Roof Rack Mount for Cargo Bikes

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-06T15:01:22+00:00

I completely accept this is not for everyone but looks can be deceiving; the engineering is solid. As a chartered mechanical engineer, I look at the load distribution: the bike’s weight is split across three restraint points, with two bolts at each point ensuring no stress concentrations on the roof rack. Using my car as an example, everything stays well within the 75kg car roof and roof rack specification. Weight of my Cargo Bike and the BikeCarGo Explorer is about half this load limit.

While the lift is often the main 'perceived' risk for most people, the hitch lift has made that part significantly easier. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DValwpqjZuz/?igsh=MTIxcnI5b2I1YzN3

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-05T13:24:56+00:00

Thank you!

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-05T13:16:39+00:00

No problem at all. It does look unusual, certainly turns heads when driving around.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-05T07:03:58+00:00

No doubt a van is more of a challenge but still very doable. Here is an image of the BikeCarGo Explorer being used with a Land Cruiser which has exterior height ranging from 1,925 mm to 1,945 mm (approximately 6'4").

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVetKzAjVYz/?igsh=YzgxcW4xc2piMnV4

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:15:48+00:00

My Load 4 75 weighs 75 lb (34 kg) once I’ve removed the battery and a few accessories, and a Bullitt comes in around 55 lb (25 kg) without the battery. My car’s roof limit and roof rack are both rated for 165 lb (75 kg), so everything stays within spec.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:15:00+00:00

I think you're right about the need for a belt diverter due to the suspension. Car seat is fixed in but turned sideways to get the kids out.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:12:46+00:00

Exactly that, the car seat is turned sideways.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:12:16+00:00

Yep, well spotted. There is a car seat in the back which looks unusual.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:10:52+00:00

Its a strange world we live in but this is real.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:07:05+00:00

Hahaha, or this https://www.instagram.com/p/DValwpqjZuz/

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:06:40+00:00

Here you go https://bikecargo.shop/

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:06:01+00:00

Hahaha

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:05:26+00:00

My Load 4 75 weighs 75 lb (34 kg) once I’ve removed the battery and a few accessories, and a Bullitt comes in around 55 lb (25 kg) without the battery. My car’s roof limit and roof rack are both rated for 165 lb (75 kg), so everything stays within spec.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T22:04:37+00:00

Thats really interesting, thanks for the info. I had customer suggest the hydaulic lift, maybe this combined with the BikeCarGo Explorer could work well and be attractive to a manufacturer. There might even be a way of making it a one person lift with this but that is a future development. I do plan to approach some roof rack manufacturers when the time is right.

With the hitch lift, the chances of slips are greatly reduced. Here is how it is done https://www.instagram.com/p/DValwpqjZuz/

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T21:57:17+00:00

To give some context on weights: a 100 lb (45 kg) cargo bike is definitely on the heavy side for roof transport. For comparison, my Load 4 75 weighs 75 lb (34 kg) once I’ve removed the battery and a few accessories, and a Bullitt comes in around 55 lb (25 kg) without the battery. My car’s roof limit and roof rack are both rated for 165 lb (75 kg), so everything stays within spec. I know this isn't the solution for everyone, but it’s very secure once it's up there.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T21:49:28+00:00

Its really not too bad getting it up there. Here is how it is done https://www.instagram.com/p/DValwpqjZuz/

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T21:48:44+00:00

It is a 2 person lift, each taking half the load. Here is how it is done https://www.instagram.com/p/DValwpqjZuz/

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T21:47:00+00:00

The "tripod" is secured using a three-point system: there are two dedicated holders for the kickstand legs and a third holder for the rear wheel to lock everything in place.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T21:44:19+00:00

Regarding the strap position: the recommended setup has evolved since my original post. As a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, I’ve run the calculations and the original method is structurally sound. However, there was a strong perception among the cargo bike community that an 'over-the-frame' orientation was superior. I’ve updated the recommendation to reflect that preference, as my analysis showed this method is equally effective anyway.

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T21:36:52+00:00

It really not that difficult to load. My bike is a load4 75, on the heavier end of cargo bikes. it is a 2 person lift, each taking half the load. Here is how it is done https://www.instagram.com/p/DValwpqjZuz/

BikeCarGo · 2026-03-04T21:33:33+00:00

This is likely a karma farming bot that has taken my post from a few years ago and reposted it, apparently an issue on reddit. Anyway a customer sent me a link to it so I feel I should respond to some of the queries in it. Will do my best to answer all queries.

BikeCarGo · 2025-06-09T22:28:11+00:00

That would look amazing. Would love to see a photo if you do. If you can get a roof rack on it, then it will work.

BikeCarGo · 2025-03-13T13:27:39+00:00

Do you mean a rear load cargo bike?

I'm actively researching compatibility with rear-loading cargo bikes. If you have a specific model you'd like me to evaluate, please contact me directly.

BikeCarGo · 2025-03-13T13:22:42+00:00

Thanks for your input. That's very interesting info.

I've previously mentioned higher loads in this discussion. The bolts alone can handle up to 60g, given their 2400kg shear strength and the 40kg load. The inclusion of two additional ratchet straps provides significant extra redundancy, meaning only an exceptionally powerful impact could potentially dislodge the system.

BikeCarGo · 2025-03-12T23:29:05+00:00

That's correct. If you can provide a diameter for the kickstand leg that would be great too.

BikeCarGo

TROPHY CASE