Roof bars and bike racks

[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

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)

Out if interest, what sort of riding do you do out in UAE ? I heard there's a decent road racing/criterium scene, but is there much mountain biking ?

[C2 VXT]

Being as I can't sleep as I'm collecting my car in 4 hours and 19 minutes 32 seconds

How many adult bikes can you fit on the roof? And do you put them all in the same direction or stagger them?

[Graeme4130]

Being as I can't sleep as I'm collecting my car in 4 hours and 19 minutes 32 seconds

How many adult bikes can you fit on the roof? And do you put them all in the same direction or stagger them?

Morning
I've had 4 downhill bikes on my old RS4 using 591's
They'd go L-R forwards/backwards/forwards/backwards and as bits were touching (ie bars), I ziptied the bars together to stop them banging on each other and braking levers etc

I've seen 5 road bikes on a roofrack once, but that was on a discovery

[Crash Master]

Can you fit a towbar to the RS4?

[smudge]

Can you fit a towbar to the RS4?

Nope. And nor should you be allowed too!!

[C2 VXT]

I have managed to get 4 bikes on with no problems apart from issues with the Halfords holders that I had lurking in the depths of the garage, however these will soon be replaced with the excellent Thule 591's

Kielder here we come

[kofsw4]

photo.JPG

I'm looking at getting the Thule 9592 /4007/591s setup too. Graeme - it looks like you have the panoramic sunroof on your RS4. Do the bars interfere with the operation of it at all?

I just spoke to a dealer who told me that Thule are very soon to be releasing black versions of the bars which will be perfect for my car and it's black optics

[Graeme4130]

photo.JPG

I'm looking at getting the Thule 9592 /4007/591s setup too. Graeme - it looks like you have the panoramic sunroof on your RS4. Do the bars interfere with the operation of it at all?

I just spoke to a dealer who told me that Thule are very soon to be releasing black versions of the bars which will be perfect for my car and it's black optics

No, it sits above the pano roof when it lifts and opens
It's good having a glass roof as a) any stones or crap falling from the bike doesn't scratch a painted roof, b) you can reach up and tighten straps on the move, and c) you see your bikes are still there and much they wobble around at 140mph
It's a win win win

[Karim]

Excellent, thanks, although I might have to keep the sun blind shut when my road bike's up there. Don't think I could bear to see it wobbling around!

[Graeme4130]

Excellent, thanks, although I might have to keep the sun blind shut when my road bike's up there. Don't think I could bear to see it wobbling around!

It'll give you an excuse to buy a new TT bike as they're more aero on the roof. And you'll want a Zipp disk too

[Karim]

Oooh, yes, i like you're thinking there! I've been struggling to comply with rule 25 since getting the rs4

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

[Graeme4130]

Oooh, yes, i like you're thinking there! I've been struggling to comply with rule 25 since getting the rs4

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

Haha, you're going to struggle with that one even with the very most boutique roadies

[Ozzifutura]

Anyone looked at fitting a tow bar - had one on my previous B7 RS4 with Thule euro glide would like to use same on he B8 RS4

[smudge]

The B8 RS can't accommodate a tow bar.

[Ozzifutura]

The B8 RS can't accommodate a tow bar.

I imagine that is the 'official' line but same was said about the B7 - !!!!