Hey thanks for this video!, I’m uninitiated on MTB and looking for secure roof rack options, I got interested in these ones from Sea Sucker but got concerned if they’re prone to theft as they are easy to uninstall, any recommendations there?
As I mentioned in video, if I’m not using them I store them in the car. I usually tend to not leave the bike on roof. If I HAVE to I make sure I can always see the bike / car where ever I am. Ex: getting gas, grabbing a snack indoors etc.
One of my concerns is that it can cause scratches or superficial damage to paint easily. I have a Subaru which has really soft paint and I could only imagine how the clear coat is. How has the paintwork on your car since using this?
I detail the car every 4-5 months. Car gets washed every 1-2 weeks and dried with bead maker. The paint is still in great condition. I used the sea sucker on my hatchback before and nothing happened. It will cause scratches if you have dirt and drag it across the paint. That is why prep is a key factor when using this.
Hey bro, I have a last question for you. Usually on the morning I drive to work and I carry on my bike on a regular rack. As you can guess, bike is standing all day long on the outside... until I get out of work and go to mtb for a while... dont you think suckers will be damage for long exposure to the sun? which will cause bike to drop. This sea sucker looks amazing, but I am still not 100% confident about it.... no one wants to drop the bike on the highway.
I always check them before driving. It’s very easy to readjust or tighten them again. 30 seconds to 1 minute at the most. So far on all my drives, plus I’m 80+ heat they haven’t had any issues. Carbon bike and full aluminum bike. The key thing is a clean surface!
Windex can be used on anything, but yes a damp micro fiber can work well. Just make sure you are picking up all the dirt or stuff that can cause a loose connection.
Do you take the rack off after every ride / day? Like do you install it every day, or is it just on the car for the entire season? I see you take it off at the end, but do you every time?
Only failure was due to me not cleaning surface well and placing it on edge of glass where it meets roof so the suction didn’t sit well over the rubber surrounding the glass. Besides that, I love it.
Sup dude, by any chance have you noticed any small dents on the roof of your car since owning the sea sucker? I developed several on my car but i am not sure if it was from the sea sucker or something completely different.
I have not, I could see if your roof is weak and constantly popping in and out it could create dents. But I’ve never had that issue. Or my buddy who has one too.
@@catzbunn are there any security measures you’re aware of? For instance, I head into a restaurant for 45mins. Do I need to sit where I can see the bike? I am trying to compare with a permanent roof rack with locks vs the ease of use with SeaSucker…
I just got mine and put my mountain bike on my mustang, but the roof makes noises when turning or braking or on bumps , I’m guessing the roof is flexing. Do you think I should continue to use it on my mustang?
I have a sports car with no top door frame and I can’t find any other racks that would work. Would these hold for several hours? I would just use them for a surfboard or 2. (Obviously not the bike version)
What I am worried about with this system is if the sheet metal on the my roof isn't particularly thick, will it draw it up and create like a reverse dent of some kind. Don't know how better to explain what I mean. I know when I dry the top of my car I can cause it to bend inward a bit and get that metal bendy sound. Never left a bend in it though, just wondering what this would do.
Thoroughly wash, then clay bar your roof, then polish, then wax.... for best results. Windex (ammonia) is NOT the right product for the job. Especially on paint.
This car has a full detail. As well as a sealant. The windex does not affect it since it is buffed off right away. The hydrophobic effects are still there, as c2v3 or another hydrophobic sealant/wax is used between washes as a drying agent.
@@mareksumguy1887 ok, car looks great and paint is well kept. I respect your opinion, I also have quick detailed in the trunk of the car. Either way, clean the surface before applying the suction cups.
