Which Roof Cycle Carrier ?

[Spy]

Hi all,

I currently have a rear mount cycle carrier, the type that attaches with straps to the back of the car.

It works well but as I carry 3-4 bikes on there, I am worried about its robustness and also the fact that the bikes are starting to get scratched up as you pack them in !!

So now I am contemplating getting a roof mount carrier in order to split the load between the two.

I have been looking around and the two that appear to be good are the
- Thule Proride 591
- Atero Giro AF

I am tempted by the Atera version as they are about £20 less than the Thule.

Does anyone have experience of the Atera ?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Hi Spy, (with my little eye), sorry couldn't stop myself

We sell the Thule Pro Ride, in fact I've got them on a certain online auction site at the moment. I can't mention the name of it but it rhymes with flealay I'll PM you the details.

I've used two of these myself a few times. They are very easy to set up, and a doddle to use. Held a CAAD10 and a CR1 for a return trip to the Lake District perfectly.

If you do decide on the Thule I'd massively appreciate your business

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've tried to PM you but it won't let me for some reason, even though I'm not including any links????

If you goto the most famous online auction site you can think of, and enter 1 7 0 6 4 9 7 3 9 1 6 5, (without spaces), you'll find what I wanted to tell you about.

 

[Baggy]

Sorry, not used the Atera. We do have the Thule ones though, which are aeasy to use have had 5 years of regular use without having corroded etc.

 

[Nebulous]

I use one of the older thules (530?) and have also had it for years, with no real issues.

 

[joett1978]

I compared the Thule 591, Monc Blanc Barracuda and the Atero Giro AF.
All have good reviews but I went for the Thule. Not used it anger yet but fitted it tonight quick with no problems using the t adaptors, and I;m a complete newby to roof racks and everything.
The securing mechanism at eye level sold it to me because it's going on a high car.

See my post in the bargains section for where I got mine from. bargain

Joe

 

[corshamjim]

I'm really pleased with my Mont Blanc Barracuda rack, mainly because it holds the bike in position while I faff about with the clamp to fix the bike in place. It looks like the Atera would work in a similar way.

 

[John the Monkey]

Not used both, but did rent the Atera Giro from Roofbox.co.uk for a trip to France in 2007. Very easy to use, lockable, excellent downtube and wheel clamps.

On bikes with downtube routed cables, I'd pop a bit of insulating tape under the cable, because the clamp can press them against the top tube.

 

[al-fresco]

I have the Thule 591 - great carrier. Can't compare it to any other carriers because I haven't used any. Features:

Bike locks to carrier, carrier locks to roof bars.

Carrier can be unlocked and removed in seconds if you don't want to leave it on all the time.

Bike secured and released by an arm with controls that are easily accessible and 2 simple wheel straps. Piece of cake. (Have a look on Youtube there are plenty of videos showing how it works.)

Bike is held absolutely steady - you won't even know it's there.

Never had any problem with marks to wheels or frame.

When I bought mine "Ford Parts" were way cheaper than anyone else and it came with free 24 hour delivery.

 

[Spy]

Not used both, but did rent the Atera Giro from Roofbox.co.uk for a trip to France in 2007. Very easy to use, lockable, excellent downtube and wheel clamps.

On bikes with downtube routed cables, I'd pop a bit of insulating tape under the cable, because the clamp can press them against the top tube.

Thanks John.

Given the description on this thread about the Thule 591' securing mechanism being at eye level, was that the same for the Atera ?

Where is the securing mechanism on teh downtube holder, at the arm or further up the arm ?

Thanks

 

[Spy]

When I bought mine "Ford Parts" were way cheaper than anyone else and it came with free 24 hour delivery.

Joe and Al, you both mention you got yours from Ford Parts - I can't seem to find that site. Is it www.fordparts.co.uk ??

 

[Crackle]

The Atera seems to work in a very similiar way to the the 591, see this video if you haven't already. I would just read the reviews, particularly on longevity, to see which is best.

I have the 591, well two of them and they are lovely to use. My only criticism is the noise of the ratchet when you tighten the clamp. At 6am in the morning, you fear you'll wake the neighbours it's so loud.

 

[joett1978]

Spy,

Not on commission, promise. I'm just a cheap git!!

much cheapness


Joe

 

[jayonabike]

I've just bought a THULE 591, I haven't used it yet but I am impressed by the quality and judging by previous comments I think I bought the right one.

 

[Spy]

Spy,

Not on commission, promise. I'm just a cheap git!!

much cheapness


Joe

Thanks Joe - strange I couldn't find it yesterday.
Your not cheap mate, I ordered 2 as well now

By the way, this test video made up my mind - those germans sure know how to test stuff !!

German Cycle Carrier Test