Recommend a roof mount cycle carrier

[DaveR77]

Can anyone recommend a cycle carrier to fit the OEM roof bars?

[Deako]

Are the OEM roof bars made by Thule?

I had 2x Thule Pro Ride 591 on my last car and they were superb.

[DaveR77]

Do they lock to the bike and rack?

I've been looking at the Mont Blanc Barracuda too which have good reviews but conflicting on whether they actually lock to the rack

[Deako]

Do they lock to the bike and rack?

I've been looking at the Mont Blanc Barracuda too which have good reviews but conflicting on whether they actually lock to the rack

Mont Blanc Barracuda is a cheaper alternative.

You can get Thule Pro Ride 591 for about £65 each on eBay. They are £90 each from anywhere else.

The 591 locks to the bars and the bike is held in with a ratchet system which is lockable. I used to always take 2 bikes together and add an additional cycle lock between the frames for added security. :)

[LouCyffer]

Dave, I use standard square profile Thule roof bars, and a pair of Mont Blanc Barracuda's. They are very secure for mountain bikes, and lock both to the bars and the bike onto the carrier. I've had these Barracuda's for 4 years and they have been great. Previously they were on my Impreza STi and at high speeds and fast cornering (when you forgot there were 2 bikes onboard) they never moved an inch.

I also bought a rigid Halfords rear carrier which is very good, but I prefer the roof carry system.

How far from East Yorkshire are you Dave? You're welcome to try my Barracuda on the OEM bars. I'm 95% certain they fit anyway. They fit most square profile bars.

[DaveR77]

I'm confused, just emailed a seller on ebay about the Barracuda carrier and was told they don't lock to the roof bars

[LouCyffer]

The forward clamp on the left side of the barracuda ( there are 2 forward clamps) has a raised lug on it. When the stainless steel bike clamp bar is upright ( with a bike locked on) or stowed in the rear position (there is a lug to lock it to in this position) the left front mount bracket cannot be opened as the raised lug stops the clamp being moved. Only when the bike mount bar is fully rear facing can this clamp be opened. Sounds confusing, but my Barracudas are locked to the bars using this method.

I use a £5000 XC carbon fibre mountain bike. I'm bloody sure my bike is secure 

Dave, I can take photos of how mine locks if you like. It's not easy to describe

[DaveR77]

I see, so they're only locked to the roof bars with a bike on?

[LouCyffer]

No. The arm can be locked to a lug on the carrier when it is folded flat, to the rear. So the rack is able to be locked to the bars both with and without a bike on. Unless you choose not to, you can secure your bike and your rack once you're cycling. The racks come with keys.

[DaveR77]

cheers, i'll go for the barracudas then 

[LouCyffer]

Any issues, gimmie a shout 

Are they mountain or road bikes you're carrying?

[DaveR77]

Mountain, nowt special, just his n her GT's from Halfrauds

[LouCyffer]

Then you'll have no problem at all. This shows the racks securely locked down on my last car. The steel arms are to the rear, and secured to the carrier body. Unless the arms are rotated thru 180 degrees to face the front of the car, the clamp cannot be opened & the rack stays attached to the roof bar. As long as the clamps are locked, the arms can't be moved. Simples.