Bike rack question, least damage, ease of use, blah blah.

[Danian]

So, how best to carry 3 bikes around and cause the least amount of damage to an S4 Avant?
Who here has a bike rack?
Which one and why?

As the subject suggests, least amount of damage to the paint work etc. I already have a set of Thule roof bars that fix to the roof rails but I would rather have the bikes hanging off the back. What does everyone else do?

Thanks in advance.

[Jarv]

I've gone for the Thule Pro-Rides on Aero roof bars. Downsides are you need to remember the extra height and I guess you get worse fuel consumption, plus sides are they're out the way, you can see out the back, no need for light board and there is little chance of damaging any paint.

[photo_mark]

Get a tow-bar and a rack that fits to the tow bar, I think Witter do one. They have a plate that fits behind the tow ball and the rack slots into that.

http://www.autow.co.uk/roof_racks/witte ... s_127.html

You of course have to add the cost of the tow bar...

[Richspec]

I've gone for the Thule Pro-Rides on Aero roof bars. Downsides are you need to remember the extra height and I guess you get worse fuel consumption, plus sides are they're out the way, you can see out the back, no need for light board and there is little chance of damaging any paint.

Definitely the best way and very similiar to my setup, I've carried two bikes for thousands of miles without any problem.

[Jarv]

Pic, if it helps.

[Danian]

Thanks everyone for your input.

Mike Do you think it would be possible to get 3 bikes on the Thule bars? 2 adult and one child size. I assume I would need 3 carriers, is there enough width?

[Jarv]

Thanks everyone for your input.

Mike Do you think it would be possible to get 3 bikes on the Thule bars? 2 adult and one child size. I assume I would need 3 carriers, is there enough width?

Easily. I know there's only two in the photo, but I've got a third pro-ride that I have used.

[Danian]

Thanks again, just the info I needed.