Best roof rack for bicycle?

**SPho** · 06-12-2019 09:05 AM

Kids bicycles don’t fit in the trunk anymore (2 kids bicycle and 1 adult) ; looking to put them on the roof and I know jack about the roof rack world...

Which brand and model do you guys recommend and why.
I’m looking for something subtle

Thanks

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**dimonblr** · 06-12-2019 10:28 AM

I recommend the Q7 3.0T

**Method** · 06-12-2019 11:24 AM

I've been really happy with my OEM Audi rack. I've paired that with the Yakima Forklift racks. Just toss the front wheels in the trunk and you're good to go.

This assumes that your kiddos bikes have quick release front wheels. If not, you may want to go with something more like the Yakima FrontLoader.

**elmasri** · 06-12-2019 12:09 PM

I’m glad you guys actually use the roof rack. I hate when people put roof racks on cars and not use them. Sorry just a pet peeve.

**Dash** · 06-12-2019 12:30 PM

I use a Yakima Whis-Bar and the Yakima Front loader (but that might not work depending on the tire size of the kids bike). I like the look of the Whis-bar and it's super quiet. Also hold a boatload. :)

**SPho** · 06-12-2019 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Dash

I use a Yakima Whis-Bar and the Yakima Front loader (but that might not work depending on the tire size of the kids bike). I like the look of the Whis-bar and it's super quiet. Also hold a boatload. :)

That looks nice

so I have to buy two parts ?
The whis-bar (horizontal ones)
Front loader (to hold bike)

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**Method** · 06-12-2019 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by SPho

That looks nice

so I have to buy two parts ?
The whis-bar (horizontal ones)
Front loader (to hold bike)

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Yes. The rack itself (basebars) + whatever attachments you get to hold bikes and your other stuff.

**Cr099** · 06-12-2019 01:57 PM

Whis-bar, cause quiet
Rocky Mounts quality and affordable

**ZGskibum** · 06-12-2019 03:39 PM

+1 for whisbar with RockyMounts bike rack.

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**b spot** · 06-12-2019 08:41 PM

I frankly hate racks that require taking the wheel off.

1) An extra step in an already painful process to get racks on, gear loaded and bikes on the car
2) you lose your trunk space and have muddy bike wheels in your car
3) with through axles being more common now you have to deal with adapters

1up, Thule and Yakima all have great options for racks that don't need bike disassembly.

**SPho** · 06-12-2019 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by b spot

I frankly hate racks that require taking the wheel off.

1) An extra step in an already painful process to get racks on, gear loaded and bikes on the car
2) you lose your trunk space and have muddy bike wheels in your car
3) with through axles being more common now you have to deal with adapters

1up, Thule and Yakima all have great options for racks that don't need bike disassembly.

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**barthez** · 06-13-2019 08:42 AM

Definitely check out 1UP USA racks, I have a hitch mounted one and would never buy a different brand rack. Easy to use and super durable, hitch receiver is pretty easy to install and is cheap. If you end up buying another car you can use hitch mount bike rack and not take a loss on roof rack.

**SPho** · 06-13-2019 10:19 PM

IMG_6110.jpg

What size and model is it?

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**SPho** · 06-14-2019 01:36 PM

CoreBar vs Jetstream what are the differences aside from looks?

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**EastTNPharmD** · 06-20-2019 08:00 PM

I have had both Thule and Yakima racks on my b6 and now b8.5. Felt Thule was a bit better fit and finish but yak performed just fine. Get the aero blades/ whispbars as the square and round just generate so much noise it will drive you insane. Also strongly recommend wind deflector for the front.

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**Method** · 06-21-2019 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by EastTNPharmD

I have had both Thule and Yakima racks on my b6 and now b8.5. Felt Thule was a bit better fit and finish but yak performed just fine. Get the aero blades/ whispbars as the square and round just generate so much noise it will drive you insane. Also strongly recommend wind deflector for the front.

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Did you find that the wind deflector reduced the noise? My roof rack basebars are nice and quiet, but my bike racks whistle which is annoying.

**EastTNPharmD** · 06-21-2019 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by Method

Did you find that the wind deflector reduced the noise? My roof rack basebars are nice and quiet, but my bike racks whistle which is annoying.

I didn’t notice a huge difference with unloaded bars, but once the box went on it made a huge difference. It also helped stabilize the box somehow. At speed you barely noticed it and almost no chatter.

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**GoNavy** · 06-21-2019 03:21 PM

I have Thule rack and 1 Up bike holder. Really like the 1Up holder because of how easy it is to put the bike in there and secure it. (https://www.1up-usa.com/)

**03redgti** · 06-22-2019 07:46 AM

LoL these car's look ridiculous with big ass kayaks and bikes on the roof.

**SPho** · 07-03-2019 09:04 PM

IMG_6804.JPG

Done deal thanks for all the feedback

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**stoked_S4** · 07-04-2019 08:25 PM

If you ever decide to go with a hitch it is possible. My kid's bike fits in the trunk with both wheels off and 2 adult bikes goes on the hitch. Adult bike also fits inside the trunk with both wheels off and 06/40 rear seats one side down. Or yo can go with a 3-4 bike hitch carrier.

I had a roof rack on my previous car and it was a pain going to car wash and waste of mpg 95% of the time. Also no risk of driving into a garage with bikes on roof.

**SPho** · 07-04-2019 09:53 PM

IMG_6875.JPG

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**carlito** · 06-11-2021 08:51 PM

What shape are the cross bars of the Audi base carrier bars? I've seen different product pics online and I'm trying to figure out if my older Thule bike racks will fit. They were previously mounted on square bars.

**734jeant** · 06-13-2021 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by barthez

Definitely check out 1UP USA racks, I have a hitch mounted one and would never buy a different brand rack. Easy to use and super durable, hitch receiver is pretty easy to install and is cheap. If you end up buying another car you can use hitch mount bike rack and not take a loss on roof rack.

This. I had a roof rack on my previous car and it went with the sale of the car. I now have a hitch mount rack and love it.

**BIH2** · 06-14-2021 04:50 AM

Originally Posted by b spot

I frankly hate racks that require taking the wheel off.

1) An extra step in an already painful process to get racks on, gear loaded and bikes on the car
2) you lose your trunk space and have muddy bike wheels in your car
3) with through axles being more common now you have to deal with adapters

1up, Thule and Yakima all have great options for racks that don't need bike disassembly.

I feel the exact same way. Who has time taking wheels on and off. Any links to those 1up, thule and yakima bike racks that can fit on OEM audi roof racks will be nice if you have

**vwgtivr6** · 06-14-2021 07:57 AM

Have your cake and eat it, too.

After fighting with roof racks, fork down bike carriers and hanging-style hitch mount carriers, I'll never go back. Stealth Hitch was the icing on the cake.

No contact with bodywork

Folds up when not in use

Unsightly trailer hitch?

No problem

**vwgtivr6** · 06-14-2021 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by BIH2

I feel the exact same way. Who has time taking wheels on and off. Any links to those 1up, thule and yakima bike racks that can fit on OEM audi roof racks will be nice if you have

1Up makes a roof rack compatible carrier:

https://www.1up-usa.com/product/roof-rack/

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