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FYI... unless you're using steel bars, aluminum doesn't rust... however, it will corrode! In the old days when bars were chrome plated steel, then again, it took a little to crack thru the chrome... once you did that they looked like shit and needed to be replaced just for that reason... as for modern day bars being aluminum... unless the anodize is the basic "cosmetic" type (super thin) it should also "help" keep the surface from getting scratched... Also, the hooks should have the plastic/rubber coating to avoid this from occurring... All in all - I like the strap over the bars (pictured) better due to not having to worry about pinching wires, etc. the strap can be manuevered around them easier. ... I need to get a pair with the caribiner end... I too have only used the pull type tie-downs... Ankras to be exact. The only time I've had one fail other than breaking was after leaving it in the bed of my trruck and the strap got "weathered" and the knurled gripper wouldn't grip anymore... after hitting a dipped intersection the bike loosened but fell towards the bed instead of over the side... it didn't release completely!
FYI... unless you're using steel bars, aluminum doesn't rust... however, it will corrode! In the old days when bars were chrome plated steel, then again, it took a little to crack thru the chrome... once you did that they looked like shit and needed to be replaced just for that reason... as for modern day bars being aluminum... unless the anodize is the basic "cosmetic" type (super thin) it should also "help" keep the surface from getting scratched...
Also, the hooks should have the plastic/rubber coating to avoid this from occurring...
All in all - I like the strap over the bars (pictured) better due to not having to worry about pinching wires, etc. the strap can be manuevered around them easier. ... I need to get a pair with the caribiner end...
I too have only used the pull type tie-downs... Ankras to be exact. The only time I've had one fail other than breaking was after leaving it in the bed of my trruck and the strap got "weathered" and the knurled gripper wouldn't grip anymore... after hitting a dipped intersection the bike loosened but fell towards the bed instead of over the side... it didn't release completely!
