackXx Plenty of „brands” just re-brand aliexpress stuff. I have seen glasses identical to aliexpress ones sold in the EU for 5x the price. As long as my life doesn’t depend on something, aliexpress is a viable option.

[@lukesanders768]

I love the fact that you not only do the things that scare most people, trying new bike stuff, but also care about presentation, camera angle and all that.

[@chris1275cc]

Had one of these for a while, never had any issues, couple of tips to improve/makes things easier: 1, Install the bike on the front rack while on the ground (with the protective covers on the cups), raise the front, flick the covers off and lift the whole thing on the roof in one go, so much easier than faffing with the axle on the car*. 2, Get a second rear cup, some pipe lagging and a few straps. Fit the second cup about 4 inches away from the NDS of the bike, put the front wheel in it and strap it to the rear wheel with the pipe lagging on the seat-stay (if you feel you need it). 3, Put a spray bottle of mild soapy water, a MF cloth, and a 6 mm Allen Key in your car and leave them there (like me, you will probably want a 2.5 mm Allen for those silly end caps the Trifox frames have on the axles too). 4, Get one of those disc pad insert things that keep the pads apart and attach it to the front rack with a shoelace or something. *Not an issue for you, but for the vertically challenged (Short Arses) like me, one of those steps that hooks onto the door lock of your car is a real game changer for dealing with roof racks.

[@antonia4722]

A tad of water under the cups helps with creating a seal. Nice one Luke!

[@elhior23]

I doubt that I could ever trust any of my bikes to suction cups. Ali-express or no.

[@MrThejunkman]

At my job we lift and carry around 100+ pound pieces of glass with suction cups. I’d trust them to hold a bike and stay in place, but you can get a pretty good hitch rack for $190 and it’ll last years

[@acedotcom]

im waiting for him to build an ebike

[@elhior23]

@@MrThejunkman I know they work. I have seen people like yourself at work. Just things flying off the roof of my car that are worth more then my car is a phobia of mine.

[@MrThejunkman]

@@elhior23 Oh I completely understand that, I still get kind of nervous with my hitch trailer and it’s rated for 150 pounds 😅

[@AverageReviewsYT]

I’d also be worried about people messing with the suction cups.

[@Glebaka]

Drove with this bike rack 1k km at once, no problems at all, had bumpy roads, cold night, all cups held vacuum perfectly. But after 1 year one cup died, it began to leak, orderd replacement from ali. So i'm pretty pleased with it. And actually the bike will hold perfectly even with 1 cup attached, not like u gona drive like that, but it can😅

[@TheRealMaxDrax]

The Treefrog version I have came with a oil tube to service the seals. It has instructions on how to do that as well

[@Glebaka]

@@TheRealMaxDrax i tried everything i could, it didnt hold vacuum anyway(

[@eesar4032]

ive used this for 2 years, regular 100 mile trips had zero problems, fast motorway driving, full send on bumpy B roads, no problem. make sure to get the silicone grease in the mechanism every few months though

[@bobareturned]

They work just fine. I took my 29er MTB on a 3500 mile cross country tour at speeds of 80 miles per hour. Just need check/pump every stop

[@firesurfer]

At work we used professional glass suction cups and check them often. I would not trust them on top of a car. There is too much to go wrong at a moments notice. I prefer straps and hard mounts for the roof of my car.

[@chriswatson2407]

I am not joking - you have the best and most relevant advertising. Thanks.

[@travr6]

I used this on my car without issue but never felt confident. I finally installed a roof rack with a skewer on the front but still use the suction cup on the rear. I always clean the roof and cup before mounting though.

[@travispyle2905]

So happy the bonus clip time wasn't the product failing... When you started playing the bonus clip time I had a sense of dread.

[@looeee]

Rockbros make some excellent bike lights too

[@joshdennison5335]

I have a double bike rockbros rack, done thousands of miles and it’s never had any issues, brill bits of kit!

[@dbenzhuser]

I have used these exact suction cups on a few occasions. They are very convenient when used with car sharing as they fit in a backpack and I can ride my bike to get the car. I do pack a cloth and glass cleaner as well. Lot's of anxiety however, especially during the first few turns ...

