GrahamE

Does anyone know if there are after market replacement roof rails available for a Q7? I'd like to get "standard" rails like you get on the X5, Volvo XC90 etc and I see replacement rails are available for Touareg's and Cayenne's.I have a Yakima system that fits standard rails. I really don't like the Yakima suggested fit for the Q7 because it mounts under the door frame. I've got four Yakima bike carriers, including an expensive tandem bicycle carrier and I'd like to find a solution. The Audi branded cross bars are made by Thule I believe. They would be compatable with the Yakima carriers but those cross bars are real short, I bet I'd only be able to get three bikes max on the roof. My old set up on my XC90 could carry much more.

Jusforfun

I have seen pics of the roof rail in black but no other than standard type.

Boxes/Bars as posted on AW by owners
Aero Bars
OEM Bars
OEM Bars
OEM Bars
Thule Adventurer/Yakima Sky Box12, Thule Aero
Thule Aero Bars
Thule Atlantis 1600
Thule Bars
Thule Box/Thule Bars
Thule Evolution 1200, Atlantis 1800/OEM Bars
Thule Evolution 1600
Thule Evolution/OEM Bars
Thule Evolution/Thule 440 Bars
Thule Ocean 700/OEM bars
Thule Spirit 1600/Thule Aero Bars
Thule Spirit/440 bars
Thule Spirit/OEM Bars
Yakima Rocket Box

mksap11

If you were to remove the rails to retrofit something, just be aware that the Q7 requires you to remove the headliner to get access to the screws and that you'd have to something to seal the holes to prevent water leaking into the interior.

I do agree that both the Audi (Thule OEM'd) and Thule (Euro spec) cross bars are too short to be of any use for serious hauling. I can get my cargo box and 1-2 bikes up there, but no more. It's one reason why I invested in a hitch mount setup.

Jusforfun

but as usual we need more pictures!
I have the OEM bars..they are noisy, narrow and very high.
If you go for lower bars make sure you get newer J clamp system box as U bolts are tricky to fit.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/q7/threads/2583.phtml#16246">https://forums.audiworld.com/q7/threads/2583.phtml#16246</a</li></ul>

mksap11

zone and area of expertise.

Jusforfun

or just cut existing, get required length of bar to extend and bring to nearest engineering shop for a few seconds of bzzzzzzzzt.
Cutting the slot underneath will be the delicate bit.