Ed

I'm interested in getting a Yakima bike roof rack for the A4, but I can't figure out which one would be better to go with...fork mount or upright? Anybody have experiences they would like to share?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Ed
99.5 1.8TQMS

Andy Hedin

<center><img src="http://131.107.68.28/a4org/Yakama_Rack_On_A4_3.jpg"></center><p>This is a matter of personal preference, but I prefer the fork-mount trays...here's why:

1) Cleaner looking rack system -- the fork-mount trays don't overhang the front bar which creates a "cleaner" look, IMHO.

2) More secure mounting -- I believe the fork mount is a more secure method of holding the bike. I don't have any data to back this up though, so take it with a grain of salt.

3) Fork mounting works with virtually any bike -- unless you're running some sort of downhill MTB you should have very little problem mounting a road/mountain/hybrid bike to a fork mount tray. Frames with unconventional tubing (i.e., fat carbon fiber like a Cannondale Raven) will mount no problem in a fork-mount tray. Another option would be Yakima's AnkleBiter tray which holds the bike by the crank...but I've heard of problems with certain aftermarket cranks (RaceFace comes to mind).

Downsides to fork-mount racks:

1) Need to put your front wheel somewhere. I tried Yak's front-wheel holders, but I had a problem with the darn thing rotating backward which caused the spinning wheel to come into contact with the roof on my old Corrado....left some nice scratches in the roof. I never used them again...I just throw the wheels in my trunk. If they're muddy (more often than not) I put the wheels in big plastic bags to keep the mud out of my trunk.

2) Can be a pain if you don't have quick-release skewers. Probably tougher to mount up your kids BMX bike to a fork-mount rack than an upright mount. Not an issue for me.

That's about all I can think of right now.

Andy Hedin
'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Garrett 1.0 Bar, ABT Filter, Borla Exhaust, European Headlights, more...
'98 Ellsworth Truth -- totally custom

pdw

Take an old innertube and cut out some flat pieces. Put those between the crossbars and the clips that hold the wheel holders. This worked for me. Also, tighten them down with a wrench instead of the little plastic wing nut things.

Ed

Thanks for the feedback Andy. I too like the look of the fork mount but wasn't sure if other's had problems with the fork mount, or upright for that matter. Sounds like fork mount is the way to go, and I think I'll use a plastic bag as you recommended for the front wheel.

Thanks again.

Ed
99.5 1.8TQMS

matt

just got the A4 with roof and going to be putting on my thules. concerned about whistling when driving with the roof open and racks on top, do I need to get the wind deflector?? any suggestions??

Andy Hedin

Rack without my Yakima wind fairing was loud...even with the windows and sunroof closed. The fairing eliminates approx. 90% of the noise. (Note: this is without bikes mounted). With bikes mounted, you're going to get some wind noise with either setup.

Andy Hedin

Rich L.

I love my Yak fork mounts. I use the steel head ones. My experience with the upright ones is limited. But I got a big scratch on the downtube of my old SpecialEd from an upright carrier on a friends car. My brother tried the AlkleBiters and said they bike was very wobly, wobbley, wobble-ly,... unstable.

I use the Yak front wheel carriers for the front wheel. I point it forward at a 45 degree angle to keep it off the roof. And I put it really close to the bike tray so one pedal of the bike sticks through the spokes of the front wheel. You have to put the wheel up first, then position the crank when putting the bike up, but it keeps the wheel from spinning.

This is all on an Avant. I don't use a faring on mine. I have the airfoil thing in the center of the front crossbar. This does a good job of preventing the howl, but there is some wind noise with the sunroof open. With the roof and windows closed, it is barely louder than without the rack. With bikes up, it's a different story of course.

Good luck with it all.
Rich
99 1.8TAQMS

Dmak

You get scratches with fairing!

Andy Hedin

nt

Another Drew

Go to your local autoparts store and buy some STATIC-CLING window film. Cut the film into a long strip and apply it where the fairing rests on the roof of your car. The film seals out dirt/water/dust and most importantly keeps the fairing from touching your car. It comes right off and is reusable.

Also use them under the footpads of the rails.

Drew
00 S4