I recently bought my Octy VRS (hatch) because I wanted one dammit and hang the practicality! I've got a monster stereo in the boot which is laid out so i can still get my BMX in the boot but the problem is that my MTB is too big and usually far too muddy to go inside the car. this leaves the option of either roof bars or a towball that can hold one of those carriers that doesn't touch the body. So roof rack or towball? which will ruin the look of my car least? Any other ideas?

I'd go with the roof rack, as you can still get in and out of your boot with it on....... and it's easier to take off.

go for the roof rack, i did, even with nothing on it it doesnt whistle like most do.

Another option, a bke bag. I bought one years ago from Stif in Leeds made by TeePee. Stick the muddy bike in the bag before putting the whole lot in the rear seat compartment or in the boot. Personally, I just put mine in the boot, one of the reasons I've just bought my 3rd consecutive Octavia is because of the cavernous boot, I never need to carry the bike on the outside of the car, which is good considering the value of my bikes

Dave.

hmmmmm.... how much was the bag ?

This is very similar to the one I have. The material is very hard wearing nylon type material.

eBay.co.uk: Teepee (padded) Bike Bag Black (including 2 Wheel Bags) (item 270087570234 end time 08-May-07 09:25:14 BST)

Should be able to get one for less than £80, I've taken my bike abroad by air with mine, but hat was a bit risky as there isn't much structure in the bag to protect it.

Dave.

I'd go with the roof rack, as you can still get in and out of your boot with it on....... and it's easier to take off.

I'd second that!!! I've got the Skoda approved roof bars with the lockable bike carriers made by Thule which is a great bit of kit Carries two mountain bikes and leaves the boot free for all the other stuff!

Got a SW Octavia and a similar problem. The suggestions were AGAINST roof bike carriers, reasons being air drag, difficult lifitng/lowering, so I bought a THULE rear carrier - it takes up to three bikes - there are models to fit most cars (have yet to try it, though). For some types of bikes (e.g. some, not all ladies' models) a horizontal bar may be required. There are several models in diff finishes and prices. There were alternatives but, what I liked most with this product was clear product documentation available on-line. However, before deciding check the law in your country - where I live (Italy),the bike carrier rules have recently been changed (EU compatibility), introducing limits to the excess width of the carrier+bike ***'y which in any case shouldn't obstruct rear lights and license plate (the latter is not easy to achive in some cars).

One important aspect: in most cases the rear wiper arm should be removed as the carrier has two rubber supports which interfer with the swept area. If you're lucky, you may get away with removing just the wiper blade (a no-tools operation). Be sure to put 2 cm (1 in) of light plastic sleeve (hose or similar) at the arm terminal to prevent scratching the screen in case the stalk is accidentaly moved. An alternative is to remove the fuse - but first check which other services, if any, are affected.

HTH

cheers for the replys guys. I have considered the bike bag in the back seats option but will need to make some extra protection for the rear seats as well.

If i get roof bars fitted will they be permanent? is it only the cycle carrier part that comes on and off?

I reckon i could get my bike up on the roof easy (it would only be mine) and i would remove the front wheel to reduce hight and drag,

Nah the roof bars are detachable.

Get a removable tow bar. Bikes are much more secure on a towbar rack, and better mpg.

Bike bag will get annoying with removing the bars, pedals, mech and wheels all the time.

I fitted a Maxx Rax towbar mounted bike carrier about 120 quid for a 2 bike model, really sturdy, secure built in cable/lock and drops down if required for boot access. Obviously you also have the cost of a towbar.

I've had mine for 3 years on my octy estate and feel confident driving with it loaded at normal speeds.

I got mine from a local car spares shop but think best way to buy will be online.

Bike Rack Cycle Carriers by MAXXRAXX, the UK 4 bike, cycle carrier car rack

it was a rack like the at MaxxRaxx one that i had in mind although I do like the idea of being able to remove all trace of a rack (ie roofbars) without leaving a towball behind. The fact that most of my biking is done within 30 miles down A and B roads i'm not sure the drag factor is one to worry about. I`m definately going to check out roof bars in preferance to having a permanent towball.

P.S. Graham might see ya down Mabie forest some time, that close to you?

Glentress is my local spot.

Bikebag offers - on one :: Calderdale's 2nd biggest bike company

If you want a bike bag be quick

I have two of them, and can get my large SC Superlight in one by only taking wheels off.

It is a squeeze, but it does go on the back seat of a Mazda6 like that no problem.

For XC bikes roof racks are not to bad. Ones were they attach with your front axel look pritty strong, just dont thing they work with 20mm.

The roads round there are wicked to

Glentress is my local spot.

Man up and get to Innerleithen :P

For XC bikes roof racks are not to bad. Ones were they attach with your front axel look pritty strong, just dont thing they work with 20mm.

The roads round there are wicked to

Man up and get to Innerleithen :P

Thule do a carrier that has a adaptor for 20mm through axles.

Thule do a carrier that has a adaptor for 20mm through axles.

Ah reetio, didn't really look at them you see, as I went for the towbar option. Would never put my bike on the roof! And I dont thing it would be easy when covered in mud to lift it up there

The Thule Outride 561 has an adapter for 20 mm axles I beleive. Shaun I ride Inners somtimes but you must understand that my bike is a 24" wheel single speed jump bike (DMR Trailstar with gold rims) so some of Inners is a bit hairy for it, but still fun, actually its the fact that my mates have stopped riding I mean who can be bothered pushing up Inners on thier own.

I'm pretty much gonna try the roof bar option, I'll post if it turns out to be rubbish to save someone else the hassle.