Options for roof bike carrier.

[gazzarose]

Now that spring/summer is (supposedly) on its way, its time to start thinking of family bike rides. I think I've asked on here about boot mounted ones but couldnt find a definite answer on what one, if any, would fiy my Accord Tourer. It will be for a 26" ladies bike and my hard tail 29er. I havnt got a tow bar (at least not yet) so that was out so I've started looking at roof mounted ones. It will only be occasional use so the extra conventional of other methods don't outweigh the extra costs. I've seen the Thule 591 mounts that look like the best bet, and seem to retain value should they prove not to be the right solution. How do they attach to the roof bars? I've got the Honda aero bars which have got what looks like a removable rubber strip, is that where the 'T' mounts go? Does that mean it will be fiddly to swap between bike racks or a sheet of ply from wickes? It looks like I would have to cut the strip to make a neat job but then up with just scabby bits when using it as normal roof bars. Or it is easier to just use the clamps?

Also are they really loud if they are left on the roof full time? I see loads of modern estates with bike carriers on the roof permanently, and while it does look cool and purposeful, does it add a lot of wind noise and increase mpg? It another reason I as curious how easy they are to put on and off.

Any advice greatfully received.

Gareth

[Pot Odds]

I have a Thule 532 permanently on the roof of my CMax as i've been too lazy to take it off.

Its actually really very quick to remove the 532 (which sounds to have similar mountings if you are mentioning slide in T pieces) its more the time to take off the roof rack which is allen bolts. It does add to wind noise but only when driving above 50 mph and seeing as its mainly used by the wife for school runs and local work its not an issue. I would remove it for longer motorway journeys though.

It works well and is easy enough to get my bikes on - i do need a mini step as the CMax roof is a little higher.

I went for it as it was cheap and I needed to be able to transport my MTB and road bike - done 150 mile journey with road bike on it.

Note of warning - don't laugh at the car infront having its wipers and aerials removed by the monkeys at Longleat whilst not remembering that you have a cycle carrier on the roof. They were swinging around on the support arm and banging it up and down - I honestly wasn't looking forward to looking at it when we got out. It was however testament to its robustness that the little blighters didn't manage to damage it

Edited by Pot Odds on Sunday 15th April 16:55

[Downward]

I bought some of these

CRUZ Bici-rack bike carrier 940-005 for £20 with T track adaptors for £5.

On my last car I had 4 on there. This car just the 1. Had these for 7 years now.

Have 1 on the car all year round as I half drive and half cycle to work.

Edited by Downward on Sunday 15th April 17:23

[hyphen]

gazzarose said:

How do they attach to the roof bars? I've got the Honda aero bars which have got what looks like a removable rubber strip, is that where the 'T' mounts go? Does that mean it will be fiddly to swap between bike racks or a sheet of ply from wickes? It looks like I would have to cut the strip to make a neat job but then up with just scabby bits when using it as normal roof bars. Or it is easier to just use the clamps?

I have the Thule 598.

Yes the T bar slides in, I have removed the rubber strip completely rather than cutting it, didn't see the point, the rubber is not going to do much other than stop dirt getting in, and being top of the car it isn't really visible as such.

They go on and on come off pretty quick, you can also get the locks matched so one key works for all.

They look cooler than the Cuz one posted below being curved, but the Cruz are only £20 so depends on how much look matter..

Edited by hyphen on Sunday 15th April 17:39

[R1gtr]

I have Whispbar Aero bars on my car from here-
www.roofbox.co.uk
Just put in your vehicle details and it will give you the options that fit your car. The Whispbar are superb and are very quiet when no cycle carriers on them.
Regarding actual cycle carriers get the Thule 598 rather than the 591, the 598 are the new version and have deeper jaws(harder to steal from) and a fancy torque thingy so you can't overtighten and damage your frame. Mine use the T- track fittings and it slides in on top of the rubber seal between. The top of the bar and the seal, DO NOT cut the rubber!!
I only know this as I almost did the same myself and posted in here a few months ago asking for advice.
Someone mentioned Silicone Spray on the rubber to help the T-bolts to slide on easier and it really worked, great wee tip.

[gazzarose]

I think I understand it more now having looked at a few different options. Are the t bolts standardish in size. I only seem to have found 2 differe to size options. So I guess so. I've just looked at my Honda bars and there's a little flap in the side plate to let the rubber and bolts slide in and out so looks easy enough. I'll keep an eye out on ebay for a pair of thule ones I think and see how I get on.

Thanks for the advice.

[Tiggsy]

I used a pair of Thule 598's on my A45 for 2 x MTB - they are superb.

If you're anywhere near Berkshire - mine are for sale as I have just gone towball mounted (as switched to Ebikes too heavy to get on the roof!)

[CraigBroadbent]

You asked about fuel economy and the news is not great, the RAC reckon it adds about 10% to your burn, see the link in the link about cycle carriers.
https://auxtail.com/about-cycle-carriers/

[louiebaby]

CraigBroadbent said:

You asked about fuel economy and the news is not great, the RAC reckon it adds about 10% to your burn, see the link in the link about cycle carriers.

https://auxtail.com/about-cycle-carriers/

It adds even more if you leave the kiddie seat on as well.

I have the Thule ones that you take the front wheel off, (forks drop in to the carrier.) I've done thousands of miles with them, and whilst adding a bit of wind noise, they've been excellent. I remove the whole contraption in about 10 mins when I get home. It takes about 15 mins to put back on.

[lufbramatt]

gazzarose said:

I think I understand it more now having looked at a few different options. Are the t bolts standardish in size. I only seem to have found 2 differe to size options. So I guess so. I've just looked at my Honda bars and there's a little flap in the side plate to let the rubber and bolts slide in and out so looks easy enough. I'll keep an eye out on ebay for a pair of thule ones I think and see how I get on.

Thanks for the advice.

IME it's only BMW OEM roof bars that use a bigger sized T bolt. Most other roof bars are a standard size.

I've got a pair of Thule 591 but to be honest I don't really like them, the bikes seem to wobble around a lot due to the single sided arm. Having said that, I haven't had any bikes fall off and I guess holding the bikes rigidly would just transfer the stress to somewhere else.

My dad has a pair of Atera bike carriers which seem more robust.

the Thule 598s are meant to be a lot better than the 591 so I'd get them rather than the old 591.

Edited by lufbramatt on Monday 16th April 14:42

[Tiggsy]

CraigBroadbent said:

You asked about fuel economy and the news is not great, the RAC reckon it adds about 10% to your burn, see the link in the link about cycle carriers.
https://auxtail.com/about-cycle-carriers/

I can confirm that MPG suffers with my bikes up top....but still get the A45 to 60 in under 5

Now, when I'm lugging my two sea kayaks on the roof - different story.....much closer to low 6s (amazing how many people pull up on the outside at traffic lights when you know full well they sit behind a clearly quicker car normally.....fools!!!!!)

[Mave]

I bought the Halfords cheap ones recently - needed 4 so I was happy to only pay £17 each for them! They seem to work well enough, hold the bikes firmly, and they attach with U -bolts so fairly universal.