For the Perfectionist: ROAHTRIP Roof Bike Carrier Installation – Zero‑Experience Video + Photo Tutorial

Worried about scratching your car’s paint? Afraid of wind noise at highway speeds? Nervous that your bike might come loose on rough roads?
This tutorial breaks down every single step. By the end – and with a 30‑second video – you’ll see that with ROAHTRIP’s dual‑wheel triple‑lock system and tool‑free adjustments, you can be road‑ready in just 20 minutes.

What is the ROAHTRIP Roof Bike Carrier? 4 key features

This carrier mounts on your roof crossbars (not on the rear hitch or trunk).
It is precision‑built for rugged roads and high‑speed driving. Key specs:

💡 What does “dual‑wheel triple lock” mean?
The front and rear wheels are each locked by a wheel holder (2 locks). Then the main frame lock + security cable add a third layer. All three work independently – even if one fails, your bike stays secure

Before you start: 5 things to have ready

Installation Steps

Follow these steps in order. The process is divided into three phases: pre‑adjustment, mounting the carrier, and securing the bike.

Phase 1: Pre-adjustment (completed under the vehicle)

1.Use a tape measure to measure the wheelbase of the bicycle.
Measure the distance from the center of the front wheel to the center of the rear wheel, and record the data. This data will be used later to position the rear wheel bracket. 

2. Wind the straps around and secure them to one end of the rod.
Wind the straps neatly around one end of the wheel clamp arm to prevent them from drooping and shaking during installation. 

3. Release the fixing knob.
Locate the knob that fixes the rear wheel bracket, then loosen it so that the rear wheel bracket can move freely. 

4. Move the rear wheel bracket to the corresponding scale for recording data.
Based on the axle distance measured in step 1, slide the rear wheel bracket to the corresponding scale position. 

5. Tighten the fixing knob.
After positioning the rear wheel bracket, tighten the knob to lock the position.

Phase 2: Install the frame onto the roof

1. Slide the components into the tracks in sequence to the appropriate positions.
According to the arrow directions on the components, slide the mounting plates and other accessories into the tracks of the main frame, initially placing them approximately corresponding to the crossbars of the vehicle. 

2. Place the main body on the roof crossbar and position it at the appropriate location.
Lift the assembled frame main body onto the roof crossbar, center it both left and right, and ensure that the rear tailgate can be opened normally. 

3. Press the button to move the component to the collision-free position.
Press the release button and slide the related component to create a safe gap between it and the vehicle body (such as the roof or tailgate), to prevent bumping during driving. 

4. Expand the front and rear wheel fixing frames
Extend the front and rear wheel fixing frames to the working position. 

5. First, fix the rear splint, then fix the front splint.
First, lock the rear splint with the crossbar, then lock the front splint with the crossbar. Fixing the rear side first helps to stabilize the overall position.

Phase 3: Fixed Bicycle (Double Wheel with Three Locks)

1. Move the bicycle onto the frame.
Carefully place the bicycle in the front and rear wheel holders, ensuring the wheels drop into the slots. 

2. Flip the rear wheel bracket.
If the rear wheel bracket is of a foldable design, flip it to the upright locking position. 

3. Lower the rear wheel brake device to the lowest position.
Push the rear wheel brake device downward to the lowest position, ensuring it makes close contact with the rear tire surface to prevent the wheels from sliding backward. 

4. Move the anti-slip devices from the rear wheels to the front wheels.
Slide the anti-slip devices to position them respectively against the tires of the front and rear wheels, thereby locking the position of the bicycle. 

5. Insert the key and rotate it counterclockwise to open the wire lock. Loosen the screws to move the lock head to the appropriate position. The anti-theft rope wraps around the bicycle and the crossbar on the top of the bike. Finally, lock the key back. 
1.Insert the key, rotate it counterclockwise, and unlock the steel wire lock mechanism. 
2.Loosen the screws on the lock head and slide the lock head to the position suitable for fixing the frame (usually the lower tube or the upper tube). 
3.Wrap the anti-theft steel wire rope around the bicycle frame and the horizontal bars on the roof (or the main body of the frame), then fasten the lock head and lock it back with a key. 

6. Wrap and secure the straps around the front and rear wheels, then tighten them.
Wrap the straps around the front and rear wheels separately and tighten them to further prevent the wheels from shaking laterally.

Final safety check (must do before driving)

1. Shake test – Shake each bike and the whole carrier vigorously. If anything moves, re‑tighten.

2. Height check – Measure from the ground to the highest point of the bike.
   If it exceeds 2.2 m (7.2 ft), do not enter low garages or drive under low clearance bars.

3. Wind noise – ROAHTRIP’s aerodynamic design keeps wind noise low below 120 km/h (75 mph).
   If you hear a whistle, it’s usually a loose strap or cable end – tuck it away.

4. Keys – Remove all keys and keep them safe (two identical keys are supplied – keep one in the car, one at home).

Common mistakes to avoid (read before driving)

❌ Overloading

• Max per bike: 53 lb (24 kg)

• Max for two bikes: 106 lb (48 kg)

• Carrier weight (13 lb) does not affect crossbar capacity (most crossbars hold 150+ lb).
  👉 Weigh your bike before you go – e‑MTBs are often too heavy.

❌ Wrong tyre size

• Tyre outer diameter: 14″ – 29″

• Max width: 3.0″
  

❌ Skipping the steel cable

Consequence – On a bump or hard brake, the bike could tilt and fall.
ROAHTRIP solution – Always use the cable. Even if a wheel holder loosens, the cable keeps the bike attached.

❌ Not re‑checking on long trips

ROAHTRIP is wind‑tunnel tested for stability at 120 km/h (75 mph). Still, after every 200 km (125 miles) or after severe bumps, stop and check all locks and bolts.

Video tutorial: 30‑second fast‑cut

We’ve made a 30‑second installation video covering the key steps.

Final words

The ROAHTRIP roof bike carrier is designed so you can fit it and forget it.
Dual‑wheel triple lock, infinite adjustment, military‑grade steel, powder coating – from city highways to backcountry gravel, it holds your bikes solid.

And you’re covered by our 7‑day return policy + 1‑year warranty.
You just focus on the adventure – ROAHTRIP handles the rest.

This tutorial applies to the ROAHTRIP roof‑mounted dual‑wheel triple‑lock bike carrier. Crossbar spacing varies by vehicle – contact customer support if you’re unsure.