Topic starter
Car has broken down again. Time for a new one I think.
What small cars (Fiesta sized) have quick fit roof bar systems? I've never found a system that isn't a fiddle to get on. I just want one that clips in - no screwing things, or bolts, or knobs. Just click and go.
Does a car/rack combination fit my requirements?
Posted : 23/01/2018 1:36 pm
It's more of a faff lifting one on. Our 4 bike rack and aero bars weighs a tonne and is a 2 person job.
Mine just needs the doors opening and the bracket locates into a slot but you still have to tighten the feet down.
Posted : 23/01/2018 1:52 pm
Topic starter
Mine just needs the doors opening and the bracket locates into a slot but you still have to tighten the feet down.
I'd like to avoid the foot tightening palaver - if possible.
Posted : 23/01/2018 2:09 pm
Sounds more like you want a Sea Sucker (or the Sea Sucker imitation brand that I forget the name of)?
Posted : 23/01/2018 2:22 pm
Topic starter
Sounds more like you want a Sea Sucker (or the Sea Sucker imitation brand that I forget the name of)?
Thanks for the tip. Just watched on YouTube and it looked like lots of pumping though. And limits me to carrying just one bike.
Posted : 23/01/2018 2:38 pm
And limits me to carrying just one bike.
How so? There's a 2 bike version available.
Considered a tow bar rack if every roof option has something going against it?
Posted : 23/01/2018 2:44 pm
Our Seat Ibiza ST has the ones that are quick to put on - a couple of 'dints' in a rail.
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The fastest ones I have ever had were just 'old' rail - with clamp around. Like these. I am not sure how many small cars have them any more.
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Posted : 23/01/2018 2:46 pm
Topic starter
Roof rails would be great, but unlikely to be fitted on a second hand small hatchback (presumably your Seat is an estate version?). I do know a VW Polo Dune has roof rails as standard, but not found one in my searches.
Posted : 23/01/2018 2:54 pm
My Thule bars were easy to put on, about twenty minutes with an Allen key. If that.
Are you planning on removing them after each use or something? Surely they’re fit and forget?
Posted : 23/01/2018 3:20 pm
but unlikely to be fitted on a second hand small hatchback (presumably your Seat is an estate version?)
It is not exactly huge car, and most folk do not realise it is the estate. It is a Polo with a few extra cm in the rear.
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Posted : 23/01/2018 3:33 pm
The fastest ones I have ever had were just 'old' rail - with clamp around. Like these. I am not sure how many small cars have them any more.
Golf estate still does.
Haven't ever seen a system that quickly fits and removes from the car. Better IMO to get nicer aero bars with the T-tracks then they don't make noise and barely affect MPG. Then it's quick and easy to slide in a bike carrier when you need it. Take them off once a year to clean under/inside and give them a lube and they'll be fine.
Posted : 23/01/2018 3:40 pm
I have found the answer. You won't like it, but it is here.
The 2006 Hyundai Getz or Getz Cross
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Posted : 23/01/2018 4:02 pm
Topic starter
I have found the answer. You won't like it, but it is here.The 2006 Hyundai Getz or Getz Cross
You're quite right 
I'll keep an eye out for the Seat estate. Actually I'm all for having a small estate - I just don't expect to see one in my budget (£6k).
I'm intrigued about these aerobar things. If it doesn't impact on MPG then my twice daily 15 mile commute wouldn't necessitate taking them off. That would work.
Posted : 23/01/2018 5:50 pm
Take a look at whispbars for the most aero option. They attach via feet sold separately which cost £25 a set, so changing cars doesn't mean having to replace the whole thing
Posted : 23/01/2018 5:56 pm
Posted : 23/01/2018 6:40 pm
As all the suitable suggestions have been knocked back due to being too much effort, why not ride your bike to where you need to go? Or hire a servant and get them to do all the 5-minute stuff? Or buy a solution, set it up once and leave it on...then just lift, lock and go?
Posted : 23/01/2018 6:47 pm
Sea Sucker does a 3 bike carrier as well...needs a clean roof to stick to.
Posted : 23/01/2018 6:51 pm
SEAT Ibiza ST's, under budget.
In fact, I might be selling our 2012, 1.4 16v, 60k, two women owners from new with full service history and cam belt done...
Posted : 23/01/2018 8:03 pm
Seasucker is relying on a vacuum, which is pretty precarious. Same technology as old satnav and we know how long they stay stuck. There is a plan to outlaw them, but not yet formalised by International Standards Organisation.
Remember you are responsible for the load. Please add a cable back to a non-vacuum fix if you are going to use.
Posted : 25/01/2018 9:50 am
Topic starter
OK - so there are no Seat Ibiza estates near me (Aberdeenshire). But I did find this Mini Countryman:
http://www.autosalescars.co.uk/cars/mini/countryman/one/158026/0
It has little roof rails. Anyone got first hand experience?
Posted : 26/01/2018 7:51 pm
To fail to answer your question, wife’s last car was ‘60 plate Astra J which had roof hardpoints and getting the bars on and off was a doddle.
Posted : 26/01/2018 8:52 pm
I'm not sure it meets the OP's need, as it requires proper roof rails, but the roof rack I had for my old car was proper quick fit and release with a lever operated clamp on each foot. Unfortunately it also only fitted narrow style roof bars and my current car has much fatter ones. In case anybody is interested it was Vauxhall branded and bought at a Vauxhall dealership - appears to be made by Thule (uses their bar system), but not sold as a Thule branded thing - though it was also bought quite a long time ago so may be discontinued (but if anybody has a car with narrow roof rails I still have it...)
Posted : 26/01/2018 9:43 pm
