Roof mounted cycle rack

[mullermn]

I've just bought a pair of Thule 591s to go on the VW branded roof bars. I've never driven with a roof mounted bike carrier before and I was wanting some advice from those who have, please!

How gentle do I have to be when I'm driving around and how much damage is it going to do to my fuel efficiency with two road bikes on top?

Thanks..

[matt2]

I had similar bars on my Mk vi and it was fairly stable going over speed bumps (slowly) and it was fine cruising at 70 mph down the motorway.

It will affect your fuel economy though.

[monkeyhanger]

At 70mph, i'd expect those roof racks with 2 upright bikes to knock up to 15% off your fuel economy.

[monsta]

Got the VW bars and VW cycle holders for mine, driven around town and country roads with two bikes on, you don't need to drive differently at all.  They make a nice bit of wind noise though 

I've taken one bike on the roof down the motorway (around 90 miles) and it knocked about 5MPG off my usual best.