We have a 2000 Octy Estate which we plan to use for a big UK holiday soon. To fit everything in, including the bikes, I am looking at getting a roof rack, top box and a rear mounted cycle carrier.

On the cycle carrier issue - a lot of them say they are universal, but none will state categorically if they will fit my car. Anyone on here got one they can recommend? Also, do you know if you can still open the boot (even though it will be very heavy) with the rack on?

On the roof bars issue - our car has no bars at all at the moment, just a black/grey rubber strip down each side of the roof. What sort of roof bars do I need for it?

Many thanks in advance

James

I got the Thule Tow-bat mounted type bike carrier and it is superb. It’s solidly built (pretty heavy) and well finished. Plus you can pivot the whole bike rack forward whilst it is still attached to the towbar, this enables you to be able to open your rear hatch. It is lockable too so it should be trick for some scr0te coming along an nicking it. Oh and on some of the systems you get lockable bike clamps too.

I was considering one of those for my Octy estate, but have never know how well they handle full suspension bikes.

We have a 2000 Octy Estate which we plan to use for a big UK holiday soon. To fit everything in, including the bikes, I am looking at getting a roof rack, top box and a rear mounted cycle carrier.

On the cycle carrier issue - a lot of them say they are universal, but none will state categorically if they will fit my car. Anyone on here got one they can recommend? Also, do you know if you can still open the boot (even though it will be very heavy) with the rack on?

On the roof bars issue - our car has no bars at all at the moment, just a black/grey rubber strip down each side of the roof. What sort of roof bars do I need for it?

Many thanks in advance

James

Personally I would book the car into Skoda to get the roof rails fitted. My parents did this to their Octi estate and I think it cost them about £200 then they bought the Thule bars and foot pack.

At least doing it this way you know that the weight on your roof is being spread as the manufacturor recommends.

How big is the roof box you have? As I have seen people with a long thin roof box and 2 bikes on a set of roof bars. I would have thought there would be a Thule set to fit your car (look for the codes that fit an estate without roofbars). I imagine they would be the same as for the Hatchback. I bought my Thule bars from The Roof Box Company: sales and hire of Thule roof boxes and other brands of roof boxes, roof bars and bike carriers. I found them very informative and they quickly responded to any questions I had. They also have a full range of bike carriers, roof racks and boxes to chose from (at some of the cheapest prices I found). I have no connection with the company other than being a satisfied customer.