What's are the advantages of using the Cyclegrip?

The Cyclegrip frees up cockpit space. Bikes are no longer an obstruction to be walked around.

The Cyclegrip prevents boat damage. Bicycle components, shift hardware, and grease can easily damage your boat. The Cyclegrip® is designed to carry your bikes above and away from your fiberglass and vinyl.

The Cyclegrip allows you to bring your own full size bikes. No need to rent bikes, or use smaller folding bikes, that give poorer performance and ride.

Must my boat have a rail to use the Cyclegrip?

Yes.

What height must the rail be to attach a Cyclegrip? What is the minimum length of rail needed?

The rail may be 24" to 62" high, and as little as 12" in length.

What if the transom is angled away from the swim platform?

The transom rail should not be set back more than 16" from the base of the transom (where the transom meets the swim platform).

If I don't have a rail, can I install one?

Yes. Low profile, stainless steel grab handles are often sold at your local marine store and provide the perfect short rail. Make sure, however, that the rail is through-bolted and has backing plates for strength.

What fastens the Cyclegrip to the boat's rail?

Three extra heavy-duty fasteners called Lockblock®s. The Lockblock fasteners are MADE SPECIFICALLY for the Cyclegrip using polypropylene-Velcro straps to withstand salt, water, and sun exposure.

How do the Lockblocks work?

The center of the Lockblock is a gentle rubber "saddle". One side of the saddle receives the "U"-shaped handle from the Cyclegrip and the opposite side receives the boat's rail. A strap passes through the rubber saddle and goes around both rails to securely attach the Cyclegrip to the boat.

Are the Lockblocks really strong enough to hold the Cyclegrip to the boat?

Yes. Lockblocks have been tested to hold 200 lbs EACH when installed properly. Three Lockblocks are supplied to provide an extra margin of safety to hold the Cyclegrip (and its bikes) under extreme conditions.

Is the Cyclegrip gentle on my rail?

Yes. The center of the Lockblock is a soft rubber that prevents any metal on metal rail contact.

Where can I use the Cyclegrip?

The Cyclegrip is most often mounted on the stern platform and attached to the transom rail. It may also be used by turning the unit around 180 degrees, and facing it inward on deck, or elevated on a flybridge. The Cyclegrip is not designed to be used around the bow and gunwale rails.

What does the base of the Cyclegrip look like?

The base is shaped like an "H" with an additional tube (36" long) welded at the bottom.

Where does the base of the Cyclegrip rest?

On a swim platform, the Cyclegrip's base should be adjusted to come in at an angle to rest where the transom meets the deck. On a flybridge, the Cyclegrip's base may be adjusted so that the supports are more perpendicular to the deck.

Is the base attached to the boat?

No. The base is not fastened to the boat to provide a more stable ride for the bikes.

Is there any movement of the bikes on the Cyclegrip while underway?

The weight of the bikes laying on the support arms creates a downward moment that CANCELS MOST MOVEMENT. As the boat pounds through the water, however, slight movement (or "hop") will happen by design. By engineering slight hop into the Cyclegrip, the motion of the bikes are followed closely. The result is a smoother ride for the bikes, and the most secure platform.

Will the base scratch my boat?

No. The base has a rubber foot at either end that cushions it against the boat deck.

What much weight will the Cyclegrip hold?

The Cyclegrip is rated to hold 3 standard adult bikes, or 90 lbs.

Will the Cyclegrip hold my motorbike, or dinghy?

No. The Cyclegrip was designed exclusively to carry bicycles.

How many bikes can the Cyclegrip hold?

Three bikes may be held; each bike is held by a pair of bike holders.

Can I add extra holders to carry a fourth bike?

No; the maximum load is for 3 bikes. (Boats with a wide beam may be able to use two Cyclegrips side-by-side to carry an additional three bikes.)

What keeps the bikes from falling off the Cyclegrip?

Rhodegear® bike holders secure the bikes to the Cyclegrip's support arms. The bike holders hold the main frame of the bicycle- the frame member between the seat post and the handle bars. Integral locking straps then latch the bike's frame to the holder. The bike holders are also adjustable to fit smaller bikes.

How do you adjust the Cyclegrip? Does it fold for storage?

The Cyclegrip is adjusted by loosening the knurled handles on each hub assembly. Once loosened, the hubs can rotate to adjust for the height of the boat rail, the angle of the base, and to level the support arms. The same adjustments allow the Cyclegrip to be folded flat for storage.

May the Cyclegrip be easily removed?

Yes. The Cyclegrip may be removed in seconds by unfastening the straps from the boat's railing.

What is the Cyclegrip made out of?

The frame is hardened 6061 T-6 aluminum; this grade of aluminum is used to meet the tough standards of the aerospace industry. The frame is fully welded by hand, then powder coated in bright white to provide a tough finish. Stainless steel hardware is used in assembly to prevent corrosion.

How do you prevent bikes from rusting around salt water?

This is easily prevented by keeping the bike's frame clean and using a protective lubricant, e.g. WD-40® or Trufoil®, to coat the bike's components.

Why are bike carriers for cars cheaper than the Cyclegrip?

Bike carriers for cars are made with low cost components. Most feature a painted steel frame that is assembled with chrome plated nuts and bolts; these materials rust quickly in a hot, salt water environment. Automotive bike carriers also have frames that are not welded, but bolted together. These assembled frames flex, loosen, and are built for much lower stresses than those encountered on a boat. In result, an assembled steel frame fails easily when subjected to the g-forces of a boat pounding (and turning) through the water. The Cyclegrip has a special, high-grade, fully-welded, aluminum frame. A welded frame is stronger, more rigid, and cannot loosen like a frame that is bolted together. The welded aluminum frame is also lighter, rust-free, and can withstand the stresses of a boat. Each welded Cyclegrip frame is powder coated with a beautiful, yet durable finish that protects it from scratches and corrosion. Finally, even the Cyclegrip's fasteners (used for the adjustment hardware) are stainless steel to prevent corrosion. These components cost more, but are perfect for a marine environment; a Cyclegrip will provide years of trouble-free service.

How long has the Cyclegrip been on the market?

The Cyclegrip has been on the market since 1996.

Where is the Cyclegrip made?

Cyclegrips are made right here in the U.S.A. Each is hand assembled, inspected, and tested before packaging.