Bike Rack Questions

[Weener]

My wife and I just bought bicycles and I'm wondering about the options bike rack wise and would like your advice.

I drive a B8.5 S4 and would like to know the pros/cons of a roof rack vs one for the back of the car. I'm a complete noob at this so no feedback is too simplistic. Looking at ones for the back of the car, I guess I would need to get a hitch installed for it to work. Also, like the poster who recently asked about the Thule bike rack, I'm not mechanically inclined.

Thanks.

[R3VOLUTION]

I'm an owner of a B7 A4 with a OEM roof rack (Yakima Highroller attachment).

Pros:
It never gets in your way of accessing your trunk
It might deter thieves due to accessibility restrains?
Easy to change attachments if you need to use it to carry other items such snowboards, kayaks and etc..

Cons:
Avoiding underground parking
It can get noisy on the highway if you leave your sunroof open
Takes time to get used to loading and off loading a bike over your head

[turbojayc]

My wife and I just bought bicycles and I'm wondering about the options bike rack wise and would like your advice.

I drive a B8.5 S4 and would like to know the pros/cons of a roof rack vs one for the back of the car. I'm a complete noob at this so no feedback is too simplistic. Looking at ones for the back of the car, I guess I would need to get a hitch installed for it to work. Also, like the poster who recently asked about the Thule bike rack, I'm not mechanically inclined.

Thanks.

I got this one from Sportchek.

https://www.sportchek.ca/categories/...331315538.html

Works does the trick. No hitch needed.

[dba4]

https://www.seasucker.com/shop/1187/#tab-description

If i get another rack i may look into these

[Powderhound]

https://www.seasucker.com/shop/1187/#tab-description

If i get another rack i may look into these

I also like the look of the seasucker design. Have always had roof mount racks, for reasons mentioned above.

[Axel-]

I went with the Yakima Frontloader for a few reasons. One, I didn't want to have to take the front wheels off so a fork mount was out of the question. Two, I didn't go with a rear window mount as I was worried the straps would damage my rear Avant spoiler at the top of my rear window and three, I already have cross bars and four, I didn't want to add a hitch.

Everything R3VOLUTION mentioned is accurate. It does have some wind noise and you can't enter underground/home garages but it's practical. I think if I had a sedan, I may have gone with the rear trunk one though with the straps instead (looks easier and simpler).

[Weener]

My big concern around trunk racks is potential damage. Especially after reading this

[zokissima]

I opted for a whisperbar setup on mine, but yea, all of the cons were listed already. However, I just don't trust strap-enforced trunk-mounted carriers, too pedantic and fearful of my nicer bikes.

[Axel-]

My big concern around trunk racks is potential damage. Especially after reading this

Thanks for sharing. Makes me feel better for having gone the roof rack method.

For the record, here's mine (without the bikes).

[a4audi4fun]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ighlight=hitch

Link to my thread with a hitch rack on a B7 Avant with lots of pictures - should be similar for the B8.

[claudiovagkraft]

I have the OEM racks on the Avant, and have a pair of older Thule big mouth racks that hold the front and rear wheels down to a rail with straps and a mouth that grips the downtube in a scissor like manner. I'd say its one of the better set-ups out there. Never let me down in all the years I've owned them.

[RippleChip]

If you have a hitch the rear mounts are easy, can just load the bike on but it does get in the way of the trunk. The roof mount limits garages and stuff as people have said. I've always had a roof setup, like the security and how well they hold the bikes. I am running two Yakima SprocketRockets, but looking to move to a HighRoller.

[claudiovagkraft]

I guess with the roof setups it depends on where you live. If you're a condo/apartment person and park in an underground garage, I totally get how it can be a bit of a hassle. I live in a house so for me it's not an issue, and my biking destinations have never required me to go into a garage or under a low bridge or whatever. One time though, I clipped a low tree branch on my cottage property but fixed that with a saw shortly thereafter

[Theiceman]

..with my luck id be the guy forgetting about the underground rule...

[madman4you]

I own a Swagman hitch for our SUV which work great for slapping on a couple bikes with ease.

Also have a Yakama trunk mount that I used on my old B6 A4, but don't want to use it on my B8 S4. It was annoying and took a long time to get on and off. plus it seem to leave impressions in my trunk.

So I bought the Seasucker last week. This thing is slick! I have only used it once, but seems secure. A little nervous the first 10 minutes, but you gain confidences shortly after.

[lodesigns]

Did you buy the seasucker at a store or on-line? How much did that setup run you, if you don't mind me asking

I own a Swagman hitch for our SUV which work great for slapping on a couple bikes with ease.

Also have a Yakama trunk mount that I used on my old B6 A4, but don't want to use it on my B8 S4. It was annoying and took a long time to get on and off. plus it seem to leave impressions in my trunk.

So I bought the Seasucker last week. This thing is slick! I have only used it once, but seems secure. A little nervous the first 10 minutes, but you gain confidences shortly after.

[madman4you]

Did you buy the seasucker at a store or on-line? How much did that setup run you, if you don't mind me asking

There is a guy in Kitchener who is a distributor for Seasucker. Bought it directly from him.

http://www.ridealongrev.ca/

It was $330 + I had to buy a Thru axle add-on because this bike uses a thru axle instead of just a standard quick release. Which cost an extra $32. I paid like $400 all in.

He will ship to you if need be, however I was visiting Kitchener for work so I just emailed him and arrange to meet up at his home (which he works out of)

[YEGS4]

Axel- love your Avant! I'm wondering what model your roof rack cross rails and clamps are?? I like that you can't see them from the side
thx, Rob