Anyone have experiance of the bike carrier which fits the roof bars of the Octy? I have a choice, free bike carrier from neighbour which fits the tow ball (Need to pay for tow ball to be fitted though) or buy the carrier from Skoda dealer. My bikes are not cheap so want a reliable carrier, lockable would be a bonus too!

Edited 27 January, 201115 yr by Cyril

I have the OE skoda roof bars (alu, aero section) and some Thule proride 591 bike carriers. A very effective solution IMO.

The roof mounting means you can open and close the rear hatch with the bike(s) in place. I'm not sure if you could do that with a towball mount..?

Got the factory towbar prep and OEM Westfalia detachable bar to take a Thule EuroClassic G5 909. Not cheap for either, but needed to carry 4 bikes on towbar as roofbox sits aloft.

I have the OE skoda roof bars (alu, aero section) and some Thule proride 591 bike carriers. A very effective solution IMO.

The roof mounting means you can open and close the rear hatch with the bike(s) in place. I'm not sure if you could do that with a towball mount..?

Some you can - I have a Thule 9708 hang on 4 bike tow ball carrier and it hinges to allow access to the boot. In theory you could do this with the bikes on it but it'd be hellish heavy so I generallt take them off when I want in the boot or gain access by retracting the load cover (estate) or through the ski-hatch in the back seats. It also locks on to the towball for security.

Thule do other tow ball mount carriers that are the wheel support type as well that hinge that may provide easier boot access but they are expensive.

I have some Atera aero bars and Atera Giro cycle carriers and would recommend to anyone. The carriers are well thought out and it's easy to lift the bikes and lock the carrier with one hand. There are some pics on this forum somewhere.

I might be tempted to go for Thule bars in future though because the Atera foot blocks are a bit chunky for my liking.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/127968-cycle-carrier-roofrack-for-estate/

Here you go - this shows them with steel roof bars. These were ok but you get clashes between the bike rack feet and car bars which restrict how you can position them.

Why do you have to buy the carrier from Skoda? You will get a better deal from somewhere like Roofboxes.co.uk. I have the Thule aero bars and Atera bike racks and I am very happy with them (also cheaper than getting a towbar fitted).

I have some Atera aero bars and Atera Giro cycle carriers and would recommend to anyone. The carriers are well thought out and it's easy to lift the bikes and lock the carrier with one hand. There are some pics on this forum somewhere.

I might be tempted to go for Thule bars in future though because the Atera foot blocks are a bit chunky for my liking.

Are these yours?

Yes that's them. They are fine but the Thule ones look more aerodynamic - not sure what the price difference is however.

Roofbox supply towbar fitting carriers. I personally prefer the towbar version because:1. There is no leaning onto and potential scratching of the car while lifting bike onto the roof2. Better aerodynamics3. You can actually see the bikes while driving4. Access to boot/hatch is not compromised as there is, on many makes, a quick fold over option.Of course, its all a matter of opinion and taste.

When I go out I use the normal square Thule roof bars with the Thule 591 bike carriers, very quick and easy to get your bikes onto the roof and locked in place. When theres a couple of us going out theres around £4k's worth of bikes on the roof and we dont have any worries regards to the stability/strength of the racks. (never leave them alone on the car though)

Yes that's them. They are fine but the Thule ones look more aerodynamic - not sure what the price difference is however.

About £60!

They are nice but not sure it they are that much nicer. Might have to pop to Halfords and have a look

I guess it depends on what kind of bikes you want to carry and how often you intend to fit them to a car!

I used to use Mont Blanc Barracudas on the Skoda aero bars, and they are good IIMHO. They are lockable and can be easily used by one person. My only reservations are that they are big to store when not on the car, and that they are only just big enough for my MTB's tires. For our road bikes they are flexible enough not to strain the frames, but if you are really looking to carry an expensive road bike regularly, i'd strongly suggest other methods/systems!

I try to carry mine in the car rather than on it. SWMBO's rule is usually Road bikes internally, MTB's externally (for obvious reasons!)

Have a look at Click Here

HTH

Hi

I have the Atera Strada 3 which I use on my VRS. Its a really good solution. Fits to the towbar and holds 3 bikes or 4 with the additional carrier. It also slides out so you can get into the boot of the car.

It is an expensive solution but if your bikes are expensive its worth it.

About £60!

They are nice but not sure it they are that much nicer. Might have to pop to Halfords and have a look

I agree - I think (can't remember) that's why I went with Atera. The racks are lockable, and if I'm worried about leaving them I use a couple of cable locks to lock the bike to the car roof bars. Enough as a deterrent in public places I think, but then the bikes are worth less than £500.

I have used roofboxes and/or bike carriers in various combinations for 15 years now. I have two sets of Thule bars- one 120cm and one 135cm long, these have coped with a number of cars over the years. I also have a set of feet for use with roofbars, and a set for use without- the adaptor paks for the latter cost about £35 when changing cars. Replacement parts have always been ordered from roofbox.co.uk- good prices and usually next day delivery. The roofbars are lockable to the car, and the bikes holders lock the bikes in place. Even the 120cm bars cope with four bikes.

The long term flexibility and adaptability of Thule have proved invaluable over the years and I would thoroughly recommend this system

I must admit I do like the Thule kits, my Dad has the areos on his merc and they do look good and he leaves them on all the time. I have been thinking of doing the same so will probably look into it more. Would be handy if his fit so I could borrow them

Like some others, I went to www.roofbox.co.uk and bought Thule 861 aerobars and Thule 591 Pro racks. The site had discount offers and kits to ensure the right feet for the bars to fit the Octy.