Securing the front wheel on a bike rack

[tourmalet]

I have a trunk-mounted car rack that serves me well. It is of the standard, top tube-supporting variety:

https://i.imgur.com/289dRM2.jpg

My only concern is that I have no good way to secure the front wheel so that it cannot flop and rub against the bumper.

Currently, I tie one of the rack straps such that it pulls the wheel away from the car and another strap such that it pulls the wheel toward the car. That keeps the wheel more or less centered, but getting the knots right is a pain.

Is there a better way?

[NHAero]

I've used an old inner tube looped around the DT and the wheel rim and knotted

[Bentley]

Works great, and cheap

[jtakeda]

An old tube, a little lashing strap or toe strap from wheel to downtube works

[charliedid]

Toe or other non elastic strap the wheel to the frame.

[weisan]

I use the extra length of slack in the strap at the top to tie to the handlebar and then a velcro strap between the bottom part of the rack and the downtube. That way, the entire bike is securely fastened to the rack with no movement at all.

http://alicehui.com/bike/Sale/IMG_5241.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/Sale/IMG_5242.jpg

Give it a try!

[Dino Suegiù]

This Park Tool HBH-2 handlebar holder works well, and is also useful in the workshop.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1212/6482/products/ParkHandlebarHolder_large.jpg?v=1472775555

[pdmtong]

I've used an old inner tube looped around the DT and the wheel rim and knotted

An old tube, a little lashing strap or toe strap from wheel to downtube works

Toe or other non elastic strap the wheel to the frame.

get a velcro strap from a hw store or REI. wheel to downtube. if you are concerned about paint then feed the strap through a cut piece of inner tube.

[Ozz]

Find some industrial strength twist ties....I have some called "Grip Twist", but there are other brands: https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Reusable-Rubber-24-Inch/dp/B004MMEHQK/ref=sr_1_26?crid=19L1F109BEVCT&keywords=grip+twist+ties&qid=1558310281&s=gateway&sprefix=grip+twist%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-26

They are typically foam or rubber/silicon coated...easy to adjust tension.