Need a roof bike rack...what are my options

[QuantumSyncro]

Hey all
I'm going to need a roof-top bike rack for the Fox. When I was driving the Mk2 I could knock down the rear seats and get it inside...same for the mk3 Jetta, but now that I'm driving the Fox as a DD I need an option for hauling the bike.

LMK what the best options are

THX

Steve

[redone17]

Thule 300 Gutter Feet w/ LB50 Load Bars and 873XT Fairing

Carriers:
Big Mouth 599XTR - keep both wheels on - a little bulky looking but sturdy hold
Peloton 517 - front wheel off fork mounted - a bit sleeker
Echelon 518 - front wheel off fork mounted - more expensive - not sure the advantages


---

There is also a Yakima option - but I am unsure of the specific components

[Beetle.freak]

I got a $30 cheapy (Reese) from Wal-mart and wanna fab in the parts from my Thule that didn't get destroyed when I rolled the MKI GTI a while back.

[QuantumSyncro]

Hey guys
Thanks for the comments, keep em coming. If anyone knows of / has one they're looking to sell lmk, I'm interested.

steve

[redone17]

I was curious about Yakima parts:

A1 Raingutter
48" Crossbars


Carriers:
Boa
Copperhead
Viper
Raptor

[redone17]

Not my ad - but pretty good deal if you can talk him down a bit:

Mk2 Thule roof racks with bike holders (by duscrub20)
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?p=77296791
Asking $500 shipped. I bought these brand new a year ago. They are in mint condition with all locks working.
Im located on Long Island NY
631-627-4444
http://minus.com/mbr7C546j6

[QuantumSyncro]

Not my ad - but pretty good deal if you can talk him down a bit:

Mk2 Thule roof racks with bike holders (by duscrub20)
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?p=77296791
Asking $500 shipped. I bought these brand new a year ago. They are in mint condition with all locks working.
Im located on Long Island NY
631-627-4444
http://minus.com/mbr7C546j6

It's nice because it's a complete setup...the only problem I see is that the feet wouldn't be gutter mount for a mk2 AFAIK.

Still waiting on photos of the feet the guy with the LB50's has. There are a few options close to me but nothing with gutter feet. There are some parts / setups in Michigan that are close to what I need but I'm not driving to Lansing to buy it....too far!

[mike in SC]

A few years back I got one from a company in North Carolina. I think the name is xport. It's easy to put on and off and wasn't much money(~ $200 IIRC).

[redone17]

those are definitely gutter feet in that package - not sure what model...

when I was first doing research for my setup I read that the same feet work on MK2 as a Fox...

here is the thread:

FAQ: Thule Roof Racks for MK2

[1993vw fox]

This is the set that I have on my car. It's held up for three years, the load bars are a little weak but they work.
Good luck
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[QuantumSyncro]

those are definitely gutter feet in that package - not sure what model...

when I was first doing research for my setup I read that the same feet work on MK2 as a Fox...

here is the thread:

FAQ: Thule Roof Racks for MK2

I (finally) read through this thread....you are correct...who knew. Now that I think about it there is sort of a rain gutter under the moulding.

thx
steve

[redone17]

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ule-roof-racks

[QuantumSyncro]

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ule-roof-racks

Thanks....between the two which is the most common to find trays for? I would say Thule just from the little I've looked around but I could be wrong.

Also...the writer of that prior thule thread said there is a difference between the Mk2 feet and 'gutter' feet but they will work.

thx
steve

[redone17]

I think Thule may be a little easier to come by - but to be honest - my MAIN decision maker was that I like the square bars over the round...

[QuantumSyncro]

I think Thule may be a little easier to come by - but to be honest - my MAIN decision maker was that I like the square bars over the round...

Yeah, I think the square tubing is a better choice personally...

As for that complete setup you posted about first, I asked the guy how long the load bars are and he said they're 42"...awful short.

[redone17]

ah, crap - yeah you need LB50 (50") bars for the Fox w/ 873XT (52") fairing

[QuantumSyncro]

ah, crap - yeah you need LB50 (50") bars for the Fox w/ 873XT (52") fairing

So for Thule they have to be LB50 but on the Yakima 48" will work??

thx

[redone17]

LB50 is the smallest Thule currently make. You can use LB58 if you want to load some bikes on the side and a cargo carrier in the middle...though you may get away with that w the 50 too - i will report back - I am in the market for a cargo box right now and will be sizing around.

If you use the Peloton or Echelon bike carriers - I think that LB50 bars will be wide enough. I currently have one Big Mouth and one Peloton...thing is I have my rack set back behind the raised part of the roof on the Wagon - I like the way it looks set back - and I an imagining a sun roof....but, I can't use a Peloton or Echelon without it interfering with the hatch...unless I mount it backwards...probably defeats the purpose of any aerodynamics

[QuantumSyncro]

LB50 is the smallest Thule currently make. You can use LB58 if you want to load some bikes on the side and a cargo carrier in the middle...though you may get away with that w the 50 too - i will report back - I am in the market for a cargo box right now and will be sizing around.

If you use the Peloton or Echelon bike carriers - I think that LB50 bars will be wide enough. I currently have one Big Mouth and one Peloton...thing is I have my rack set back behind the raised part of the roof on the Wagon - I like the way it looks set back - and I an imagining a sun roof....but, I can't use a Peloton or Echelon without it interfering with the hatch...unless I mount it backwards...probably defeats the purpose of any aerodynamics

The seller on vortex said he has access to either in the 50" size so it's all good. I don't imagine I'll be doing the cargo box thing but who knows. Seller can get trays too and other mounts. I'll see what he can come up with and I'm hoping he can get a fairing for one or the other.

thx

steve

[DubbinChris]

I always use Yakima stuff.....for the last 20+ years.