kErb

Hi, Ive not posted before, but I thought you might like to see the option I went with. Having a Labrador to carry in the back and little room left for luggage on our annual holiday to Cornwall, I went for an Atera system through www.roofbox.co.uk. I've attached a couple of pictures; the roof bars are Atera SIGNO AR2222 with their GIRO AF bike carrier. I went with the T bar option to keep the smooth lines and reduce any wind noise. I believe you can fit up to four GIRO AF's onto the roof bars if you feel the need, but I only had room for one with the roof box in place. They are compatible with Thule equipment but seem slightly cheaper to buy, and in my view are just as sturdy.

[attachment=101038:AR2220_01MLP.jpg][attachment=1010397200011.JPG][/url]

Here is the link for Roof Box if anyone wants to investigate further. http://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/bik...ckage-deals.php

kErb

V70Cat

I am now thinking about going with a Saris Bones 2 rear rack.

I costs much less and offers easy on and off and no areo noise, what do you think?

Thematrixz

I had the Sarris Bones (the 1st series, I'm pretty sure), it's a very sturdy rack. The only drawback is the space it takes up when not being used, it takes time to configure and to collapse. I gave up on it and use the Yakima roof rack.

the Sarris will get the job done.

Tan

dieseltouring

Hi,

Having both a rear mount rack and a Thule roof rack for my bikes I would offer the following advantages and disadvantages of a roof mounted bike rack

Advantages
Very fast to load and unload bikes - 30 secs vs 10+ minutes
Less potential to scratch / damage bikes
Doesn't obscure lights, rear vision or number plate
Doesn't get in way of loading boot
Doesn't dig into rear hatch paintwork with strap hooks - my E39 has gone rusty here
Lockable and therefore more secure

Disadvantages
More wind noise
Worse fuel consumption
Need to be careful of height restriction barriers - Don't ask!

On balance I much prefer the roof. Thule ProRide bike carriers are expensive, but well worth it.

lorinzo

I have had good luck with Yakima. However, I have never used the racks from my BMW.