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So I have just swopped over to aerobars from the square ones as a new car required longer bars and roof rail feet rather than fixpoint. First impression is that they are a bit of a faff. Sliding the bike carriers in isn't that smooth, and I don't want to whack in grease as it will just collect crap. I think it's due to the curvature of the roof putting the tracks slightly at 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock. Not a problem, just a little annoying.
What's the deal with the rubber track inserts though ? Instructions say cut them up and use to fill in the gaps between the carriers, ends etc. I have done that, but when I come to take off the carriers (which ideally I would do regularly to save fuel and reduce noise), I'll be left with 8 little bits of rubber (3 bike carriers on), all of slightly different size, which unless I take off and colour code or something, ain't going to go back in the right place 😡
Do they actually add anything - maybe they reduce noise ? I guess they stop water and stuff going in the tracks but that will just run out the end anyway ?
bit of a rant, but seems not the best piece of Thule design...
..must just be me then ! 😆
I never took the bike mounts off the bars with mine, just took the whole lot off in one go, seemed to be the easiest option. Easier to take off with 2 people if doing this but I managed it on my own ok.
The rubber bits are necessary I think, as I am sure mine made a crazy whistling noise when travelling in some situations.
Any other questions? 🙂
Hello Iain. I have the aerobars because a friend was selling them when I needed them so didn't look at the square bars.
The main reason I like them is because you can use the full width of the bars for bike racks, rather than the feet getting in the way of the U clips on square bars (I think, I haven't used square bars).
I only use the rubber strips when I'm using the roofbox - never bothered using them with bike racks - I didn't notice the extra noise (I figured there are four less than aerodynamic metal racks up there which cause some noise anyway). The racks do go into the T tracks easier with a bit of practice. Only takes me a couple of minutes now.
And I think they look better (and the aluminium seems to last well - on the third car with same bars - different feet).
Paul
And if anything breaks - ever, Thule will send you the bits for free. Just brilliant service. Never asked about age or warranty.
cheshirecat - not the experience I've had with them. Last time I had problems with missing/broken parts I was told to go to my local Halfords as they don't deal with spares direct any more 🙁
Thanks for the responses. Liking the idea of lifting the whole thing off with 2 people - good for longer trips without bikes. cheers