[@daniell6317]

I baught a set from Amazon to drive from the Oregon Coast to Vegas for an electric car I had. 200 miles into the drive one of the buttons on the suction started failing. It came with a button spare, so I changed it. It held until a few miles before I got to my destination, thankfully it was the rear suction. I sent it back.

[@helidude3502]

Things to consider…….. This is doing a task that the vehicle components were not designed to do. Paint was not designed to carry cargo. On a painted surface, you are attaching to the paint, not the structure it’s painted on. Many vehicles have defective paint that simply peels off. Windows were not designed to carry cargo, yet you are now applying a 4foot, 40 pound lever to it. Most are designed to shatter into gravel sized pieces when broken. Other bike racks have multiple methods of attachment. So if a bolt, strap, weld, or clamp fails, there will likely be another capable of keeping the bike attached to the vehicle even if cosmetic damage occurs. If one of these fails, whether it’s the device or the paint/window, the bicycle will depart. Someone riding a motorcycle may not appreciate or survive a bicycle to the face at highway speeds. These types of racks have logged countless miles as attested by how many I’ve seen different places. There are definitely other hazards on the roadway more concerning than these. I like that someone has come up with something simple that isn’t vehicle specific and easy to use. But it’s not for me.

[@kendemij]

Have the 3 bike Version (5 suction cups) for like 5 years. Still works perfectly. Sometimes it makers à loud wobbely noice, but thats just my roof being old and metal. It works best on a glass roof

[@figjamuk]

I have the double one and it's been an absolute joy to use. Using it on a pained (not glass) roof. Had a couple of times where the white has appeared but as Luke said it's due to not cleaning the cups and roof before installing.

[@doncrescas]

A glass roof is ideal for these. Much harder to get a smooth surface on old paint. I would recommend cleaning with a clay bar to remove grit from the clear coat before trying to use these.

[@mattybutler2455]

I have used the 3 bike version for 2 XL mountain bikes for a good 2-3 years. Yes initially one pad failed, but they replaced it, and gave it hasn't failed or had issues since. We've covered thousands and thousands of miles with it, and I have full confidence in it.

[@stephencooper7383]

I’ve used one of these since 2017, & it’s been great, granted I only use it about 4 times a year. Every now & again one of the suction cups comes undone, but I always drive steady with my bike on the roof & never had an issue with 2 suction cups keeping the bike on the roof, but it’s not very often one stops working.

[@simonwillgress]

Been using this but with the 4 cups on the front for 5 years. Never failed me and done many 200mile drives with it. Just make sure you clean the roof with quick detail and microfibre first. I also leave the roof a little damp to get the best suction.

[@oheso]

I have a few Rockbros items that I bought via Amazon. Overall impression is: they do the job, but fit and finish may not always be spot on. Winter gloves: do the job, but the fingers are a bit stubby. UV sleeves: no complaints, use them whenever it's warm and sunny. Shoe covers: a bit bulky, but again, they do the job.

[@endianAphones]

I've been using one for years, I'm not sure of the brand, maybe rockbros, did thousands of kms on different cars, with different bicycles, and never had any issue. I've got the version for 2 bikes, so maybe that gives you additional safety, specifically when you're carrying just 1 bike.

[@echtogammut]

I think I'll order the two bike version. Rockbros has a good reputation for quality stuff, so I'm not as hesitant to put my bike on these as I would be from another brand. It's a royal pain to mount the Thule rack on the Audi, which I will still do for the kayaks and heavier stuff, but since the rack takes so long to mount, I tend to squeeze both bikes in the back, rather than mount the rack. Now I can get that 'super car' suction cup bike mount shot on the RS5 for the forums. :)

[@michaelcarey1496]

I have the 2 bike version of this and have used it for 1000’s of miles and several years transporting mtbs around, never had an issue, would recommend

[@THECONTROVERSIALCYCLIST]

Trace peugeot make great and completely underrated cars. Love the panoramic roof as well.. Keep up the great work👍👍👍👍

[@chris1275cc]

They used to make great and completely underrated bikes too. Best car I ever owned was a Peugeot 206 SW (Estate version), ran that thing into the ground, when the scrap guys came for it, I actually got a little choked up.

