Roof Rack/Carrier for Audi A3 3dr 57plate

rocketman76

Hi Guys

I tend to cycle out with 2 other mates. We usually use one of the lads vans, but as he has now had it all badged up he is a little cautious of taking it away and leaving it unattended..

As such I am happy to make use of my Company car, to transport us around.

As stated it's a 3dr Audi A3 57 plate, without roof rack runners and we'll need to carry 3 mountain bikes..

Questions!!

1 - Can I fit a roof rack to this car, and if so what sort do I need?
2 - What are the benefits/differences between roof racks and rear mounted carriers?
3 - Any other pearls of wisdom on this appreciated..

Cheers

Joe_Pineapples

1 - Yes
http://tinyurl.com/ybqqhtz

2 - Roof mount = ease of use, secure and solid transport, no damage to vehicle, carriers can be left attached almost permanently, can be noisy on the motorway.
Boot mount = pain in the arse, wobble and move around at speed, they sometimes obscure your brake lights, bikes get scratched from hitting against each other, car can get damaged, with some you cannot access the boot when they are fitted.

3 - Make sure that the roof bars you buy are rated to carry the combined weight of three bikes. Having tried both I believe roof mount to be the best IMO. I use a Mont Blanc Barracuda which couldn't be easier to use.
http://tinyurl.com/yec67ox

rocketman76

Thats great info.

I must admit my preference was for the roof rack. Presumably I need to buy myself a little stepladder as none of us are 8ft tall, so getting the bikes on top would (I presume), mean we'll need some form of elevation..

Thanks for the links, and advice

Joe_Pineapples

The Barracuda carrier that I use has a large scooped section in the front that cups your front wheel, allowing you to let go of the bike. You can then attach the arm and clamp without having to hold the bike up there.
When I carry three bikes on my roof I stagger them with the middle bike pointing backwards.

CraigXXL

As Pineapples said.

I have the Thule 591 which seems very similar to his Mont Blanc. The roof racks are normally rated to around 75 to 80kg based on the car makers maximum roof loading. If you can push for the Aero roof bars to do so they are much quieter than the square section ones. If you have a towbar you could also consider one that mounts on them which can better than the roof mounted ones. Have a look in the Bike & Gear section for their reviews.

rocketman76

I don't have a towbar, so will stick with the roof mounted option.

Quieter sounds good to me. If I am going to invest in some I reckon it's worth spending a little extra if it's gonna give me a quieter ride and make putting the bikes on easier and more secure,.

Cheers

matt748

Thule 591, Aero bars. Good build qual and really easy to use.

HandjobDan

Make sure you get Genuine Audi Roof bars as I have damaged my Golf Mk IV roof by fitting aftermarket ones. The official ones won't actually sit on the roof but hover above it, and are generally sturdier anyway.

rocketman76

cheers

ok I reckon this may be dumbest question of the decade, BUT, here goes..

How do these attach to the roof?

Ta

HandjobDan

Depends on the car, check your manual.

On the golf the 3-door has a strip above the door that you pull up and underneath is a pair of mounting lugs that the feet of the roof bars sit on. the rears have a clamp style arrangement that clips under the rear window seal at the top edge.

Try googling pictures for an idea.