AvantMore

I have to comment after such a great write up. I'm looking to get a rack set-up. I was for sure going aero bars, but now I'm not sure. So thanks a lot for making another decision harder to make (smiley face thing here).

But seriously, you're comments and posts are always among the most helpful.

gmoney

Yeah. I'm sold where can we buy them? I saw a few places in New Zealand and Australia.

Facin

Thanks for the write-up. Will definitely consider down the road if we decide to put a roof rack on the A4.

BMWBig6

Those of you in the UK already have retailers available (roofbox.co.uk), but they won't ship to the U.S. (I already asked). I still don't see any North American retailers listed on the Prorack Whispbar website. [EDIT: Prorack's U.S. retailer, Rack Attack, can be contacted at portland@rackattack.com.]

Shipping of course varies by location (country, zip code, etc.) and speed. I think the standard freight charge was around $100 for the 3-day service I received, but more affordable options may be available if you're not in a hurry. Once Prorack establishes a relationship with a US retailer, this will become a non-issue.

I "feel" like the outer flange obviously adds additional stability and security, but I didn't notice any difference in bar or roofbox movement with either the Audi or Whispbar products. I rocked them back and forth and side to side, and each felt equally solid to me. As long as you stay within the 75 kg load limit, I imagine you should be fine.

Thanks, I appreciate the sentiment (it encourages me to take the time to continue posting other long reviews, photo-journal type threads, etc.). I'm glad some of you are finding this particular thread useful. You're all very welcome!

krick

Whispbar does have a US website and according to it does sell through two B&M rackattack locations in the states. The US prices are, however, about $80 more than the converted NZ prices, although much of that would probably be offset by shipping.

BMWBig6

Yeah, I just learned this myself too. Prorack now has a U.S.-facing website at http://www.whispbar.com and an authorized retailer here in the States too (which you already discovered). You should be able to buy Prorack Whispbar products from Rack Attack and avoid the hassle of international shipping (and customer support claims).

vtheman

BMWbig6 you are the man! Thanks for your beautiful write up and all the work you have done. I just ordered a set of S5 from Rack Attack by calling them. I am definately looking forward to testing them myself.

BMWBig6

You're welcome! Don't forget to use the gray foam inserts (like I did).

Cards

i just got the Whisbars from rack attack and put on my '09 Avant. They didnt come with the foam inserts so i used you scotch tape trick. They are as advertised, silent at 60MPH (haven't gotten a chance to go faster yet) and the Thule Flat Top universal ski rack fits on them no problem. I will also use a Thule Bike carrier but havent gotten that yet. Thanks fot the review and the tape idea.

BMWBig6

Cool. The tape idea was a cheap fix, but contact Whispbar, they should send you the missing foam inserts for free.