Bike rack for the GTI

[jasn78]

Hey guys after a bike rack for the GTI without fitting a Towbar, any suggestions would be great.

[seangti]

I've got rhino roof racks with 2 bike holders and a big basket (not fitted at the same time). Fits my 2 kayaks too.

I wouldn't recommend those ones that fit on the back window - the tie downs will put considerable pressure on the roof spoiler. Either a tow bar job or roof racks.

[jasn78]

sean how hard are roof racks to put on take off? just hate the looks of them thats all

[seangti]

it's about a 10min job. Gotta be careful to not scratch the paint and also get the racks in the right location and square of each other. Two bike racks makes that much easier.

I've also just put some clear contact paper (plastic - like the stuff some people put on bikes to stop stone chips) for where the rack feet sit to minimise any paint damage and make fitting easier. It does look terrible so they may not stay on for long. I'd already put one scratch from fitting the racks

You're welcome to check mine out.

Mine are on more often than not as I'm in training for an adventure race in March. That's running, kayaking and mountain biking. I ride most weekends and will probably have to start kayaking more. Yet it's the running I need to train for, F'ing hate running, lol.

PS. I'm leaving work now. I might log on over the weekend if you have any more q's, or if you have my number, give me a yell.

[DeanB]

I've got a Thule rack kit and bike carriers for my Polo.

Easy to put on ... they line up with the small hole at the top of the front door (there is a black plastic thing you remove first) and at the rear there are markers on the window glass to show you where to mount them .... makes it simple.

By myself I can get the racks on in about 10min, with an extra set of hands 5 min. The bike racks are the full bike carriers (so I don't remove the front wheels) ... been with a mate with the front wheels removed and he dropped the bike while lifting it on and put a nasty dent and scratch in the roof where the forks hit


Anyway, I'm running Thule Aero bars with 2 x Thule ProRide 591s to carry the bikes.

Here's a link to the Thule site with the Polo options :

Roof racks :

http://thule.com.au/vehicleguide_detail.php?car_brand_id=11452&car_model_id=275004

Bike racks (same as I use) :

http://www.thule.com/en/AU/Products/BikeCarriers/RoofCarriers/591018.aspx

Seangti .. what sort of kayaks are you carrying and what holders are you using for those ... we're looking into getting some, but curious to know someone with a Pogo who can give me some info on their experience.

[jasn78]

thanks both sean and dean will have a look on ebay now

[Jmac]

I've got rhino roof racks with 2 bike holders and a big basket (not fitted at the same time). Fits my 2 kayaks too.

I wouldn't recommend those ones that fit on the back window - the tie downs will put considerable pressure on the roof spoiler. Either a tow bar job or roof racks.

Your car doesnt look out of place with the racks mate, suits it really. Jase i reckon they are the go mate
Cheers
Jmac

[seangti]

Cheers Jimmy. Yeah I've seen much worse racks on cars than the Rhino's on the polo. I'll try get a picture of them up some time. Should have a picture with the kayaks on too - though might be with the girlfriend.

The racks do make a whislte with the bike rack on the passenger side - can't seem elimate it without have both bike racks on.

Dean, I've got Perception Minnows - http://www.fishingnoosa.com.au/minnow.htm. I don't have any of the fishing attachments though. They're great for creeks, ok in open water if you're not trying to go fast. Very stable.

As for tieing them down, the kayaks sit side-by-side and I tie them to the racks. The sport style rack wouldn't allow this as they aren't wide enough. I'm not using one of the thule, et al, canoe racks. If the kayaks were any longer, I'd tie them down front and rear, but as it is, I run the tie down strap from the rack to the front of kayak and back to the rack (one side to the other), than back over the top to secure. I've got tie down hooks, they are an awesome cheap investment to make life easy.

[tooch]

Here's a pic of my Rhino 2500's and Thule Prorack 530. Just a crappy phone pic sorry

[Gti Dave]

Hey mate that actually looks fairly good and not awkward at all. I think I'll go get myself the same set up too. Hate the boot strap on one cause constantly looking out the back window to check alignment and movement whilst driving up to bendigo or anywhere for that matter.

[tooch]

Thanks mate, yeah I actually don't mind how they look on the car!

If I wasn't so paranoid about wrecking the seals and causing dirt build up around the feet, I'd leave them on 24/7

BTW, I got them from Roof Rack Superstore in Yarraville in case you want to know

[seangti]

I've got pics with the kayaks on, but need to host em. Work internet won't let me upload em. Looks exactly like Tooch's (same coloured car too), just with bright yellow and blue kayaks on em.

[Gti Dave]

Thanks mate, yeah I actually don't mind how they look on the car!

If I wasn't so paranoid about wrecking the seals and causing dirt build up around the feet, I'd leave them on 24/7

BTW, I got them from Roof Rack Superstore in Yarraville in case you want to know

Cheers for that mate much appreciated. I'll look them up and go have a look see. How much did you pay in total if you don't mind me asking so I have an idea of the continually diminishing funds in my bank account...

[tooch]

Cheers for that mate much appreciated. I'll look them up and go have a look see. How much did you pay in total if you don't mind me asking so I have an idea of the continually diminishing funds in my bank account...

From memory it was $289 for the racks and $149 for the bike holder

[seangti]

With regards to fitting - I had a bad/dangerous situation about a fortnight after purchase: the rear mounted rack came off the car when going down the Brisbane to Gold Coast M1 (110km/h zone)

Fortunately, no one was travelling close and I didn't see anyone get cleaned up by it. I tried to find it later, but wet roads, night time and high speeds = *&^% that.

I'd called Rhino whom were quite good about it. In the end, they offered me a new rack and seat pack (for $75) and fitted it. Ultimately, the fitting instructions were not accurate (wording and illustration) regarding the placement of the feet. It's probably long winded to explain - let me know if you want me to try.