Bike rack options A6 Avant ?

**Aviator62** · 07-05-2008,03:06 PM

Can anybody help me . I have an Audi A6 Avant 07 and need to carry 3 bikes often on quite long trips. I require an easy to operate system and therefore feel that there are 2 main options . 1) Buy an Audi set of roof bars ans 3 individual bike fasteners - expensive and what about wind noise? 2) Go for a tow bar system like Thule - have been told by a company that they operate best on fixed tow bars rather than removable ones. I dont really want to go for a fixed tow bar because spoils look and also could interfear with parking assistance beeper.

Does anyone have experience with either of the two above options or any better solutions.

Thanks

Aviator62

**Ben** · 07-05-2008,08:52 PM

yes, i can offer an opinion.....

<goes to find thread>

back in a tick.

**Ben** · 07-05-2008,08:54 PM

<returns having found thread>

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=14028

**andy8442** · 07-05-2008,10:37 PM

My advice buy a van and stick them in the back........I drove all over Europe with bikes on the roof,then one day in Nottingham, hit a low barrier.........£2k+ of damage and the bike written off.

But seriously, the Thule system that hangs off a tow bar is the business. But get the one that folds away from the car so you can still access the boot. and don't forget about No plate and lights!

**Aviator62** · 08-05-2008,08:33 PM

Thanks Andy ,

Good advice. i sold my wifes Sharan recently so up to now did not need the extras

Patrick

**NascarMike** · 08-05-2008,09:10 PM

I was in this dilemma about 2 months ago when I bought my VW Jetta.

After much research on the Internet, I decided on the tow bar option and nearly bought a Thule system. That is NEARLY.

I then came across a German company called Atera, who specialise in this area and decided on the Atera Strada 3.

Atera make many standard items for Mercedes, Audi & VW, who simply rebadged them.

The beauty of this system is that it is nearly all made of aluminium , thus saving weight and it has inbuilt locks to lock the carrier to the towbar AND to lock the bikes to the carrier.

The Thule item does NOT have this as standard and is heavier.

I purchased the item over the Internet via www.roofbox.co.uk for £250 which is a good price when you consider the standard price in Germany is approx £360.

If you Google a search for atera & look at www.aubu.de they show you via a video how easy the system is to fit onto your towbar, you will be surprised...in about 10 seconds.

I hope this info is of use to you.

**RickT** · 08-05-2008,10:30 PM

The ones i have are made by Thule UK.

I know mines a Saloon so its a bit easier... however i have seen universal roof bars for Audi Avant rails on ebay..

Pic below of mine..

In regards to wind noise... cant hear anything at all, It does produce a bit of drag, but i perfer the bikes up on the roof out of slight when driving!

**Aviator62** · 10-05-2008,11:43 AM

Thanks Mike.

Good advice . Looked just the job on the website - ordered one

Patrick

**Heathy** · 10-05-2008,08:15 PM

Your car has a bike stand thing built into the spare wheel compartment doesn't it? Might be worth checking, as i saw on that model on the audi channel you could take out the front wheels and then stand the bike's up in the back!!
Anyhow, you sure you want to carry bikes on the outside?
I race mountain bikes up and down the country, and take at least 2 bikes
and all my kit, gazebo ,tent, and a whole load of stuff inside my car A4 avant! I used to have a A6 avant 2002 and last year took 4 bikes and all this kit inside my car to 1 event!!

* All this info is useless if your taking 4/5 people though!!