Cycle racks.

[The Rover]

Hi.

Got a Passat Estate B6 and want to fit a bike rack on the roof.

I have ruled out a tailgate and tow bar type as I need to keep access to the boot ( dogs and cages).

Been looking a a thule 591 proride and the halfords advanced one that takes two bikes.

Will also need roof bars.

Anyone using a similar set up or can reccommend anything related?

Cheers Stuart.

ps. have searched the site but yet to find anything suitable.

[rjb2001]

I've got a Thule 973 (tailgate mounted one see - this thread (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=62811) - you can still use the boot with it fitted (I too have dogs or a boot full of tools needed for work!) although it does increase the weight of the boot lid somewhat (you have to be careful when shutting the lid or it will slam down).
My only con with it, after using it for so long, is that is heavy to take off and large to store, other than that it's been a good purchase - keeps the mud off the bike, off the car.

Whatever you go for I would go for the Thule one over the Halfords one, they definitely make quality products.

HTH
Rob.
(http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=62811)

[g-black]

I bought the genuine bars second hand on eBay for my estate an I just sold them this week. I've since bought a saloon and again bought the genuine bars for it.

As for cycle carriers, I bought to of the silver Thule ones, can't remember the part number. On the estate we went to Scotland as was able to take 4 heavy mountain bikes up top, 4 large adults and all there kit inside very comfortably! Was a great machine the estate.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt349/gblackb6/0fd846f0.jpg

[logiclee]

First you need to decide what roof bars to get, and I'll assume you want alloy bars not cheap black square bars. I've had genuine bars and Thule bars in the past. Genuine are expensive but look a lot nicer. Thule have the advantage of maybe being able to use them again for your next vehicle but they sometimes can look very aftermarket.

For my last two cars I've bought Atera roof bars, these are specific fit for each vehicle so look factory fit and they come fully assembled, just have to fit them on. They are reasonably priced too and very well built. Atera also make bars for VW.

http://www.atera.co.uk/bars.php

They are only £95 for the Estate.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php/roofbars/atera_signo_asr_aluminium_carrier_122cm_ar2222_inc ludes_locks_/Qx%40w%2C6M4gNax5vN1Yv0vegd3uHGGepN8Uc9.BE8atl8YU% 2C%60HUbpbbKMfvWeYRQ.8jQAFfMoBbpnQkTP5

As for cycle carriers I had some Thule carriers in the past but found it difficult to hold the bike stable with one hand while trying to fit the clamp with the other.
The Geniune VW carriers are just rebreanded Mont Blanc Barracudas and I've had two of these for over four years now. When you put the bike in them the front well holds the bike upright so you have two hands available to secure the centre clamp. After four years of use mine are as new and still rock steady.

http://www.skidrive.co.uk/cycle/product_detail.php?partno=729705

Here's some photo's of my setup for a saloon.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/logiclee/roofbars1.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s167/logiclee/roofbars2.jpg

Cheers
Lee

[The Rover]

An update.
Thanks for the replies and pics chaps.:beerchug:
I looked at the atera ones and was about to buy some when I had another look on ebay.

Found a chap about 40 mins away who had lockable thule arero bars and two thule 591 prorides.

Made him an offer and he accepted.:D

Just collected them and already have a bike clamped on!!

Because I am a saddo I reset the mpg thingy when I left my house and did the same on leaving him. The route was split 50/50 between motorway and town roads and I saw a reduction of about 2-3 mpg on the way home with the kit attached.

Cheers Stuart.

[g-black]

What is the noise like? I found them on my estate to be fairly quiet, but on the saloon ther really loud! And yes I have that there not good for fuel consumption either!

[The Rover]

What is the noise like? I found them on my estate to be fairly quiet, but on the saloon ther really loud! And yes I have that there not good for fuel consumption either!

On the way home I did hear some very slight wind noise but not enough to bother me. One of my routes to work can involve a motorway ( I go different routes sometimes) so I will give it a bash tonight as I start weekend nights. It might be a case of turning up the kngs of leon!!:D

Re the mpg, that will be case of seeing what happens. I think for long trrps I might take the whole lot off as that seems easier than just removing the bike holders.
Thanks again, Stuart.:beerchug: