I know you've ordered now but FWIW, I've run Thules on my cars for 6 or 7 years now. Dead easy when you change cars - just buy different feet etc. Use them regularly to carry up to three bikes on Thule Proride 591s and I've tested the whole setup to 'quite fast' levels and never had any problems. Wouldn't hesitate to go Thule again...

The Thule equivalent of the edge bar is not widely available yet, and £100 more than the Prorack. I'm keeping this car for at least 3 years, that's £50 a year, and it looks smart enough to leave on permanently. I've rarely lost the full amount of bars on previous cars, as I've bought used OE bars, and sold them for at least half what I paid for them, so am not too worried about changing them again in the future.

I can vouch for the hatchback OE bars at well into 3 figure speeds, but not a good idea, as road dust starts to abraid the bike, and a flying stone could smash the frame.

Sorry about the topic revive

I have Whispbars. They are great but as they don't overhang they have limited T track width. This isn't an issue for me as I only carry a roofbox but for multiple cycles I would go for Thule or the Skoda ones (also made by Thule). These have the slotted track all the way across. The Whispbars track stops about 10cm in from the line of the roof rails.

Can you fit at least 2 adult bikes on the flush whispbars?

Sorry about the topic revive

Can you fit at least 2 adult bikes on the flush whispbars?

Yes. I recently bought 2 x Thule 591 bike carriers, they fit the Whispbars fine (via t-track adaptors), and we can now carry 2 x adult mountain bikes with ease.

I just got some thule wingbars last week and have no complaints. Easy to fit and very little wind noise.

Cheers toonfan, just what I needed to know. Looking at getting the FreeRide 532s. Which whispbar did you go for? The flush or through?

Fester - IMO opinion the whispbar looks better, more OEM. Plus they look sleeker.

Paul.

I know you've ordered now but FWIW, I've run Thules on my cars for 6 or 7 years now. Dead easy when you change cars - just buy different feet etc. Use them regularly to carry up to three bikes on Thule Proride 591s and I've tested the whole setup to 'quite fast' levels and never had any problems. Wouldn't hesitate to go Thule again...

The feet is the most expensive part of the kit, anyways. If you go for square black bars, they're only about €35 per pair.

But I agree that Thule makes excellent roof bars. Easy to fit and fit and finish is always 100%. I've installed more than my fair share of them since I sell parts for a living.

Cheers toonfan, just what I needed to know. Looking at getting the FreeRide 532s. Which whispbar did you go for? The flush or through?

Fester - IMO opinion the whispbar looks better, more OEM. Plus they look sleeker.

Paul.

I've got the square thule bars for mine with the 532 bike carrier (or at least i think its the 532). You are welcome to come and have a look at my stuff and i can take you for a spin with it fitted to the car so you have an idea of what it sounds like. I know mines is the estate but it should be about the same as the hatchback.

Cheers toonfan, just what I needed to know. Looking at getting the FreeRide 532s. Which whispbar did you go for? The flush or through?

Fester - IMO opinion the whispbar looks better, more OEM. Plus they look sleeker.

Paul.

I bought the ones that fit between the rails, and don't extend past the rails, they were the S44 version if I remember correctly. Pictures below.

I bought the ones that fit between the rails, and don't extend past the rails, they were the S44 version if I remember correctly. Pictures below.

I dunno why I asked that question as I had looked at your pictures numerous times.

I've got the square thule bars for mine with the 532 bike carrier (or at least i think its the 532). You are welcome to come and have a look at my stuff and i can take you for a spin with it fitted to the car so you have an idea of what it sounds like. I know mines is the estate but it should be about the same as the hatchback.

Thanks for the offer Stu. I will come and have a look at some point. I see your car around camp a fair bit.

Thanks for the offer Stu. I will come and have a look at some point. I see your car around camp a fair bit.

I'm on leave next week so i won't be around and its not always fitted but your welcome to have a wonder round to have a look. Its normally parked somewhere near duncan block.