GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: limbsy on 22 March 2011, 09:10
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Hey,
Looking at taking the bikes to south wales for a bit of a thrash, normally take the van. But would like to enjoy some fine driving roads with the GTD. So, has anyone got a decent bike rack they could reccommend for it? been looking at the 'saris bones' as this looks like fitment would be fine (and looks pretty cool), but am open to suggestions.
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I'd go for removable tow bar and bike rack rather than the roof option.
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I know a fantastic bike rack for the GTI!!
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I've been looking at an option for when my GTD is delivered. I very nearly bought an Altera Strada towbar mount for use on my Land Rover, but have seen the roof mounted stand type that attach to roof bars and this is probably how I will go now that I have seen how sturdy and secure they are.
I've a set of Prorack Whisperbars that I'll be fitting. A top bit of kit that give virtually no whistle up to 80mph when fitted unlike Thule where a lot of folks fit the wind deflector. They are a bit dearer but well worth the it.
http://www.whispbar.co.uk/accessories/cycle (http://www.whispbar.co.uk/accessories/cycle) shows a style of fitment, but you also get the ones that allow you to keep the front wheel on.
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I know a fantastic bike rack for the GTI!!
Do Tell!
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I have the VW bars and VW Bike bit for on the bars and when tightend you can grab the bars and rock the car. Beware of rear bumper resting type ones as the bumper is hollow and cant take weight less than 30kgs or something. p.s. The roof bars are only weighted up to 75kgs.
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The other thing with the type that rest on the rear tailgate is the straps that fasten onto the top edge of th tailgate then apply pressure onto the roof spoiler and can lead to damage as this is an expanded foam type unit - I've even seen one of these snapped before!
I'm looking at a westfalia removable towbar (which then needs a new rear valance with removable panel) and a Thule quad bike rack (triple plus one extension) but might be getting roofbars for a roofbox for this summer's holiday so adding roof bike adaptors could be better but I'd be very nervous about scratching my car on the way up or down with the bike :cry:
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The other thing with the type that rest on the rear tailgate is the straps that fasten onto the top edge of th tailgate then apply pressure onto the roof spoiler and can lead to damage as this is an expanded foam type unit - I've even seen one of these snapped before!
I'm looking at a westfalia removable towbar (which then needs a new rear valance with removable panel) and a Thule quad bike rack (triple plus one extension) but might be getting roofbars for a roofbox for this summer's holiday so adding roof bike adaptors could be better but I'd be very nervous about scratching my car on the way up or down with the bike :cry:
Yes those are the same concerns I have, don't want to scratch the motor, don't wanna break the spoiler but I don't think I'll be able to put a tow bar on. I don't trust the roof bar racks, seen/heard a few horror stories and wouldnt like to put 3k's worth of bikes on top. I hate being fussy. Maybe I'll just take off the wheels and sling the frames in the back... all wrapped up in cotton wool.
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Genuine VW parts.
Roof mount.
Bike lift max weight 20Kg - 4D0 071 128 D - £257.50
Bicycle bracket - 6Q0 071 128 - £90
Bike carrier to tow hitch (ball head) for 2 bikes - 3C0 071 105 A - £387.50
and Bike carrier to tow hitch (ball head) for 2 bikes - 1T2 071 105 - £375.50
VW Accessories (https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/assets/common/pdf/accessories/golf-vi-accessories.pdf)
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I would purchase the VW roof bars and cycle holders, they are fantastic quality, secure, and apart from the mpg :sick: you would not know the bikes are on the roof. :smiley:
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Hey,
Looking at taking the bikes to south wales for a bit of a thrash, normally take the van. But would like to enjoy some fine driving roads with the GTD. So, has anyone got a decent bike rack they could reccommend for it? been looking at the 'saris bones' as this looks like fitment would be fine (and looks pretty cool), but am open to suggestions.
I'd suggest the Thule 758 with Pro Ride as pictured below. You can't go over 70mph with the roof rack on, not that anyone would anyway of course. They represent considerably better value than VW OEM.
(http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/9899/photoiz.jpg) (http://img860.imageshack.us/i/photoiz.jpg/)
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I'd suggest the Thule 758 with Pro Ride as pictured below. You can't go over 70mph with the roof rack on, not that anyone would anyway of course. They represent considerably better value than VW OEM.
Very nice looks sturdy, did you purchase online or from shop? Does the roof rack just hook under the door sill?
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Just won a brand spanker on ebay for..... £9.99 :lipsrsealed:
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I'd suggest the Thule 758 with Pro Ride as pictured below. You can't go over 70mph with the roof rack on, not that anyone would anyway of course. They represent considerably better value than VW OEM.
Very nice looks sturdy, did you purchase online or from shop? Does the roof rack just hook under the door sill?
