I would like to be able to carry 2 bikes - a full sized adult bike and a child / teen bike. I am a complete novice in the subject.

We have no roof bars, no tow bar.

I am nervous of the carriers which hook over the rear door because I have friends who ruined their bikes when the whole thing fell off (their mistake, but if they can make it, you can bet I can!!). Also I have had to avoid bikes on the motorway which have fallen off these devices.

I thought carrying them on the roof would be the answer but none of the bars in Halfords would fit because of the way the roof is above the driver's door.

Are there bars that will fit? Can a dealer fit permanent bars - and how much would it cost? Should I splash out on a tow bar and use a tow bar mounted bike carrier?

All advice gratefully received.

There is an internal bike carrier for the Roomster..Have a shufty in their accessories brochure for it.Not cheap but will certainly do the job

http://www.skoda.co.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Brochures/Accessories_brochure_WEB.pdf

Hope this helps

The internal one almost swayed me towards the Roomster.

Looks like a great idea.

Can also be done on the Superb.

By the time you've spent out £150-200 (or more for a detachable) on a towbar, £200-400 for a towbar mounted rack and £100-200 for fitting, the internal one looks quite cheap (although I don't actually know how much it is).

The internal one almost swayed me towards the Roomster.

Looks like a great idea.

Can also be done on the Superb.

By the time you've spent out £150-200 (or more for a detachable) on a towbar, £200-400 for a towbar mounted rack and £100-200 for fitting, the internal one looks quite cheap (although I don't actually know how much it is).

Also consider having original roomster roof bars fitted by an authorised Skoda Service Point. It is not cheap, but you can consequently fit any kind of after-market equipment on the roof, which can be found at convenient prices. I think it is globally cheaper than the towbar solution, plus you keep 5 seats compared to the internal rack solution.

Pity Skoda dealers do not tell buyers original roof bars are the only way to carry anything on the roof of the car :wonder:

Edited 17 June, 201312 yr by Lorenzo

Pity Skoda dealers do not tell buyers original roof bars are the only way to carry anything on the roof of the car

Not the only way, but agreed these (http://www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/7404908.htm) won't take a bike...

Roof bars are very versatile and probably the best option if there's a choice.

The internal bike rack is great. Cost £200 but really easy to use. Caters for 2, but a third will also fit in.

We are on our second Roomster simply because of this rack! And can be left overnight without any concerns. It does become a 3 seater with both bikes though. And you will take a couple of tries to get the ideal position, although there is still loads of room.

Someone has one for sale in that section, asking £100..

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/277934-skoda-internal-bike-rack/

Ver interesting - I am amazed the internal bike rack can enable you to fit 2 bikes in and still leave one rear seat in place!

Thank you everyone, I might see how much it costs to get a Skoda Service Point to fit roof bars. We'd never fit the camping gear plus 3 bikes in the back. I should have thought of roof bars when I bought my Roomster.

It is an ideal car for being out and about though!