I've recently bought a set of Thule Aero bars for the Octavia.

When fitted they make a really annoying whistle above about 40mph. It's so loud and annoying that I can't leave the bars on when I'm not using them to transport the bike.

I'm assuming they should be near-silent when there is no bike/bike rack on?

Anyone else had this issue?

I bought the bars second hand so I'm wondering if there's something wrong with them or indeed a part missing.

I've had a look at a spares page and was wondering if everyone who uses them has the part in the top left of this picture fitted?

Obvioulsy that slots into the gap which I would imagine could produce a whistling noise if left uncovered.

My bars didn'tcome with this part, do you think that could be the cause?

Any other thoughts?

are you refering to the rubberstrip that sits inside/on top of bars?

If so I can say my old Thurle bars were quiet and they had the rubber strip fitted

Yep, you're missing the rubber strip. Presume you can buy these separately but gaffer tape works well! Mine only seem to do it when it is raining strangely as I forgot to put the rubber strips in the other week when I had the roof box on. Rained all the way to London and whistled. Was dry on the way back and didn't but when I put the washers on they whistled again. Weird!

The whole idea of the aero bars is that they are more aerodynamic and quieter than the tradtitional square profile bars, any whistling would suggest something isn't right.

I'm actually looking for a set too, all the one's I've seen have the rubber insert attached.

Thanks gents, yeah you can buy the rubber strip seperately for £7ish.

Got the bars and feet for the price of a crate of beer so can't really grumble that the strips are missing.

So how does it work, do you just cut it to fit around whatever accesories you are using?

I think I'll try putting some tape where the strip should sit and if that works I'll buy the strips

Thanks gents, yeah you can buy the rubber strip seperately for £7ish.

Got the bars and feet for the price of a crate of beer so can't really grumble that the strips are missing.

So how does it work, do you just cut it to fit around whatever accesories you are using?

I think I'll try putting some tape where the strip should sit and if that works I'll buy the strips

Yeah you can do but I just remove them when I put the bike carriers on. The carriers break the airflow so you don't get any whistling strangely!