I need to sort something out for carrying bikes on my Octavia estate. The choices are a towbar and carrier, which is bloody expensive, or a set of roof bars and bike racks.

 

I'm looking at a set of the Thule Wing Edge roof bars which clamp directly onto the Skoda roof rails.

If anyone uses them, have they had any issues with the  Thule roof bars marking the roof rails when they're fitted?

I've got the black pack roof rails and don't fancy fitting the Thule bars and marking anything.

I've got black roof bars and Thule wing rails which I use as both a roof rack and with a roof box, with no marking or the rails at all.

I've got the normal Thulé feet & aero bars (not the edge bars) but have no problems marking my roof bars.

The clamping part itself has thick rubber lining which gives excellent grip but should also prevent scratching/marks.

They don't mark but if you worried you can always place some helicopter tape where they clamp.

Thanks guys, looks like I've got nothing to worry about with the bars.

 

On a previous car the feet clamped onto the side of the roof so I used helicopter tape to protect the paint. Looks like I shouldn't have to do this on the Octavia but I've got some in the garage so may use some just in case. 

Also look here for some good deals, google their 5% discount

 

www.roofbox.co.uk

 

Edited 30 August, 20178 yr by glosrich

No marks at all on silver rails after 3 weeks, 800 miles. You will need to make sure rails and "feet" are clean before fitting, but it's much less of a hassle on the estate than using the feet on the paint approach for the Octavia hatch

Hi  grmtylr.

I have the exact set up that you mention in your post. Great looking, very little wind noise, without the bikes on of course, perfect fit. No ugly overhangs. A little on the expensive side, but worth every penny.

 

 

I have Thule roof bars they fit well and don't mark the estate rails. Buy them anywhere but Halfrauds.

But for me and my mountain bike I just put the rear seats down, some cardboard to protect the upholstery, then I sling the muddy one in the back. 

i got the roof bars but swapped car to the saloon without fixing points so they just lying around in the shed lol

till i get another estate

Edited 30 August, 20178 yr by sgothuk

I use the Thule '969' Wingbars on mine, no marking at all...