Best bike carrier options - Roof v Rear v Tow Bar
Discussion
Changed from an estate to saloon (Passat) and struggling to get the 2 bikes (Soon to be 3) in the back. Don't mind investing although don't want to spend a fortune. Passat is a 16 year plate, i've had it almost 6 months and planning on at least having it until its 8 years old.
Roof bars - Bundle deal from Roofbox.co.uk
Pro's:
-Cost effective (£220 for 2 x Thule 532 carriers and Atera Signo bars)
-Versatile (Can carry add extra bike carrier later and carry roofbox/roofbag etc in future)
-Can still access the boot
-Can move to next car for the cost of an adapter set
Con's
-Not the prettiest due to the lump of black metal sticking out each door
-Looks time consuming to put on. Anyone timed how long they take to put on?
-Storing them might need another wee shed in the garden
Rear bike catter - Thule RaceWay 2/3 bike carrier
Pro's:
-Cost effective-ish. Expensive compared to others but does look innovative and good quality
-Folds down so not much storage needed, sure i could hang it somewhere
-Can move to next car or partners car for no cost
Con's:
-Might be a tad difficult to install on your own
-Can't access boot when this is installed
Tow bar and carrier - Been swaying towards this option but is the most expensive
Pro's:
-Can access boot with this installed
-Seems easy to mount to the towbar then the bikes to the carrier
-Towbar will allow me to purchase trailler/caravan/trailer tent etc in future if needed
Con's:
-Installation cost seems to be around £550-£650 for tow bar and electrics then another £300-£400 for the carrier
-Carrier will need stored in garden area so a plastic shed need
Any opinions welcome. Think i know what i should go for and just need to tell myself to stop being a lazy b
d and install the roof bars when i want to go out 
Roof bars - Bundle deal from Roofbox.co.uk
Pro's:
-Cost effective (£220 for 2 x Thule 532 carriers and Atera Signo bars)
-Versatile (Can carry add extra bike carrier later and carry roofbox/roofbag etc in future)
-Can still access the boot
-Can move to next car for the cost of an adapter set
Con's
-Not the prettiest due to the lump of black metal sticking out each door
-Looks time consuming to put on. Anyone timed how long they take to put on?
-Storing them might need another wee shed in the garden
Rear bike catter - Thule RaceWay 2/3 bike carrier
Pro's:
-Cost effective-ish. Expensive compared to others but does look innovative and good quality
-Folds down so not much storage needed, sure i could hang it somewhere
-Can move to next car or partners car for no cost
Con's:
-Might be a tad difficult to install on your own
-Can't access boot when this is installed
Tow bar and carrier - Been swaying towards this option but is the most expensive
Pro's:
-Can access boot with this installed
-Seems easy to mount to the towbar then the bikes to the carrier
-Towbar will allow me to purchase trailler/caravan/trailer tent etc in future if needed
Con's:
-Installation cost seems to be around £550-£650 for tow bar and electrics then another £300-£400 for the carrier
-Carrier will need stored in garden area so a plastic shed need
Any opinions welcome. Think i know what i should go for and just need to tell myself to stop being a lazy b
d and install the roof bars when i want to go out Thanks for your replies everyone. Some good points I had to go over.
Thinking i'm settled for the roof bars and carrier option. Roofbox are going a combo deal for Atera SIGNO AS aero-profile roof bars no. AR7313 - 2 x Atera GIRO AF+ bike carriers + Atera roof bars for £265. Doing some googling it appears they make OEM bars for VAG, BMW, Mercedes etc and are a pretty popular and respected brand in mainland Europe.
Means if its a day trip or glamping/static caravan we can take the bikes, if it's tent camping then a roof box can be purchased at a later date so there's ample space for extra gear (and perhaps space for my bike too
)
Thinking i'm settled for the roof bars and carrier option. Roofbox are going a combo deal for Atera SIGNO AS aero-profile roof bars no. AR7313 - 2 x Atera GIRO AF+ bike carriers + Atera roof bars for £265. Doing some googling it appears they make OEM bars for VAG, BMW, Mercedes etc and are a pretty popular and respected brand in mainland Europe.
Means if its a day trip or glamping/static caravan we can take the bikes, if it's tent camping then a roof box can be purchased at a later date so there's ample space for extra gear (and perhaps space for my bike too
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