[@THECONTROVERSIALCYCLIST]

@@chris1275cc Awesome car the 206 SW.. It was like a small van with seats folded down, the diesel engines are nippy enough and have great fuel economy.. I regret selling mine.. I found the 206 SW to be way better than 307 SW to own and run... Peugeot lovers it's time to unite.. They still make funky cycles to.. Scooter may be not so much

[@richardthegreat]

Had one of these for my carbon fibre track bike, the fact I could attach it to the car and rock the car side to side gave me confidence! Well made and worked well!

[@the6ig6adwolf]

What kind of track bike?

[@richardthegreat]

@@the6ig6adwolf Fuji Track Elite in XL size

[@the6ig6adwolf]

@@richardthegreat 👌

[@mrmatthewking]

Nice. I did a similar suction rack to a Seasucker Hornet to put my MTB on the rear hatch of my Golf. Used some T-handle cups from Amazon and the bike just hooks into them, much easier than lifting it onto the roof, no need to take the front wheel off, and more aero as it’s mostly behind the car. Plus not so tall and risking overhead collisions.

[@balintlaki975]

You can also 3D print an adapter for through axle. Instead drilling the holes.

[@SyLens1]

I have the 2 bike version for a while now and they are perfectly fine for riding to race events every weekend even during a big wind storm. However if the drive is over 2 hours i tend to stop to check and repump all cups just to be sure

[@popejbryant]

For a little more piece of mind, after the buttons stop showing white, keep pulling them out then push them back in for increased suction.

[@Alex-to8es]

The main issue with this is the cost in fuel efficiency, someone did some calculations years ago that it was cheaper to priority ship a bike from London to Edinburgh than it was to drive it at motorway speeds due to how much drag it caused. It would be interesting to know what change you got in MPG.

[@homersadiarin9299]

I actually prefer the way you present in the previous videos. It's like presenting a documentary when you're sitting down. It gives us a better view of the studio/work shop as well when you're standing. Those 6 Spoke Elite Wheels are lovely btw. I can't risk using Carbon Wheels. I run through potholes most of the time due to bad eyesight.

I have this kind of rack for 2 bikes from company treefrograks. For 5years now going strong. Diffrence is the front plate isnt metal but some composite material and it flex litbit to the curveture of my car roof. - The mount is litlebit wider with 4 cups

[@jhvanderstighelen]

Those suction cups look identical to those on my Treefrog roof rails and wheel holder. Assuming they are the same, O rings on the plungers need to be maintained with silicon grease, particularly if left for a long time (pull the plunger out ). When on, VERY strong. The only bit I was concerned about when I first got them is that u just remove them with your nail! Treefrog was £500+ , probably made in same factory! Seems like a bargain!

[@Chungleas]

I have a similar 4 cup/2 bike version it's ok as it removes roof rack faff, but you do need to faff with cleaning the glass/roof, I tend to fit it earlier and leave it to see if a leak develops. I've recently knocked up a halfway solution for longer journeys and more security a bolt on front roof bar (only 2 hex bolts to do) with a couple of those axle mounts and re-using the rear suction cup just to hold the back wheel. The ease with which someone could basically just peel my bike off the roof at a motorway services just made me nervous, plus you can loop a cable lock through a bar and the frame for a little more security. For a direct journey somewhere without planned stops, maybe an hour away, suction cups FTW though.

[@johnnelson2658]

I actually have the SeaSuckers 3 bike version and really like it. I normally have it suctioned to the back window of our SUV. Besides the price of the Rockbros I can see an advantage in the slimmer metal plate. Mine has a polycarbonate base that is thinker and takes some force to put it on a curved surface.

[@davidgarza2267]

I used a seasucker for a bit. Not sure how hot it gets in your area, but beware leaving it on in high temps. Left it on my car on a super hot day and the cups would not hold their seal after that.

[@plainlyeclectic]

Very nice. I've been using this rack for a couple years now. I have the 2-bike rack and 3d printed some thru axle adapters

[@user-tk5ru4hi9g]

Bluetooth pressure sensor with notifications can be cheap but good improvement for such device.

[@oplkfdhgk]

when i heard the brand i knew it was probably good. i been buying alot of stuff from that brand and i have had no issues.

[@KamikazeCommie501]

Flailing Luke is the Luke we've all come to know and love. You're an energetic and expressive guy, it's weird seeing you sitting down

[@andrewnickischer6895]

I agree

[@davidclayton1803]

This angle allows for better moustache appreciation. 🥖 🥖

[@sidskofa]

cheers for this trace velo remortgaged the gaff for a new sl8, put this bike rack on my car it flew straight off. Wifes left and am now homeless. This is all your fault LUKE and the kids are hungry!!

