Roof Rack Recommendations

vintcerf · 09-02-2023 8:08pm #1

I am looking for roof rack recommendations for 1 or 2 bikes on a crossover. Any of you use a roof rack? I was in halfords over the weekend and the salesperson there said they all make noise/rattle and would recommend a tow rack.

Mr. Cats · 09-02-2023 8:29pm

I have some of these after someone on here linked to a good deal on eBay for them:

https://www.thule.com/en-ie/bike-rack/roof-bike-racks/thule-proride-_-598001

(I’m sure they’re cheaper elsewhere and you do see them on adverts/done deal a bit)

Never had any issue with rattling - they are rock solid - there’s a bit of extra wind noise but nothing drastic. I have fit 4 on roof. Drawback versus hitch is that can be tough to lift if bike is heavy and you could easily forget about them and smash into a low toll bridge/car park gate/drive thru gate etc. Main advantages I find though are it’s easier to park, no need to fit a tow bar and access to boot is maintained (I’ve an estate car). Takes about 15/20 minutes to get two roof bars and four bike racks on or off. Maybe another 5 mins for bikes.

fat bloke · 09-02-2023 9:24pm

Roof racks are good if you buy a good one. Shouldn't rattle, but you will get wind noise.

But good tow bar racks are awesome!

Paddigol · 10-02-2023 9:20am

I use these... Elite San Remo Universal Bike Rack For 1 Bike, Black | Bikeinn (tradeinn.com)

(edit: this is actually the version I have... the above link seems to be a newer version with fancier locking mechanism (and the video in the link is for a different version again) ... Elite Sanremo Bicycle Mount for Roof Racks - bike-components )

They are fantastic for a number of reasons: 1) carbon frame friendly; 2) you can leave them permanently attached to the roof bars meaning less faffing about when fitting - just a matter of attaching the roof bars to the car, which takes a couple of minutes max; 3) they are so small that you can store them anywhere.

I've had the traditional type which clamp around the down tube. I've never had an issue, but the Elite system (uses the through-axle to secure fork to car) just seems more secure. It was also a pain in the ass to fit them as you have to slide each end onto the roof bars each time. To take the roof bars off the car you have to take the bike rack off first. And I don't like leaving the rack and bars on the car when not transporting bike as it affects fuel economy.

While I'd love a toe bar mount, if you're going the roof rack route I'd honestly recommend the Elites.

ednwireland · 10-02-2023 1:02pm

Used roof racks for 30 years. No rattles. Always had thule kit. Square. Bars so wind noise but that's it. Thule provide is normally on for the road bike. Some very old fork mount for anything with a quick release.