@@catzbunn yes, of course you need to clean before installing... you just don’t use ammonia to do it, is my point. I’m not sure detailer is the right product either. If the painted surface isn’t too dirty (like, it’s been washed in the last 2 weeks... and waxed in the last 2-3 months)... then you just use a waterless wash spray on the mounting area, to get off the light dirt contamination. And you wipe down the pads with a damp rag before installing. A) to wipe off any dirt/debris that may be present on the suction pad, and b) to lubricate the rubber to make a better seal. This is the proper procedure.
if you had to make a stop for what ever reason I can see someone stealing your bike/ sea sucker in seconds , crook would just have to buy a front wheel
Don't film wide if your moving the camera all over the place your autofocus can't keep up with your movements. Sure it "looks" professional. But you're mostly out of focus and it just ends up being a almost useless video. I personally wouldn't have posted and and just redone it. 3.0-3.5 will still give you bokeh up close and be more in focus shooting a larger area. I know this is 2 years ago, but still.
Make your own video review of it professionally. This was done on a whim after work for a bike forum. Who knew it would take off with the views. I’ll post what I want. Thanks.
@@catzbunn there will never be a "perfect" seal (a good seal ok) Temperature & atmospheric pressure will have an effect on vacuum. Also, you're anchoring the equipment to the thickness of the sheet metal/skin, which are getting thinner for better gas mileage. Lastly, if you don't start with a clean surface, the seal will be pourous. I dunno man, I could be wrong here...
@@christianiribarren9308 I mentioned to clean the surface before every use. I have driven up backroads that I know really well with an older bike to test. It did not even budge once. these included hairpins and tight turns at faster speeds than average driver. There have been lots of videos out there as well of people testing these things at speeds I wouldnt recommend. If you are worried about the sheet metal, if you have a sunroof even better. I used this on a 2 hour drive on the freeway going 75mph, sometimes 80 and by the time I reached my destination, nothing was loose etc. If you store the sea sucker wrong you can compromise the rubber as it could crack in hot storing conditions. But i trust this enough with my expensive bike.
@@christianiribarren9308 These are very sturdy, I always make sure to put two suction cups on my sunroof due to a solid connection, ive driven on backroads in the middle of fields for miles on miles with heavy winds with it surviving. I Trust this system almost as much as a typical bike rack and best thing is you can take it off and have your normal car back when needed.
I like how well you describe the speeds and what is going on on the roads, it gave me a good idea of what to expect!! thanks for the great review!!
Of course! Thanks.
6 months apart!!! How much you like it? Worth it for short 15-20 mile drive? Worthy of 600 mile drive to Sedona??
For 600 miles just check the cups every time you stop. So far works like a charm for any trip I’ve done.
Hey thanks for this video!, I’m uninitiated on MTB and looking for secure roof rack options, I got interested in these ones from Sea Sucker but got concerned if they’re prone to theft as they are easy to uninstall, any recommendations there?
As I mentioned in video, if I’m not using them I store them in the car. I usually tend to not leave the bike on roof. If I HAVE to I make sure I can always see the bike / car where ever I am. Ex: getting gas, grabbing a snack indoors etc.
One of my concerns is that it can cause scratches or superficial damage to paint easily. I have a Subaru which has really soft paint and I could only imagine how the clear coat is. How has the paintwork on your car since using this?
I detail the car every 4-5 months. Car gets washed every 1-2 weeks and dried with bead maker. The paint is still in great condition. I used the sea sucker on my hatchback before and nothing happened. It will cause scratches if you have dirt and drag it across the paint. That is why prep is a key factor when using this.
Hey bro, I have a last question for you. Usually on the morning I drive to work and I carry on my bike on a regular rack. As you can guess, bike is standing all day long on the outside... until I get out of work and go to mtb for a while... dont you think suckers will be damage for long exposure to the sun? which will cause bike to drop.
This sea sucker looks amazing, but I am still not 100% confident about it.... no one wants to drop the bike on the highway.
I always check them before driving. It’s very easy to readjust or tighten them again. 30 seconds to 1 minute at the most. So far on all my drives, plus I’m 80+ heat they haven’t had any issues. Carbon bike and full aluminum bike. The key thing is a clean surface!
Great video!! I have a civic hatch. Will get these for sure
How are these still holding up long term? Have you had any failures and do you recommend?
I recently gave them to a friend but have had zero issues with them over the course of a couple years.
@@catzbunn okay ty for the reply, I am going to buy them. Do you recommend putting the suction on glass or the car?
@@slyatski if you have a sunroof yes. Or you can do 2 cups on the front shield.
Windex on paint...? How bout a damp micro fiber instead. I can see using it on glass though. Thanks for the vid.
Windex can be used on anything, but yes a damp micro fiber can work well. Just make sure you are picking up all the dirt or stuff that can cause a loose connection.
great video and good info! is it 100% safe? The hitch rack on the rear of your car says: maybe not.
It is. The hitch only holds 2 bikes and we have 3 bikes total. So the sea sucker is a great way to transport 3 bikes.
Hey man.. good vid.
Question; how does it handles if suddenly during your driving starts to rain?
You know I have no clue. I’m sure it could do fine but I would check it.
It’ll be just fine
I guess if its air tight seal then water molecules wont be a problem
Do you take the rack off after every ride / day? Like do you install it every day, or is it just on the car for the entire season? I see you take it off at the end, but do you every time?
I recommend taking it off while you ride. Someone can easily steal it.
I’m about to jump on this thing….what’s your opinion after a year? Is it worth it still? Have you had any failures?
Only failure was due to me not cleaning surface well and placing it on edge of glass where it meets roof so the suction didn’t sit well over the rubber surrounding the glass. Besides that, I love it.
Sup dude, by any chance have you noticed any small dents on the roof of your car since owning the sea sucker? I developed several on my car but i am not sure if it was from the sea sucker or something completely different.
I have not, I could see if your roof is weak and constantly popping in and out it could create dents. But I’ve never had that issue. Or my buddy who has one too.
What about overnight security at a hotel? Is there anything you have found that you’re comfortable leaving overnight at a hotel?
Yes, bringing the bike into the hotel room with you.
@@catzbunn are there any security measures you’re aware of? For instance, I head into a restaurant for 45mins. Do I need to sit where I can see the bike? I am trying to compare with a permanent roof rack with locks vs the ease of use with SeaSucker…
Would any window cleaner work instead of windex? I just ordered mine and i'm super excited
I would now use a quick detailed or a touch less wash spray.
Are you ever worried about someone stealing them when you are off biking? Or do you remove them each time?
I put them in the car when not in use every time.
That scott is badass, I just got the YT Capra Shred. Buying a bomber 2 for spring of next year
With which fork did the capra come?
@@ducinguyen5510 The "CAPRA Shred" comes stock with a FOX 38 elite...
I just got mine and put my mountain bike on my mustang, but the roof makes noises when turning or braking or on bumps , I’m guessing the roof is flexing. Do you think I should continue to use it on my mustang?
It’s the thin part of your roof flexing. I would try to find a different position. Try putting the front 2 auctions cups on the glass
Done 110 on the highway in my bmw w my seasucker ontop w the bike I recommend it 👍 that shit is not going anywhere unless u put it wrong 😂
Nice. I have the 29" carbon frame hard tail from Scott.
How do you store the sea sucker in the trunk ?
I have a sports car with no top door frame and I can’t find any other racks that would work. Would these hold for several hours? I would just use them for a surfboard or 2. (Obviously not the bike version)
Never heard someone doing surfboard. But wouldn’t see why not.
How do you lock these when you go for a ride??? Someone can easily steal these off your car??
You put them in your car
Aye my man did it within like a DAY
Gotchu man.
Does it fit plus size 2.8 inch tires?
What I am worried about with this system is if the sheet metal on the my roof isn't particularly thick, will it draw it up and create like a reverse dent of some kind. Don't know how better to explain what I mean. I know when I dry the top of my car I can cause it to bend inward a bit and get that metal bendy sound. Never left a bend in it though, just wondering what this would do.
The metal on roof is pretty thin on the civic and hasn’t seem to compromise it.