I bought it from a store because I wanted to be sure that the fitments were correct, GT Towing in Herts (http://www.gttowing.co.uk). I probably paid a tenner more than I should have done but that is easily reconciled against the hassle of returning several very large boxes if I got it wrong. Halfords do them as well, hence the fact I know of the tenner difference. :angry:
If you have a look on Thule's website, they have a configuration tool which gives you a pick list of parts but they also have a couple of useful videos which will give you a better idea as to how the system is configured.
The only downside/minor niggle is that you have some vinyl paint protectors that you apply to the roof, it's just extra protection for the paintwork when you tighten the feet up and on a black car, they're fairly visible when the rack is not on. If you've got a white or silver car, doubt you'd even see them.
RapidSystem 754: http://thule.basilicon.se/#/?guid=01_rapid_system_754_v2
ProRide 591: http://thule.basilicon.se/#/?guid=21_proride_591_v2
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I know a fantastic bike rack for the GTI!!
So do I.
Should we tell the GTD drivers...
Or are we excluded?
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Is there one available for a 3 door Golf?
I've just got a new bike and want a way of transporting it without putting it IN the car.
I can't have a tow bar because of the central exhausts, so on the roof is my only option. I certainly wouldn't trust one of the ones that hang off the rear spoiler as there are so many straps etc that could damage the paint.
The VW one seems a tad steep, but when I'm transporting over £8k worth of bikes, I guess its probably worth paying for something secure!
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I can't have a tow bar because of the central exhausts, so on the roof is my only option. I certainly wouldn't trust one of the ones that hang off the rear spoiler as there are so many straps etc that could damage the paint.
Small boot, tow bar unfriendly, only 2 doors, drinks fuel. At least it's great in Arctic conditions. I'd still demand a refund! :grin:
Hope you are well.
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Is there one available for a 3 door Golf?
I've just got a new bike and want a way of transporting it without putting it IN the car.
I can't have a tow bar because of the central exhausts, so on the roof is my only option. I certainly wouldn't trust one of the ones that hang off the rear spoiler as there are so many straps etc that could damage the paint.
The VW one seems a tad steep, but when I'm transporting over £8k worth of bikes, I guess its probably worth paying for something secure!
this one says it does fit a 3 door but then states it secures by the doors :huh: might be worth dropping them an email or calling?
http://shop.grahamgoode.com/volkswagen-golf-vi-mk6-3--5-door-08--thule-roof-bars-%C2%A0-7547691323-free-delivery-62379-p.asp
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Small boot, tow bar unfriendly, only 2 doors, drinks fuel. At least it's great in Arctic conditions. I'd still demand a refund! :grin:
Hope you are well.
Ha ha... like I'd put a tow bar on my car anyway whether I could fit one or not :laugh:
Time to get my Winters off now I think since we've reached a regular 10°C. I think I'll get my Tally's back on tomorrow if its a decent day.
Doing good thanks - hows you?
this one says it does fit a 3 door but then states it secures by the doors :huh: might be worth dropping them an email or calling?
http://shop.grahamgoode.com/volkswagen-golf-vi-mk6-3--5-door-08--thule-roof-bars-%C2%A0-7547691323-free-delivery-62379-p.asp
That looks good - but secures by the rear doors is no use! I'll fire through an email and see what they say... thanks!
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Small boot, tow bar unfriendly, only 2 doors, drinks fuel. At least it's great in Arctic conditions. I'd still demand a refund! :grin:
Hope you are well.
Ha ha... like I'd put a tow bar on my car anyway whether I could fit one or not :laugh:
Time to get my Winters off now I think since we've reached a regular 10°C. I think I'll get my Tally's back on tomorrow if its a decent day.
Doing good thanks - hows you?
Doing ok, Pete. Thanks for asking.
Never put my winters on. They RIP at the tyre place. Properly stored.
Think I'll sell them at the start of this winter. :shocked:
Waste of money in London. :rolleyes:
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Waste of money in London. :rolleyes:
Mine have been a waste of money too since there hasn't been a drop of the white stuff since I had them fitted!
I think everyone else has benefited from them though - since as soon as I fitted them, it was destined never to snow again!
Back on in September / October - I'm sure they'll see some action then!
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Waste of money in London. :rolleyes:
Mine have been a waste of money too since there hasn't been a drop of the white stuff since I had them fitted!
I think everyone else has benefited from them though - since as soon as I fitted them, it was destined never to snow again!
Back on in September / October - I'm sure they'll see some action then!
Same here, Pete. Really bugged me when the snow drifted away. I suppose that's what snow really does.
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It snowed only a few weeks back in scotland?
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Is there one available for a 3 door Golf?
I've just got a new bike and want a way of transporting it without putting it IN the car.
I can't have a tow bar because of the central exhausts, so on the roof is my only option. I certainly wouldn't trust one of the ones that hang off the rear spoiler as there are so many straps etc that could damage the paint.
