Bagio

I currently have a MY04 WRX saloon and I need to find the best method of transporting a mountain bike on the scoob.

I can't find very many listed to fit the scoob and I am not sure if a roof mounted carrier is the way forward.

Before I buy anything I would like to benefit from the experiences of other cyclists who drive scoobys.

Please tell me what you are using and all the pros and cons.

I want the cheapest option. However I don't want to risk damaging the body work.

Pics are always good

Cheers

andythejock01wrx

Dunno, but I'll be interested to hear the answer !

I use a "Sagis Bones" bumper cycle rack, but it can silip and end up rubbing against my wee spoiler !

Tow bar fixed racks are recommended, but pricey. Roof racks are another option, although I wonder how they affect handling.

Andy Mc

scotthldr

Roof mounted Thule system is the way to go, not the cheapest but probably the best and it's cheaper than having to get your car resprayed as happens with boot mounted systems.

Leedsarmy

iTrader: (1)

Agreed, i am using the Thule roof mount system, If you shop around on the net there are some good bargains to be had on the Thule system, and ultimately it will not cost to much more than a decent boot rack like the Saris Bones cause they cost up to £100. Plus the Thule system have a locking system which offers a bit more security when having to stop for a pee or for petrol etc.

Failing that, on my first WRX i had the cheapo option, which was the Saris Sentinel

Saris Sentinal 2 Bike Rack for £35.99 | Saris Car Racks | Cycle | Wiggle

This rack fits over a standard WRX spoiler but does not work on the STI spoiler. Never had any problems with this, and for the price its a bargain. I wouldn't put heavy bikes on it mind.

Hope this helps.

JT

Leedsarmy

iTrader: (1)

I've just found where i got my roof rack Thule system from

Subaru Impreza Saloon & Estate 00- roof bar system. Thule and Mont Blanc roof racks at skidrive.co.uk

I went with the aero kit cause it looks much better than the black square bars, and the cycle carriers are

Bike racks from Thule, Mont Blanc, Raleigh and Saris

So for just over £100 you could have the standard Thule rack system with locks and a single bike carrier. Plus they do multibuy options on the carriers. Not bad IMHO.

scooty

How about the roof ones supplied by Subaru UK - they do two, one at 80 quid and one at 40.

Part no E361ESA701 - £40 or E361ESA501 at 80!

Scott

tom_p_2000

iTrader: (2)

Thule is definately the way to go if you want a roof mounted system.

See which components you will need here:
Thule UK - Find out the Thule part numbers you need for your car!

I work in a bike shop and sell these every week and are very good quality. The systems for holding the bikes themselves come in at £40 and £80 depending on the quality you want. The £80 holder is an awsome bit of kit and dead easy to use.

I will be kitting my new scooby out with a bike rack soon but i will be fitting a removable tow bar and purchasing a pendle towbar rack. This way the wind resistance is a lot less so fuel ecomony is a little better and you also dont have the height restriction problem (for car parks etc).

If you want any more help on any rack give me a call (Tom) on 01480 812500 (9-5:30 everyday)

Tom

Snazy

Another vote for Thule

andythejock01wrx

Great thread.

So, does having two bikes on top of your car have much more effect than having them on the boot ? (ie to the handling).

And for Thule's better quality system, for two bikes - is that £80 x 2 + £160 ?

cheers,

Andy Mc

SirFozzalot

I leave the scoob at home and take the truck!

speedking

Have a look at this thread. IMHO if you are going to put muddy mountain bikes on the roof then the mud and stones that drop off are going to damage the paintwork more than the fitting kit. There is also the danger of the bike slipping as it is lifted and fixed to the rack.

Bagio

Thanks for all the advice peeps.

looks like I'll be going for a roof mounted system provided that is won't take too loong to take on and off as I think that roof bars ruin the look of the car if left on when not carrying anything.

STi_Si

If you're interested I have a set of Thule roof bars and two Thule 'Tour' cycle carriers for sale. The roof bars are currently fitted with foot packs to fit a classic scoob and checking the Thule website I think they will fit yours as well.... Only used for one trip to Scotland for the week and no problems or damage, etc.

Open to reasonable offers.

Simon

Aquanaut

Another vote for Thule.

The down side is that fuel consumption is a little higher - but hey you drive a scoob!

The plus points are that the bike is held on the car far more securely than the rear mounted wiggly, held on with some knicker elastic, can't see the number plate, stray peddle/wheel against the paint work.

And when on your thule roof system, your bike is locked in.

GT Towing in Potters Bar are very helpfull

or Thule roof rack & cycle rack systems

tom_p_2000

iTrader: (2)

ive always found the car handles better with them on the back rather than on the roof as the centre of gravity is lower.

and yes thats £80 per bike.

Although if its only for 2 bikes you be better off laying the rear seats down, carpeting or putting card down and sticking the bikes in the boot!!

tom

Leedsarmy

iTrader: (1)

Again, if anybody was to listen to me if you shop around there are some good deals to be had. At the following website you can get 2 Thule 530 bike carriers (albeit the base model) for £27.45 each, or 2 of the most expensive ones being the Thule 591 (i have these and they are excellent ) for £55.99 each

Bike racks from Thule, Mont Blanc, Raleigh and Saris

From this place i got the full aero kit, with a free lock kit, and two of the Thule 591 bike carriers for £190, and they were delivered next day. I would certainly recommend them.

I rest my case

JT

aggs

I have tried most systems each have good and bad points.
1/ Thule roof rack and bike clamps.
FOR If rack on car all the time easy to use, assume rack on car simple to put bkes on and off you go.
Bikes very secure.
aGAINST If not on car all the time a bit fiddly to put rack on and not a quick operation to put bikes on car.
Also very high fuel consumption esp at 85mph plus.
Mud falls on car.

Tow bar mount.
FOR Quick operation, put on tow bar rack, put on bikes very quick
Lower fuel consumption,
AGAINST. High initial cost of tow bar (I had a demountable one.)
Need to store rack (a bit bulky)
Cornering whilst bikes on car a bit comprimised.

In my view Thule Tow bar rack is best.
Fuel consumption with roof rack is pretty high.
When on our TDI Golf it dropped to 35 on a motorway run, car usually ran 45 to 48 without bikes in same driving conditions.

Thule is a very good brand.

dunx

iTrader: (3)

Throw my bike in the boot.... only got the one tho'.

Interesting thread tho'

Dunx

STi_Si

Bagio, any interest in roof bars and carriers I have for sale?

Simon

ryn004

I throw mine in the boot as well. Just take teh front wheel off and fold down the seats. I have a '06 Cindercone