This way you can transport the bike with the handlebars facing up but inevitably you will end up with a dent in the roof if done regularly.
How to use roof rails to transport bike.
In order to make this method slightly safer you need to remove the front wheel as well as non drive side pedal and then place a blanket on the roof before securing the bike.
They are fine to transport on roof racks providing you use one which is compatible with larger diameter down tubes.
What types of tie downs work best.
Whether you actually want to do that is another matter.
Most designs require you to take off the front wheel but some have an extra arm to grab the frame of the bike so will take a complete bike.
Some racks allow the bike to be carried upright.
There are a large range of racks made to attach to the existing roof rails fitted to many wagons and suvs and carry one or more bikes.
If your 08 mariner is a lease you probably don t want to use the roof rack unless you are sure you will be real careful.
The traditional bike car rack a roof rack uses all that empty space above your head.
If you carry your bikes on the roof you must use a rack specifically designed for the purpose.
It was kind of hard on my back to load the bike onto the roof rack too.
Use a tie down that wraps around the item and the rails.
Place the bike in the trays facing forward and use the simple ratcheting strap to lock down the rear wheel.
First loop the strap under the roof rack s crossbar and drape the loose ends over your oblong load i e.
As for the front fork clamping style of carrier these are also fine.
Flip the two front bars up around the front wheel to finish locking the bike in place.
On each side of the roof you ll see a rack that runs the length of the roof of the vehicle.
Others require them to be upside down.