Roof rack for Volvo V40

[Janusdog]

Hi, all:

I did a search looking for roof rack recommendations and didn't find much, but if I overlooked something, please feel free to redirect me.

We have a smaller Volvo stationwagon (V40, 2003) and we're looking for a roof rack. We have no roof rails on the Volvo. It needs to hold two bikes.

What say you?

[tulip]

Hi, all:

I did a search looking for roof rack recommendations and didn't find much, but if I overlooked something, please feel free to redirect me.

We have a smaller Volvo stationwagon (V40, 2003) and we're looking for a roof rack. We have no roof rails on the Volvo. It needs to hold two bikes.

What say you?

The beauty of wagons is that you don't need a roof rack--just put the bikes in the back! Roof racks decrease mileage, and more than one very nice bike has been trashed because the driver forgot about it and drove into a parking garage. Whoops.

I like wagons--the V-40 is one of my favorites--because I can put my bikes inside. Congrats on a great car.

[Janusdog]

The beauty of wagons is that you don't need a roof rack--just put the bikes in the back! Roof racks decrease mileage, and more than one very nice bike has been trashed because the driver forgot about it and drove into a parking garage.

That would be true if I didn't have dogs to haul around as well.

I'll check out Yakima...I was just wondering if anyone had any particular brand loyalties.

[bike4ever]

I have sold both Yakima and Thule. Thule does fit some vehicles cleaner than others. Yakima to me has a slight edge. It seems to be more user/customer friendly. The directions are easy to follow, and they have a large assortment of accessories to carry anything.

[miffy'sFuji]

Another difference between thule and yakima are the cross bars. Thule has square bars and yakima has rounded cross bars. I have a thule on my car (an older model infiniti). I chose it because of the square bars. I don't haul my bike on my roof, but I do haul my kayak and lumber and other stuff from the home improvement store. I personally think it is easier to tie off on the square bars (I bet there are lots of varying opinions on the bars though) and I feel like the square bars are more stable when it comes to my kayak. Now if you'll be using the rack only for bikes, you'll likely have the bike mount attachment and the bar shape won't really matter....in that case, I'd go by price. Both companies make a quality product.

[bike4ever]

Yakima racks have a fit for your vehicle. Based on the information you posted (Volvo, V40, 2003), they recommend you use the Q-tower set, 1 set Q102 clips, 1 set Q6 clips, 48" bars, and 38" fairing (optional). Your vehicle has a 100lb weight limit - fine for 2 bikes. For the most part the base rack will come in around $230, fairings $45 with the bike mounts starting at $80.

Check out their website: www.yakima.com You can work through their rack fit program. You can also find a local dealer off of their site.