Bike Rack on GTI/GTD

[Jackie Treehorn]

Hi

Has anyone tried the Saris bones racks on the GTI/GTD?

  Had roof bars on other cars and the rubber pads still scratch the roof over time (Audi Factory roof bars).  So knowing with the 3dr I will have to flex the rubbers on the rear window out a little and over time they will scratch the roof, so thought i might try a Saris.

[zUgan]

Reckon you are more likely to do more damage with a rear rack. I've seen the Bones on a friend's GTI and it still touches the paint.

I've tested both methods (VW 3dr bars + 4 Thule carriers and a Saris Sentinal) at once, see below. Very pleased with the roof bars, no damage and a lot less fiddly than a rear rack and you can get in the boot.

[Jackie Treehorn]

Thanks,

perhaps i will stick to the roof bars,  having had them for 9 year on an Audi i did notice that over time the rubber pads ever so slightly scratched the roof where they were clamped down.  This was even when i only ever fitted then when the car was clean so no grit was under the pad.  I also noticed that if I left them on the roof a long time the rubbers on the doors had impressions that took some time to come out after removal.  Which was a bit of a pain...

With the rear mount I was thinking of getting some 3M clear vinyl where the feet went.   But the rear carriers always look like they are moving around on other cars, but not seen a Saris in action, or the new Thule Raceway991.