Very interested to see if it sucked 👀
Does it harm the fork over time ? Like could it break the axle ports do to beeing "stiff" ?
If you over tighten then yes. You tighten the axle just as tight as you would if you are putting the wheel on and off.
Thoroughly wash, then clay bar your roof, then polish, then wax.... for best results. Windex (ammonia) is NOT the right product for the job. Especially on paint.
This car has a full detail. As well as a sealant. The windex does not affect it since it is buffed off right away. The hydrophobic effects are still there, as c2v3 or another hydrophobic sealant/wax is used between washes as a drying agent.
@@catzbunn windex WILL degrade the wax/sealant. You don’t use windex.
@@mareksumguy1887 ok, car looks great and paint is well kept. I respect your opinion, I also have quick detailed in the trunk of the car. Either way, clean the surface before applying the suction cups.
@@catzbunn yes, of course you need to clean before installing... you just don’t use ammonia to do it, is my point. I’m not sure detailer is the right product either. If the painted surface isn’t too dirty (like, it’s been washed in the last 2 weeks... and waxed in the last 2-3 months)... then you just use a waterless wash spray on the mounting area, to get off the light dirt contamination. And you wipe down the pads with a damp rag before installing. A) to wipe off any dirt/debris that may be present on the suction pad, and b) to lubricate the rubber to make a better seal. This is the proper procedure.
@@catzbunn .... yep, just as I thought... you don’t want to use a quick detailer. ua-cam.com/video/fA6w5mlGZrI/v-deo.html
Where do you mount on your Rex?
You have the front fork piece on backwards.
Check again, you can mount it either way.
Thanks for the info, but get a camera that can focus faster. Half the video is out of focus.
I’ll gladly take any camera you would like to send lol
I thought your supposed to be the front rack part the other way around
Yes, I have noticed that too, but I have used it this way and also have seen other videos of people installing it this way.
@@catzbunn ya I’ve done it both ways on my is300 haven’t had issues either way
Nice
if you had to make a stop for what ever reason I can see someone stealing your bike/ sea sucker in seconds , crook would just have to buy a front wheel
Luckily I plan that out and never make a stop or usually have a passenger if needed.
@@catzbunn Good deal!
Don't film wide if your moving the camera all over the place your autofocus can't keep up with your movements.
Sure it "looks" professional. But you're mostly out of focus and it just ends up being a almost useless video.
I personally wouldn't have posted and and just redone it.
3.0-3.5 will still give you bokeh up close and be more in focus shooting a larger area.
I know this is 2 years ago, but still.
Make your own video review of it professionally. This was done on a whim after work for a bike forum. Who knew it would take off with the views. I’ll post what I want. Thanks.
Too many things can go horribly wrong...
Well nothing has in all my time using it, in multiple scenarios of tight, fast turns and so on
@@catzbunn there will never be a "perfect" seal (a good seal ok) Temperature & atmospheric pressure will have an effect on vacuum. Also, you're anchoring the equipment to the thickness of the sheet metal/skin, which are getting thinner for better gas mileage. Lastly, if you don't start with a clean surface, the seal will be pourous. I dunno man, I could be wrong here...
@@christianiribarren9308 I mentioned to clean the surface before every use. I have driven up backroads that I know really well with an older bike to test. It did not even budge once. these included hairpins and tight turns at faster speeds than average driver. There have been lots of videos out there as well of people testing these things at speeds I wouldnt recommend. If you are worried about the sheet metal, if you have a sunroof even better. I used this on a 2 hour drive on the freeway going 75mph, sometimes 80 and by the time I reached my destination, nothing was loose etc. If you store the sea sucker wrong you can compromise the rubber as it could crack in hot storing conditions. But i trust this enough with my expensive bike.
@@christianiribarren9308 These are very sturdy, I always make sure to put two suction cups on my sunroof due to a solid connection, ive driven on backroads in the middle of fields for miles on miles with heavy winds with it surviving. I Trust this system almost as much as a typical bike rack and best thing is you can take it off and have your normal car back when needed.