SeaSucker bike racks are unique bike racks that help to hold your bike in place. They are not like the conventional bike racks you’re already used to. But they do make a lot of difference and come in handy.
As with anything different, you may have some concerns about the effectiveness of this type of bike rack. You may also want to know if they do fail.
To help offer our readers an objective review, we got a SeaSucker bike rack to test things for ourselves.
In this article, we shall be covering everything, or at least most of the questions and concerns you may have regarding the SeaSucker bike rack.
But first, let’s find out the whole idea behind it.
What is SeaSucker Bike Rack?
You’ve heard of suction cups and how they can hold down strong items, right?
But have you seen one meant for bikes?
That’s exactly what SeaSucker bike racks are.
The first time I saw a SeaSucker bike rack I was like, “what in the world is that? There’s no way I’m going to trust my bike with that thing.”
But out of curiosity, I made up my mind to try one to get a first-hand experience and how it works.
SeaSucker bike racks are made with strong suction/vacuum cups that are meant to stick to your car and hold your bike in place. SeaSucker is one of the best brand for suction cup bike racks.
They serve the same purpose as roof bike racks or rear-mounted bike racks. Just that they are easier to attach and remove than other bike racks.
The SeaSucker comes with three suckers that are connected to a bracket. The bracket is very sturdy and made from high-density polyethylene.
Check top 3 SeaSucker bike racks details on Amazon from below table:
  |   |   |
| SeaSucker Talon | SeaSucker Bomber | SeaSucker Mini Bomber |
| For 1 Bike | For 3 Bikes | For 2 Bikes |
| Price on Amazon | Price on Amazon | Price on Amazon |
Do Seasucker Bike Racks Work?
I didn’t just want to read about how great or bad this rack is.
I gave it a test with my friend and now, I can confidently tell you that it works.
Mere sighting the rack can leave onewith a double mind. But after I attached it to my roof with my bike attached, I took it for a one-hour ride.
Not only did my bike stay in place, I never had issues with the suction losing its strength.
All I did was press down the seal very hard. I then pumped the plunger several times to make sure I got rid of all the air.
Once I did that, the vacuum stuck to my roof and stayed in place.
Are SeaSucker Bike Racks Prone to Failure?
SeaSucker bike racks are made to withstand pressure.
However, if you fail to follow the instructions from the manufacturer on how to use it, you may not get it right.
Just like when you buy a car, you are supposed to check that everything is in order before driving it. Even if it is a Lamborghini, if there is no gas in the car, it will not move.
The same thing applies to using a SeaSucker bike rack. You need to abide by the instruction to get it to work effectively.
For instance, the manufacturer says the SeaSucker can only hold up to 45lbs weight. It means that if you place a bike that is heavier than that, it might not be able to hold it.
With SeaSucker bike racks, you are to remove the front wheel of your bike before mounting your bike on it. If you try to use it just like the roof bike rack, it will fail. Except you go for an upgrade from SeaSucker that allows you to add a wheel carrier for both wheels of the bike.
Another thing, SeaSucker says you should not drive above 75mph when using the rack. Driving above that speed might not be a good idea.
To wrap it up, failure to follow the simple instructions contained in the SeaSucker manual can have an adverse effect.
Common Issues with SeaSucker Bike Racks
There are some issues we noticed when we made use of the SeaSucker. One of them is that after we got back from the one-hour trip we took the rack for testing, we discovered that the bike’s crank had been running free and scratching our car paint. I think this is an oversight from the manufacturer as there was no warning regarding this issue in the manual.
People have reported that they damaged their car when mounting or dismounting the bike on the SeaSucker. We did not experience this, but it’s something to look out for.
The SeaSucker rubber suction cups are very sensitive and need their edges to be protected. You also have to cover them when not in use. Just a tiny nick at the edge of one of my cups rendered that suction cup useless. Thankfully, we replaced it and had the rack working great again.
Although the SeaSucker bike rack has strong suction and hold, you may experience a failure when driving on bad roads. The bumps and potholes can loosen the suction and your bike might fall off. The good thing is that this rarely happens, but you should bear this in mind and drive with caution when on bad roads.
Are SeaSucker Bike Racks Safe?
Yes, they are relatively safe to use. They work just like any other bike rack and have had good reviews so far.
Our first impression of the SeaSucker bike rack was that we cannot trust the rack, but after test-running it, we were convinced that it is safe.
Just make sure to abide by the instructions on how to safely attach, mount and dismount the SeaSucker and your bike.
How to Avoid SeaSucker Bike Rack Failure – Tips
- First, check and double-check that the suctions of the SeaSucker are well attached before mounting your bike. Install car bike rack carefully is mandatory for all bike racks.
- Avoid placing your SeaSucker bike rack on surfaces that are not smooth or have curves.
- Another tip is to drive at a reasonable speed when on the highway. And by all means, avoid potholes and be careful when going over bumps. Always keep in mind that you have bikes on your car roof top.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my SeaSucker hold?
There is nowhere SeaSucker said how long the suction will hold. We have tested ours over a one-hour and 2 and half hours ride and did not have any issue with the suction. Others may use it for longer or shorter. Just make sure to check the suction power from time to time to be on the safe side.
How fast can you drive with SeaSucker?
SeaSucker recommends that you do not go above 75mph when using the bike rack. From personal experience, we have driven at 130mph and had no issues with it. However, you should stick to the recommended speed limit to play it safe.
Will the sun damage my SeaSucker?
No, the SeaSucker bike rack is made with weather-resistant UV suctions that can withstand the sun. This, however, does not mean that the SeaSucker will last forever. Overtime, you may need to replace the suctions or get a new one entirely.
Is it okay to use my SeaSucker rack in cold temperatures?
Sure, we have used it in cold, rainy, and windy weather and had no issues with it.
Should I take my SeaSucker off when I’m not using it?
You are safer taking it off when not in use. It is easy to install and remove and light to carry. So yes, you should take it off.
Can you lock a SeaSucker bike rack?
Yes, you can lock your SeaSucker bike rack with security anchors that you can get from SeaSucker ompany. With the security anchor, you can shut it in the door joint or boot while your bike is secured on the rack on the roof. Never leave your bike unsecured on the rack.
Conclusion
SeaSucker bike racks are safe, easy and quick to use. They offer a great option for bikers that don’t have a roof bike rack or rear mounted racks.
They do come in handy but they are not cheap. It’s important that you check and double-check the rack before using it – even if you just made use of it a day before.
If you are looking to try something new, you can give SeaSucker bike racks a try. If not for anything, they do make your bike look good on the roof of your car.
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