[@Chriswales]

So glad I didn't buy one of these last month. They'd never stick to my 21 year old car with its peeling clear coat 😂 Great idea though, the only concern is the lack of a lock. Meaning you can never leave the car unattended. As you shown the pads can be lifted off in seconds.

[@jorishurk1273]

cool product, but would have been nice if there was some sort of audible signal to notify a broken seal, like a rubber ball on a string or something that will knock on the roof.

[@LawrenceSeetoh]

Thank you Luke, this is a very useful; review! Now I know what to consider, if I ever get around to getting a car.

[@GravelRacer1]

I buy all kinds of bike stuff off Aliexpress. Carbon aero bars, carbon stems, carbon wheels, 3d printed sadle, computer mount, shimano chains, and aero socks. No issues with anything i purchased.

[@stevegeek]

I gave up using bike racks years ago. I simply put back seats down, remove wheel and lay bike inside the car. Much safer. I can get bike in the back of small Skoda Citigo, no problem.

[@dotadojardiner8893]

Rockbros make pretty decent stuff on the more budget side of things. And £110 for essentially 4 suction cups is still quite pricey to me.

[@SteveKimbo]

I've looked at these before. My MTB is so long it barely fits on the roof rack. It's mad to think all that's holding the bike on the roof is the weight of the atmosphere. Great video as always Luke! 🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥐

[@matteo.ceriotti]

BTW, many of the team cars in the peloton use suction cups to hold racks with 10+ bikes on it!

[@alenkovacic7913]

Have the same rack for the past 2 years with zero problems... It's interesting, my rack came already out of the box ready, everything boltet together, minus the micro cloth.

[@jhoff80]

Coincidentally, drove 500 miles at 85mph max speed over the course of this weekend using one of the name brand varieties of this for the first time ever. Admittedly scared shitless for the first 30 miles or so, but once I started to trust it, I had no problems at all.

[@Kim_Miller]

Hi Luke, I've just watched China Cycling's Shanghai bike show vid 4 and half way through there you are up on the screen in the background of one of the exhibitors. It's about the five minute mark. You must be getting famous in the industry in China.

[@florian4181]

The problem with suction cups... A little bit mud or anything between it or to less suction and it can fail. It's not my choice of transporting a bike.

[@user-pt1yu9bp8h]

The pedals should be on a 3, 9 o'clock position to improve aero dynamics 😁. Great review, thank you.

[@singechamberlain2967]

Great video. Nice product, but I just don’t need the additional stress of worrying it will come off. Better than bones though! Nice tash as well.

[@Deckzwabber]

Thanks for testing. If seen these and similar ones for skis. I've been curious about their solidity. But the thing is, 100 pounds will get you a name brand rack in very good condition if you buy it used.

[@joshuaanothereraseddad]

Wait, driving on the wrong side, but reading the speed in the correct format? I'm confused haha! Nah, j/k, thanks for the video captain. On with the MTB build already. :)

[@ravidu621]

For me, best, easy and fast for bike transport is rear ball bike stand.

[@ahrian69]

what if you havent got a rear ball?

[@glennoc8585]

Gets some nice roof racks from Thule etc then the bike fitment kit. Alternatively get a tow bar rack

[@Knitterfest]

Did you know those spanners (@ 2:00) are angled 15 degrees so you can tighten/loosen bolts in tight places a few mm at a time? Tighten it a bit, flip it 180°, tighten it a bit, flip it, etc

[@EMTBonsai]

Hambini was talking to the guy from elite in his eurobike 24 video I just watched he mentioned you trace velo then your videos popped back up in my feeds lol

[@Bu5t3R]

I have a hard time trusting a quality roof rack that is mounted to the factory crossbars. I definitely would have a hard time with suction cups. I’m sure the generic is fine but I’d never try it personally.

[@timcoggins1445]

I've been looking to push the button on these for a while but was always a bit concerned. Great video - I will do now!