The VW one seems a tad steep, but when I'm transporting over £8k worth of bikes, I guess its probably worth paying for something secure!
Have a look at http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/FitGuide.aspx# as there is an option to configure for 3 door although I'm not sure on the anchorage points, I'm guessing there must be enough of a foot hold above the glass behind the b-pillar as it shows the exact same options as I was provided with and I have a 5 door.
I'm not sure if you know but on the inside sill of the front doors, just below the top shut line (about mid way) is a plastic plug, you have to remove this with an allan key. This is actually an anchorage hole that you put the front mounts for the roof bar into. The clamp has an extruded spike which slips into the hole that the plug leaves. The rear anchorage point is a 'C' shape as well and the foot sits on the roof gutter. The top of the 'C' is a rubber foot that sits on the gutter and the bottom of the 'C' slides into the door sill below the top shut line. I'm guessing that there is enough of a recess above the rear window on a 3 door for this to anchor. It's fairly slim in profile so shouldn't need too much depth to hold. I'd suggest speaking to the guys at GT Touring (linked in an earlier post). They carry every single item that Thule manufacture so know the products and they could easily answer the question as to how it anchors on your R.
I've also got expensive bikes and that was my theory, why introduce a weak link into the chain. I'm not sure if you're putting road bikes or mountain bikes on to your roof but SingleTrack magazine (www.singletrackworld.com) did a very thorough review of bike carrier options a little while back. If you like, I can fire over the review pages but if I recall, they tended to be heavily biased toward rear mount carriers. The amount of muck, especially salt grit that gets thrown up onto the back of the car on motorway trips is not something that I'd like all over my carbon fibre bikes and components, that and the risk of damaging the paint work of course.
PM me if you need any more help, I did a lot of research before deciding on the Thule so could probably venture an opinion on any options. I think my favourite brand encountered was 'Hollywood Racks' which created quite the wrong mental picture! :grin:
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Thanks for the info. I've had a look at the Thule link you've given me and it suggests the 754 Foot Pack, the 869 Aero Bars, and the Proride 591 carrier system. There are other bits like Kit 1323 and the One Key System too.
I'm assuming Kit 1323 is an adapter to fit the rear bar since I don't have rear doors?
I'll have to go through and see what all the pieces come to costwise.
My only concern with putting the bikes on the roof is how I get them up there and secure without the risk of them bouncing down my bonnet! Its a Specialized Stumpjumper S-Works, and a Stumpjumper Elite that I'd be carrying - so a pair of MTB's.
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Pardon my ignorance, but other than branding - whats the difference between the Thule Proride 591 carrier and these Halfords own make ones? http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_253917_categoryId_165477_langId_-1?cm_sp=Intelligent_Offer-_-Product_Details_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PDPz1
I'm getting 2 x Halfords ones for almost the same price as a single Thule one?!
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Thanks for the info. I've had a look at the Thule link you've given me and it suggests the 754 Foot Pack, the 869 Aero Bars, and the Proride 591 carrier system. There are other bits like Kit 1323 and the One Key System too.
I'm assuming Kit 1323 is an adapter to fit the rear bar since I don't have rear doors?
I'll have to go through and see what all the pieces come to costwise.
My only concern with putting the bikes on the roof is how I get them up there and secure without the risk of them bouncing down my bonnet! Its a Specialized Stumpjumper S-Works, and a Stumpjumper Elite that I'd be carrying - so a pair of MTB's.
The 1323 kit looks like an adaptor to my untrained eye. The one key system is worth having otherwise you end up like a jailer with 4 keys and it's just not worth the hassle.
Nice bikes. I hear ya on seeing them on your bonnet. I've got a Lapierre X-Control 910 '11 which I agonised about putting on the roof.
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Pardon my ignorance, but other than branding - whats the difference between the Thule Proride 591 carrier and these Halfords own make ones? http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_253917_categoryId_165477_langId_-1?cm_sp=Intelligent_Offer-_-Product_Details_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PDPz1
I'm getting 2 x Halfords ones for almost the same price as a single Thule one?!
You're not comparing like for like. The aero bars are brushed aluminium and are a little more aerodynamic in look although whether this manifests itself as actually being more aerodynamic is something for someone with a wind tunnel and a lot more time than me. The ones you've linked to are a bit crude and rough round the edges, the finish on the ones I recommended is pretty good and everything clips and locks smoothly. There is probably nothing in it. My bike has a tapered tube where they clamp in and the grips are much better for the shape and padding looks kinder to the finish. Personal preference really.
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For my suggestion, I bought a MK5 genuine VW roof bar kit for £65 off eBay that fits the mk6 roof no problem, and 2 Thule roof bar cycle mounts for £30 the pair.... Job done.