Buyer's Guide

SeaSucker Buyer's Guide

The buyer's guide for all things SeaSucker. Here you will find additional information on specific accessories for carriers, how to maintain your SeaSucker products, and videos for product assembly. 

Suggested Mounting Locations
The Talon, Mini Bomber and Bomber racks are designed to attach to a car's roof top or the back glass of a hatchback, van, or SUV. 
  • DO NOT mount bicycles backwards, sideways or at an angle. 
  • DO NOT let your bike's rear wheel hang lower than the bottom of your car's bumper when mounting your rack to the rear window of a hatchback, van, or SUV. 
  • DO NOT position your bike so that the rear wheel is directly behind your car's exhaust pipe when mounting your rack to the rear window of a hatchback, van, or SUV. 
  • DO NOT attach your rack over decals or on a wrapped vehicle.

Each vacuum mount on your rack should attach to a clean, unobstructed metal, glass, fiberglass, or carbon fiber surface. The vacuum mounts will not attach over a seam or other surface incongruity. 

Do not attach your rack to a part of your car that flexes easily. Position the rack near the front or back windshield where the roof has more internal support. The metal in the middle of some car roofs may not be sturdy enough to support the weight of your bicycle and rack. 

  • SeaSucker racks and carriers can be easily removed from a vehicle. For security we have Window Anchor and Trunk Anchor Cable Locks available. 
Huske Plugs
Huske is a universal fork mount system that handles the most common fork mount standards of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The Huske plugs fit into an anodized aluminum extrusion such as the ones found in the Talon, Mini Bomber and Bomber bike rack. 
Huske plugs are sold in pairs, fitting 1 bike per purchase. 
Which Huske Plugs Do I Need?
So you've got a new SeaSucker bike rack (or maybe just a new Huske fork mount); now you need to get the right Huske plugs to fit your bike. If you don't know what front hub your bike has, it's not that hard to figure out - all you have to do is measure it. Watch this short video demonstrating the different Huske plugs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1loRFgXXw4M
  1. Get a ruler or tape measure showing millimeters. 
  2. Measure the diameter of the hole at the end of your forks - it will be either 9mm, 12mm, 15mm or 20mm.
  3. Measure the distance between the holes on your fork - it will be either 100mm or 110mm. 
  4. Purchase the Huske plugs that match your measurements. Please refer to our available Accessories. 

Weather Conditions

SeaSucker products can be used in any weather conditions, including cold frigid temperatures. The vacuum pads will stiffen in colder temperatures. Because the vacuum pads need to conform to the mounting surface when you attach them, it is highly recommended that you store your rack at room temperature prior to use. You will not be able to properly attach the vacuum mounts if they are too cold. 

Best practices:

  • If you choose to remove the carrier while away from your vehicle it is best to put the covers back on the vacuum cups. This will help maintain its proper shape.
  • On cold days we recommend letting your vehicle and the carrier vacuum pads warm up to near room temperature before reinstalling.
  • If you choose not to remove the carrier it will maintain its hold. Remember to check the pumps and vacuum pads before travelling.
  • SeaSucker racks and carriers can be easily removed from a vehicle. For security we have Window Anchor and Trunk Anchor Cable Locks available. 

Mounting surfaces must be free of ice, snow, dirt and any else that might prevent the vacuum pad from making a full seal. In freezing temperatures, we recommend not moistening the edge of your vacuum pads with water. 

Rain and wet weather should not affect the performance of your SeaSucker rack. If rain or water gets inside any of your vacuum umps, pull the plunger out and dry the inside of the pump cylinder with a clean paper towel. Re-lube the plunger seal if necessary and reinsert the plunger in the pump cylinder. Screws or other metal parts that show signs pf rusting or corrosion should be replaced. 

Maintaining your SeaSucker Products
To get the most out of your SeaSucker product, inspect it regularly and store it with the vacuum mount protective covers on. Beyond regular inspections, make sure to clean your vacuum mounts and pumps. 
Before each use, clean the vacuum mount with a sponge or soft cloth and water. Every couple of months (or if your rack comes into contact with sale water or large amounts of dirt), clean the vacuum mount pads and vacuum pumps with mild dish soap. 
When cleaning the mounts, do not use harsh solvents or abrasive cleaning pads. Make sure there is no dirt or debris on the edge of the vacuum pad. Inspect the edge for stiffness, cracks, roughness, or cuts - a cut will allow air to leak under the mount and will prevent your SeaSucker from holding vacuum. A damaged vacuum pad should be replaced. 
To clean the pumps, pull the plunger straight out of the pump cylinder. Clean the inside of the cylinder with dish soap and a soft cloth or paper towel. Make sure to dry out the cylinder - water left in the cylinder can cause the pump to make a popping noise when pumped and may interfere with the check-valve function of the pump. The plunger should be wiped clean and the black rubber gasket at the tip of the plunger should be re-lubed with a thin layer of silicone-based gel lubricant, such as the Lube Tube that came with your rack. After cleaning, push the plunger back into the cylinder and pump it several times to seat it properly and distribute the lubricant.