"Hywel Jenkins" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:
[email protected]...
> In article <JS%[email protected]>,
> [email protected] says...
>>
>> "Hywel Jenkins" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>> > I've finally decided to get some sort of device that will enable be to
>> > transport my MTB on my car. I like the look of the Saris Bones racks,
>> > and they seem to do well in reviews. Thing is, I don't think I can
>> > attach the bottom straps securely (Renault Megane II), so any rack that
>> > attaches to the back of the car (tow-hitch options excepted) are out.
>> >
>> > My other choice is to go for roof bars but they seem to look so
>> > insecure
>> > and robust. Is this really the case? I know many people use them week
>> > after week, but I need some convincing. Anyone got a recommendation or
>> > particular favourite manufacturer?
>> >
>> > If anyone's got a different view of fitting something like the Saris
>> > rack to a Megane, I'd love to know how you're getting on. This option
>> > would be better simply for portability.
>> >
>> > I'm not going to fit a tow-hitch for reasons of cost, appearance, and
>> > the additional depreciation that can occur.
>> >
>> I'm not sure I see your logic in the last statement.
>
> I just don't like them, especially the one for the Megane. It looks
> ****.
>
Ah - can't account for individual taste. . .
>> However, I've
>> used Thule roofbars on 4 cars now and have no problems with them
>> whatsoever.
>> Replacement fitting kits can be bought when swapping cars so that the
>> bars/racks etc move from car to car with you.
>
> So all I'd need would be the bits that attached the bars to the car?
> For example, mine has anchor points hidden under the trim, and Swmbo's
> car has the same, so I'd just buy those four bits and re-use everything
> else?
>
Yep. My thule bars were first attached to a Xantia which had the mounting
holes hidden under the rubber door trim. Of course, as there's no standard
spacing, you might find that you need two sets. Current car is a Laguna
Sport which had the roof rails fitted. All I needed to buy was a generic
roof bar/roof rail attachment. I also bought a Renault-specific 3-bike rail
for the Laguna which bolts onto pre-tapped hols in the tailgate . Solid as a
rock, sits higher than the number plate/lights and as it's a "gutter" type,
there's no problem with ladies / full suspension frame geometries. Might be
worth asking Renault if this is available for yours? I still use the single
roof bar when needs be.
>
>> They are very stable and solid
>> and can be locked. Beats these rear-door mounted systems easily and keeps
>> lights / no. plate clear (which saves another expense). Problems? Well,
>> reach can be one - if you're a bit short and the car is high, fitting the
>> bike can be awkward. Cleanliness - if you get really muddy, expect to
>> wash
>> the car down afterwards to get rid of the big brown streak down the
>> roof -
>
> So you've seen my car?
>
>
>> oh and watch that height clearance!!
>
> Yes - I'd have a sign on my dash that tells me "Don't use 6th gear
> today, and you're finally over six feet tall"
>
Nothing wrong with 6th gear on mine. I guess there might be a maximum speed
recommendatain, but I can't recall ever seeing it.
> Thanks for the info. I've found the information available online a bit
> useless so far. Might have to try H*lf*ds, unless LBS is open on Friday
> PM.
>
Oh - should really mention fuel comsumption too. Expect quite a hit
regardless of where you carry them, though I suspect that the towbar-mounted
option might actually be the best in this respect.
> --
> Hywel http://kibo.org.uk/
> I do not eat quiche.
