SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack

The SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack is a single-bike roof mount that doesn't need rails to work. The secret is hiding in plain sight. SeaSucker uses oversized suction cups six inches in diameter to hold the rack, and your bike, to your car's roof, hatch, trunk, or any other place you can figure to place it. And when you don't need it, it almost disappears inside your trunk: it's that small.

 

SeaSucker is in the suction cup business. These marine cups have been used to hold chairs to boats, as well as all sorts of other cool applications.

 

There are two elements to the rack, the fork mount, and the wheel mount. The fork section has a Delta Bike Hitch Pro fork mount for 9mm fork tips (aka standard road forks, lighter-duty mountain bike forks) that is bolted to half-inch thick HDPE (high-density polyethylene) a strong but flexible plastic that is attached to three suction cups. The wheel mount, for your rear wheel, has a single suction cup and a small tray with a hook and loop strap to hold the rear wheel. 

 

The fork mount has a footprint of about fifteen inches in length and twelve inches in width. The wheel mount has a six-inch footprint.

 

Yes, the suction cups will hold. And hold tenaciously. A single cup is rated to withstand up to 210lbs of pulling, and they've tested the racks at speeds of up to 140mph. Each cup has a pump built into it. You pump it with your thumb until you can't pump any more. There's a safety line built into the pump itself; if it shows, it's time to pump again. The max recommended bike weight is 45lbs.

 

Some tips for placement.  First of all, the bike has to be pointed forward, as in the direction of travel for the car. The sides of the roof are optimal. They are good because the roof is reinforced there and that means less flex. That's why they often suggest putting the fork mount partially on a window and partially on the roof. This way, the three cups straddle the edge of the roof. It's also a good way to keep an eye on the suction cups as you're driving. But this is only workable if the transition between the roof and the window is fairly flat. It matters not whether the two cups are in front or one. Likewise, with the rear wheel mount, keep it near the side or back for minimal flex.

 

In terms of setting it on your roof, it's a good idea to wet both the roof and the suction cup before mounting. Wetting the roof both removes dirt and debris that could interfere with the suction and the water fills in surface imperfections. 

 

If you want a fork mount for your front wheel so it can ride on the roof rather than your car, check out the SeaSucker Flight Deck Fork Mount. This kit attaches to the rear wheel mount and can work with basically all quick-release-equipped front wheels. 

 

The quick releases are designed to have a locking element added. Considering how easy the rack can come off, the locking element is more worthwhile as an extra safety on the roof, like putting a twist-tie in there, than security from thieves. If you want security from thieves, SeaSucker has cable anchors that fit into your window or trunk, depending on where you mount the rack. You'll need a cable and lock in addition.

 

The SeaSucker Talon Bike Rack holds a single bicycle. The cups come with covers on them; leave these on in between uses. They also come with some lube for maintaining the pump and a spare pad and pump.