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Need to get a bike rack for the rs - what are best options ? Looked at Thule roof system which is comming in around £500 for four bikes.

Are there any other options ?

Not that look as good as the Thule 591's or whatever the new version of those are.

I'll second the 591's on aeroblades, don't go near a boot rack, trust me.

Thanks Guys.


Jonah interested to know why not to go near a boot rack.

The reason i ask is that i have just dug out my old boot rack that fitted on my A4 Saloon - it does fit the RS4 Avant. I will only be putting one small adult bike on it (for my 9 year old) - seemed sturdy enough.


The problem is that it also covers up the number plate and lights - so will need to get the lights wired up to my light rack - what is the best way to do this ? last time i wired in a socket in the boot and just connected the light rack when in use - is there a certain way to wire up ? can i just scotch lock onto existing wires ? and if so how do i access them ?

I do plan on getting the roof system, just dont want to be laying out over £400 quid for it at present, been an expensive few months.

I got a Saris Bones and strapped it onto my saloon with 2 feet on the boot lid and the other feet resting on the top of the bumper. It didn't feel right putting those 6 metal hooks all around my boot and even worse when pulling them tight, but no damage and it was secure. I did a 40 mile round trip with my full size bike and 2 small kids bikes on it with no issues at all, infact, it was a lot quiter than those aeroblades(nice design but doesn't reduce noise). All was good until I unstrapped it and took it off, I had two dents in my bumper where the feet had been resting, gutted. I couldn't bear to go round the back of my car then for another few days, but when I did, to my amazement, the dents had gone with no sign of them at all, but I'd never use that thing again.


For Sale Saris Bones 3 in grey, mint condition, low millage, only used once.

Ok thanks.

Understand why you wouldn't go near again.

I have a Hollywood rack and the bottom two feet sit off the bumper on my avant, when I fitted I made sure of this as was concerned it may damage the bumper.

May give it a go and see how it fairs up for short journeys before I get a roof system.

Just need to know best way to wire in the light board.

Jonah, thats excellent feedback on the Saris.

i contemplated one of those initially.

All I do now is put the rear seat down, take the bike front wheels off, and I can comfortably get two full sized mountain bikes in the boot. i just make sure that I put a heavy blanket over the boot lid and bumper so no risk when loading and unloading and another blanket between the bikes.

Done this about 40 times now and absolutely no issues with car or bikes.

591's on aeroblades have been great for me. Now done a few trips to the lakes with no problems and very quiet.

gareth_oau wrote:Jonah, thats excellent feedback on the Saris.

i contemplated one of those initially.

All I do now is put the rear seat down, take the bike front wheels off, and I can comfortably get two full sized mountain bikes in the boot. i just make sure that I put a heavy blanket over the boot lid and bumper so no risk when loading and unloading and another blanket between the bikes.

Done this about 40 times now and absolutely no issues with car or bikes.

I do the same, far too sceptical of potential car damage with either a roof system or a boot mounted panel denter/paint scratcher !
A thick blanket to layer the boot and a bungee to hold the bikes down and I'm sorted

gareth_oau wrote:Jonah, thats excellent feedback on the Saris.

i contemplated one of those initially.

All I do now is put the rear seat down, take the bike front wheels off, and I can comfortably get two full sized mountain bikes in the boot. i just make sure that I put a heavy blanket over the boot lid and bumper so no risk when loading and unloading and another blanket between the bikes.

Done this about 40 times now and absolutely no issues with car or bikes.

I do the same, far too sceptical of potential car damage with either a roof system or a boot mounted panel denter/paint scratcher !
A thick blanket to layer the boot and a bungee to hold the bikes down and I'm sorted

I went about this a different way..
Bought a Montague X50 folding bike, sits behing the rear seats of the avant no problem.
Sadly all the components were cheap crap though, so I spent a fair bit getting everything replaced.
Not the ideal solution for everyone, but might help someone out there.

I found the boot in mine to be deceivingly small.
We managed 3 BMX bikes in the boot with the rear seats up, but it was front and rear wheels off and very much 'only just'
My 29er mountain bike takes up the whole rear of the car with the front wheel off

Thanks guys

Just found out my brother has the Thule 951's that he's not using now (3 of them) so he going to lend them to me

Just got to buy the feet and aero bars now

Which Thule feet do I need and do they just clip on the roof rails on the avant ?

If you get the chance, could you post a photo when you've got it set up on the car?
EDIT: I just scrolled up. Doh.

It's rare that I have back seat passengers so I stick the bike inside, front wheel off. I have a boot liner from Hatchbag and it does an excellent job of protecting the back of the seats when in van mode. There's an optional rubber mat for grip and a boot lip tongue to prevent of scratching the bumper. If anyone's interested I'll make a new topic and stick a few photos up.

Here's my Montague in the boot: