Bike rack, spacers and clean !

[Jonesy07]

Hi Guys

Just added a bike rack for my trip to the lakes so i thought i would share some pics.

Went for the Thule 591 and Whispbars and am really happy with them both. Bit strange not being able to see the bike when driving but i suppose i will if it comes off !

Was not sure that the 'T' system felt strong enough to keep the bike in place but have done a few miles to test with no problem. Its actually very quiet as well which is a real bonus.

Going to add a roof box later so will update the thread with a new picture.

[remslie20]

Nice car and a good choice of bike, always fancied an orange pro 5! I have the same bike rack, been using it for over a year now and find it very easy to use with no problems at all in terms of security and as you say it's very quiet. Enjoy the lakes!

[sonny]

Very nice. Nice car colour too.

[richierobs]

Interesting post, I always wondered if those bike racks were sturdy!

Regarding roof boxes, I've had a halfords job and more recently a Thule.
The Thule is better and worth the extra cash I reckon, it's easier to install, opens from both sides and is a bit more solid.
Good for keeping dirty kit out of the car, and I didn't notice any wind noise from it.

[P_G]

I'm pondeirng the same and always was led to believe the boot mounted rear ones may be better? It would mainly be for the frame as I have quick release wheels which won't protrude.

Any recommendations? Or would these Thule ones work as well?

[Jonesy07]

Hi guys and thanks for the comments.

First off the 5 rocks. Best all round bike I've had and can't wait for the lakes.

Regards to the roof box I have gone for the Thule ranger 500 so I can save storage space in my garage, will post once I get it on.

I have a saris rear mounted rack as well. It's easier to get the bike on and off and much cheaper option but for this trip I have a 6 hour journey with the family and dog so will need access to the boot. My bike is very light so easy to get up on the roof. My downhill bike though is a bit more tricky and will stay on the rear with my little muscles !

The only thing is that by the time I've bought the bars, bike rack and box we could have hired a helicopter !

[Jules]

Looks good

[Steve_C]

The rear mounted ones are better IMO if you don't obscure the lights/plate or if you have a light board on the back. You may need to disable your rear parking sensors? However, if you need access to the boot you'll need a roof rack.

I have the Thule roof rack / cycle carrier and its good for 100mph! It is lockable and I sometimes leave the bike locked to the roof rack when leaving the car for short periods (although I know the locks aren't the best, they are better than nothing). I also have a Thule roof box (half width) which I use in tandem with the cycle carrier.

[Steve_C]

Nice motor btw jonesy - is it Steve_70's old car?

[Jonesy07]

Nice motor btw jonesy - is it Steve_70's old car?

Yes it is

As I've stated before, paid a bit more with Audi than steve wanted but it's been back to Audi three times now and certainly got my moneys worth in warranty already. Full wheel referb for flaking paint, rain in the throttle sensor which ended up in a £750 bill ! and tyre sensors replaced. Will renew as soon as the option comes up.

But apart from that i Love this car

[Steve_C]

Yes, thought I recognised it. Idential to my car except the titan wheels.

BTW, I have manufactured a little bracket to hang my roof box in the garage - takes up very little space pointing upwards in the corner now.

[RSKiwi]

The rear mounted ones are better IMO if you don't obscure the lights/plate or if you have a light board on the back. You may need to disable your rear parking sensors? However, if you need access to the boot you'll need a roof rack.

I have the Thule roof rack / cycle carrier and its good for 100mph! It is lockable and I sometimes leave the bike locked to the roof rack when leaving the car for short periods (although I know the locks aren't the best, they are better than nothing). I also have a Thule roof box (half width) which I use in tandem with the cycle carrier.

Quick question Steve, how wide and deep are the Jaws of the Thule system? My bike has to sit at a very slight angle as the jaws of the Altera system I have dont quite fit around all the frame of my Scott Ransom (I add additional straps!). I have had a mission trying to find a roof system that works for me as I am not a fan of rear mounted racks and it seems my frame shape has been designed to annoy the out of me.

Back to topic, I have run four bikes on whispbars on my old A6 with Altera racks and those things have never moved. Solid as a rock even giving it some through the windy Welsh roads. Work equally as well on my road bikes as well as the mountainbikes, I am inherently lazy so I love having easy access to the boot. Worth noting is that fuel consumption does go up, of course if we worried about that, having 4.2 litres under the bonnet wasnt exactly the Einstein of decisions to make.

[Steve_C]

Quick question Steve, how wide and deep are the Jaws of the Thule system?

Is this the but that clamps to the bike frame?

[Ian_C]

You missed a bit - three bird poos on the rear windscreen and one on the rear bumper! :p

[Jonesy07]

You missed a bit - three bird poos on the rear windscreen and one on the rear bumper! :p

lol, no idea how thwey got there. Good job i'm not in graphic design with my paint skills !