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Roof boxes and bike carriers
I'm after a bike carrier for the car, plus a roof box. I'd like them to sit side-by-side, which I have seen done on an Audi using the OEM products. This is for a BMW estate though, fitted with roof rails. Can anyone recommend suitable kit please?
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
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13 comments
No-one has mentioned the other option.
If you have a tow bar what about a lockable-box trailer? Bike(s), tools, cycle-gear, etc. all stowed securely away. But don't forget the sturdy lock, chain and anti-theft.
On my Audi A6 estate I use a Thule 330 litre roof box (Ocean 600 i think it is), and put the bikes on a Thule tow bar mounted carrier, plus have space on the roof for an additional Thule 591 (or two) if I need to carry more than 3 bikes. A bit of up front expense, but it works for me.
Thule Pacific box, and 2x Proride 591s been keeping me sane through all the pushchairs/high chairs/ travel cots era.
Quick and useful replies as usual from you lot! Thanks everyone. Heck of a lot cheaper than the OEM stuff as well.
Get rid of the roof box, bike rack and the car........and get a VW Transporter van; the big boys mobile toy box. Raises a few eyebrows when you arrive at work in one. Nearly forgot...there's usually space for wife and kids as well.
On my VW Passat estate I have a Thule Atlantis 900 which I believe was the largest available at the time, and I have just enough space to put a Thule 561 Outride bike carrier.
Make sure you tape a large note to self on the dashboard that your pride and joy is on the roof, before you dive into that underground carpark...
Just a word of caution & I know you you haven't mentioned what type of bike frame you've got.
Some carbon bikes don't like being clamped to bike carriers on roofs. (Imagine the effects of clamping your bike by the downtube on your workstand and then driving it at 70 mph).
I'm bracing myself for the gazzilion replies saying that they've done 100000 miles with a carbon bike on the roof with no damage.
Just take the wheels out and put the bike and wheels in the boot already.Secure no damage from clamps if it rains you feel all warm inside knowing your bike is warm and dry .
Well the real question (that I didn't ask) was:
How do fit the missus, twin babies, a twin buggy and assorted paraphernalia in the car, and how do I take them, luggage and bike away for a week? I don't like tailgate carriers and I don't like 4x4s, so the answer appears to be:
Buy an estate, a Thule Outride 561, a narrow roof box and some of those quiet aero roof bars.
I would of course just stick the bike in the boot if on my own.
Thanks!
Try www.roofbox.co.uk. I've used them before and always found them helpful. What you are wanting to do is quite a common set-up.
I have an Octavia estate with roof rails and use Thule bars with a 200 litre Thule roof box. The bars are slightly wider than the car and I can fit a Thule bike carrier with the roof box in place.
I got mine from here: http://www.roofracks.co.uk/
If you click through the exact model and year of your car, it'll shows the kit you need, and there is also a table showing how many bikes/racks can be put next to each of their boxes.
not on a BMW but on a Vectra estate (which looks narrower) with OEM bars I have two Thule 591s and a slim Halfords Exodus box - its a bit of a squeeze but fits OK