[@bruuhhhh]

I think a panoramic glass roof is probably a must for this. The consequences of the cups failing is just too high to not be able to check them imo

[@BostilCensurado]

There are suction cups like these on construction stores for 1/5 of this aliexpress price, could easily diy one for a bycicle

[@suhdud4646]

Ive picked up the Drive Helixs 68D's and they are a banger wheel set.

[@eberger02]

I have the Seasucker ones from ages ago. Do you know if the suction cups are interchangeable because getting replacements was a PITA. Over years they begin to fail. The grease in the little pump things can dry out but you just need a bit of silicon grease after you pull them apart. I started off as careful as you when I started but over time got more chilled. The only weakness I found is that it’s very easy to steal the bike and all the cups. There are these window lock things but I don’t really trust them. Always kept by bike near the front door when I went to the services. The ones I have include a lock but predate thru-axels so guess yours locks on that way instead. Next time you’re in a pound shop pick up some silicon grease for if the pumps ever start playing up.

[@cyb96]

Love the new angle

[@afewspokesloose2699]

I used one of these and I trust them, however they're made to be installed when needed. I wanted to leave mine on and it required constant attention to the suction cups. I ended up losing one.

[@simple.visuals]

it's good to be skeptical. but i have these ones for years and it never failed on me while driving 90-120 kph

[@cosmostrek2001]

i would never take the chance that the suction might break the glass roof. the use for those suction cups is to carry large pieces of glass. the other use is to rob large jewelry and paints from museums.

[@bluej511]

Very cool, would love to see this tested on paint as well instead of a glass roof, but looks pretty solid. These are the same suction cups (at least the design) thats used on rolling shots in automotive photography fyi :).

[@neildaniel8232]

They originated in the glass industry, perfect for carrying sheets and lightly curved sections. Windscreen fitters use them and I've seen larger ones used to carry door-sized panes up to higher floors on building sites!

[@emperorgsx]

I got my seasucker rack second hand it works great🔥🔥

[@yspegel]

Not going to need one but I sure would go for one with at least 4 cups, just that bit extra security

[@romanivchenko7706]

'Real' review as always) as an owner of 308 sw with panoramic roof it's double win to see how it performs :D

[@ephrainb]

Maybe on a short drive and clear weather day. I wonder how much they would start to slide if you hit a rainstorm??

[@EMTBonsai]

I got magicshine lights after seeing your video a while back and bought the new Seemee 300 rear light! I'm looking at their rear HD camera and rear light conbo just now to see if any good! They were showing the Evo 1700 at Eurobike 24 this week

[@markmarlatt1105]

Ive had really good luck with Rockbros stuff! Always good prices for a decent quality

[@isaacchan1794]

There is an electronic version of this where they can keep sucking air out while driving, dunno if it works but looking to get this to try.

[@benverschaeren6467]

Thanks for the review, I almost bought these but could find nothing on them except a few reddit posts.

[@PeterSmithCA]

Love a behind the scenes video sometime on what camera and editing tools you use.

[@dreamindistortion]

I would never trust them but maybe a sensor that beeps to a fob or phone if there's a problem.

[@magnetron2.049]

07:00 casually rocking the stash on the beach

[@sammat1267]

I am pro full range of motion fyi. I like the energy

[@shamendra.sakthivel]

I feel the standing up and waving the hands all over the place is more personable and less robotic like many other channels are.

[@shambles9]

keep flailing your arms!!! 🥖🥖🥖🥐🥐🥐

[@sxsignal]

great review, and looking forward to your new wheels and LTwoo review

[@paulmorrison30]

Excellent video and review 👌🏾but it’s Thule all the way for me 🙏🏾

[@steveindorset]

Great review Luke. 😎👍🏻 But dude what’s with the Squirrel’s tail under your nose?? You look like one of the characters out of “Life on Mars”!!😁

[@Elinzar]

you guys waiting for the inevitable Aliexpress Mountain Bike build, im instead waiting for the inevitable Aliexpress Ebike build :v

[@flaksirus]

Yeah, great im glad i have sticked with thule

[@StayZero556]

My bike is around 30 pounds so I wouldn’t want to muscle it up on my car’s roof anyway, but I couldn’t bring myself to trust it with suction cups.

[@jacklo325]

The issues, what's going to happen a couple years from now? After the suction cups have been through hot sun, cold winter? Probably dries, stiffened up. And are there replacement suction cups available? Will rockbros be supporting parts a decade or more?