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Buggerit - the new car we have isn't suitable for my rear mount carrier (or indeed any rear mount).
So going to stump up the cash for a roof mounted option. I was going to get the bars for a box anyway, so a looking at the various roof mount options.
I know that Thule and Atera are the go to brands, any others I'm missing in terms of comparable quality/design?
Also, frame holder Vs fork clamp type. The Fork type would appear to be more stable and secure by their very nature. Am I right?
We use Thule 591s. Not lost or damaged anything yet. Quite often come up on classifieds, eBay etc rather than stump up full cost.
Had Thule aero bars for 10 years and both fork and frame carriers. Prefer the frame type as you dont have to stick muddy wheels inside the car. Thule 591's. Would say the fork mount is probaly more aerodynamic and, if you leave them on all the time, that might be a consideration.
I got 2 Thule 591's. Paid about £60 each off eBay. I think they are great
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THULE-PRORIDE-591-BIKE-RACK-BICYCLE-CARRIER-FREE-NEXT-DAY-DELIVERY-/171366329749?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Panniers_SR&hash=item27e63aad95
Have both types.
Bought fork type as I had a carbon frame but tbh it's a C456 so not really a worry in a 591.
Wheel off is more faff and you need to have the right axle adapters. Some of them can't be locked which is a concern although no roof carrier is very safe even with a lock.
591s will work with just about any bike and no need to take wheels off. Just remember they are on the roof - put a post it note on your sun visor to remind you!
Thule 561 here. Love it. Feels more secure than a frame mounted carrier, plus you don't have nasty clamps scuffing your paintwork after a muddy ride.
Sure, you have to remove the front wheel but that takes what, all of 30 seconds?! I bought a Thule wheel bag to keep my car clean and protect the wheel from damage in transit.
I've moved from a frame mounted carrier and wouldn't use anything other than a fork mounted carrie now, I also think my fuel economy is better too, although I'm sure some on here would argue that point.
Only negative is the 20mm adaptor, this didn't really seat in my Lyriks or 36's so I filed the edges to a slight taper and it's spot on now. I believe the 15mm adaptor is fine though.
I've just bought some Cruz aero bars with a pair of Thule 532's. They're frame mount but I'm making a fork mount to strap on the front wheel strap as the bar doesn't reach the downtube on my trials bike.
Worth having a look on www.roofbox.co.uk for some good deals!
Don't get Atera ones, we had some and sometimes the clamps would come undone all by themselves. Roofbox co was great and swapped them for some Thule ones (I think 591's). The Thules have fitted anything from my kids 24" dh bikes to my friends xc 29er without too much adjustment.
Simone
Pair of Thule 591 here.
They are brilliant, so easy to use!
Another vote for the Thule 591's. Just got them last week and took them out for the first time yesterday.
Held my large 29er full suss + the wifes 26er full suss without an issue. I've a glass roof so i can keep an eye on them, noticed there is a small amount of lateral wobble at times but they never shift one bit, well happy.
If you have an awkward height, or more than 2 carriers, look at the Thule SlideBars,
Even if you buy 591's at full price you won't regret it. I looked initially at the used market and for the small amount less they'd cost I just preferred to get brand new. If you want more than one get the bundle packs - they work out cheaper and you get a common key across all the racks.
Four Thule 591s permanently fixed to our CRV. Never had any a problem. I'm happy with the modest mpg hit. You can reverse the fittings so two can be closed from each side of the car. The clamp at the bar level makes closure easy, even on a car with a higher roofline.
The fuel economy hit for me with Thule wing bars and three 591's is about 20 to 30 miles per full tank, which is about 65 Ltrs. So i'm averaging about 500 miles per tank instead of 520ish. This hit has not registered on the cars on board mpg calculator. I can live with that.