Roof bars and bike racks

[Pando99]

Hello

Another pre delivery question

Anyone with experience of Roof bars and racks for bikes

I have used a Hollywood rack for years but now want to go roof mounted as well

I was thinking just getting the Audi (thule??) ones but there is a new A4 nxt year so whats the chances of the racks still fitting if i ever change to new model

Otherwise if i got thule/ mont blanc then i just need to change the feet

Any recommendations

Iain

[smudge]

Hey Pando

Let the search be your friend: http://forum.rs246.com/search.php

This has been discussed before quite recently. IIRC most have refrained from putting bikes on the top as they don't want mud & dirt gathering on the roof.

[Graeme4130]

I pile my bike on, no probs
I use thule aero bars and a pair of 591's

[Graeme4130]

[BadWaz]

that looks suspiciously like Dalby.....

[Graeme4130]

that looks suspiciously like Dalby.....

It's Forest of Dean centre

[Moontang]

Hi Pando,

Picking my car up on Sat and will be taking a trip to http://www.roofracks.co.uk/ in the next week to get new roof bars and bike carriers.

Very similar setup (if not the same) to Graeme, based on his advice:
Thule WingBar Edge 9592, Fitting Kit 4007. With some Thule ProRide 591's.

You can save a few quid by buying the 591's on http://www.fordonlineparts.co.uk/search ... 47&q=thule

And if the mountings change on the next gen car, you should only have to buy a new fitting kit. Roofracks.co.uk offer a trade-in for Thule products.

[Graeme4130]

Hi Pando,

Picking my car up on Sat and will be taking a trip to http://www.roofracks.co.uk/ in the next week to get new roof bars and bike carriers.

Very similar setup (if not the same) to Graeme, based on his advice:
Thule WingBar Edge 9592, Fitting Kit 4007. With some Thule ProRide 591's.

You can save a few quid by buying the 591's on http://www.fordonlineparts.co.uk/search ... 47&q=thule

And if the mountings change on the next gen car, you should only have to buy a new fitting kit. Roofracks.co.uk offer a trade-in for Thule products.

Yeah, exactly the same
It's a decent set up and no discernible whistling like I've had with other bars
I bought 591's through ford parts too. Miles cheaper than anywhere else

The only suggestion I'd make, is that the grips are prone to snapping open with heavier bikes, so just for peace of mind, I zip tie the bike to the jaw every time and just carry a pair of snippers in the boot for when I arrive
Makes it that little bit extra theft proof as well for motorway services etc

When out of the country one, I did 150 with a road bike on the roof too in my B7 with 591's

[C2 VXT]

Anyone using the Saris Bones RS?

I brought one to try on the SQ5 but the straps were pulling down a bit on the tailgate spoiler, so I wasn't convinced. However it seemed a very secure and sturdy rack.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/saris-bones-rs-3-bike-rack/

[Graeme4130]

I personally wouldn't use a tailgate rack unless it was tow hook secured as they tend to hook around bits of plastic bodywork (ie tailgate spoiler) that aren't designed to be weight bearing, so can break or just fall off under the weight of the bikes
I've also seen them come through the back window a couple of times when the car's unexpectantly hit a bump
Roof mounted all the way for me

[Pando99]

Many thanks for all the replies, nobody seems to bother with the audi branded ones

[Graeme4130]

Many thanks for all the replies, nobody seems to bother with the audi branded ones

The Audi ones are Thule items, but rebranded
As you'd expect, they're just significantly more expensive than the ones you can get on the open market

[matthew.lewis2]

I have the genuine Audi roof bar and cycle holder setup.

See here: http://forum.rs246.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=108008

It's used at least twice every week and I am 100% satisfied with it.

I bought mine from an Audi dealer in Austria because it was cheaper than here in Dubai, EBay also had several dealers selling this genuine equipment at (what for me) seemed very reasonable rates.

[Graeme4130]

I have the genuine Audi roof bar and cycle holder setup.

See here: http://forum.rs246.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=108008

It's used at least twice every week and I am 100% satisfied with it.

I bought mine from an Audi dealer in Austria because it was cheaper than here in Dubai, EBay also had several dealers selling this genuine equipment at (what for me) seemed very reasonable rates.

It's very similar system to mine. I also use mine 2-3 times a week and it's genuinely decent even with the increased weight and leverage of my downhill bikes.
Certainly no complaints with Thule/Audi stuff here

[matthew.lewis2]

I have the genuine Audi roof bar and cycle holder setup.

See here: http://forum.rs246.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=108008

It's used at least twice every week and I am 100% satisfied with it.

I bought mine from an Audi dealer in Austria because it was cheaper than here in Dubai, EBay also had several dealers selling this genuine equipment at (what for me) seemed very reasonable rates.

It's very similar system to mine. I also use mine 2-3 times a week and it's genuinely decent even with the increased weight and leverage of my downhill bikes.
Certainly no complaints with Thule/Audi stuff here

The cycle holder is identical Graeme, I do think the genuine Audi roof bars appear to be more 'refined' whereas the Thule bars are more 'chunky' (in particular the section that attaches to the roof rails)