Rack for Avant ----Thule or Audi's ?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 11, 2005 | 07:34 PM

JamesBond007

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

Rack for Avant ----Thule or Audi's ?

I have an Avant with the standard "rails" and want to install a rack. I saw an Avant with silver cross bars that appeared to connected directly to the rack. Seemed to be "integrated."

I noticed two holes in the rails and figured that's where the "Audi" crossbars go. The silver crossbars seemed to look nice.

HOWEVER, it seems that a Yakima or Thule is a more professional rack and the system seems more stable especially for a cargo box and multiple bikes.

Thule CrossRoad 450 adaptor and crossbars is a option but it doesn't look as nice.

Comments?

Thanks in advance.

Oct 11, 2005 | 07:58 PM

Bob Loblaw

Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 5,187

Likes: 0

I went Thule for flexibility in case I ever sold the Avant

I have the Evolution box, velovise bike trays and windsurfer carrier. All go on and off with ease and still look fairly 'integrated' IMO.

One thing I did do is cut the cross bars so that they sat a little more flush with the roof rails. If I ever move to another vehicle that I can re-use the 'feet' on the system and the cross bars are too short, well, I'll buy new ones.

Oh - and the box is WAY more quiet on the highway than I would have ever guessed.

I don't have any experience with the OEM racks, but the Thule was a good buy, IMO.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42205/box_1.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42205/box_2.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42205/rack_1.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42205/rack_2.jpg">

Oct 12, 2005 | 03:57 AM

mksap11

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 1,959

Likes: 4

From: Boston

same here

Oct 12, 2005 | 03:59 AM

k9zAvant

New Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 7

Likes: 0

We have the Yakima system

It was originally bought for my 2004 A4, with new adapters was able to to be used on my Volvo XC90, and now is being used on my Avant without having to buy any new parts.

Oct 12, 2005 | 05:34 AM

ChillyInPhilly

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 1,763

Likes: 0

ditto

Oct 12, 2005 | 07:35 PM

newyorker2

New Member

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 84

Likes: 0

Re: Rack for Avant ----Thule or Audi's ?

If you re-read this...
I've just received the Mont Blanc Aerowing rack. Cheaper than OEM rack and looks better too. www.montblanc.se

Oct 17, 2005 | 12:41 PM

joxer

AudiWorld Member

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 177

Likes: 0

Went Audi...

Here it was about the same price for a system with one bike attachment and the racks from Audi, and I just plain think they look better. And when I buy the next bike attachment it wil be a little cheaper again as the bike part is cheaper. Dealer also gave 10% discount. The killer is if I decide I need a box - may have to see if soemone else's box will work on these racks.

New Audi A6 Allroad Is The Market's Coolest Wagon: 9 Things to Know

Pouria Savadkouei

10 Strangest Audi Designs That Actually Made Production

Joe Kucinski

2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!

Michael S. Palmer

Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!

Verdad Gallardo

The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation

Joe Kucinski

Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer

Brett Foote

10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!

Joe Kucinski

Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935

Verdad Gallardo

Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept

Verdad Gallardo

Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!

Joe Kucinski

Oct 20, 2005 | 05:38 AM

mksap11

AudiWorld Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 1,959

Likes: 4

From: Boston

A Thule or Yakima box should fit the OEM rack OK

Like Bob Loblaw said, you lose flexibility when/if moving to a different car. You also can't use a lot of the different attachments offered by those companies (may or may not be an issue). Thule also lets you easily locate and purchase replacement hardware like bolts, washers, fit kits, etc.