Message Forums

I have seen various half size roof boxes and I have seen the adverts saying you can get a couple of cycle carriers alongside the box. This sounds like a good idea, but I was wondering does anyone actually do this? I am aware of the weight restrictions -75KG on our X-type estate - so I realise it would be light stuff only in the box, I am thinking of sleeping bags a clothes primarily in there.

So, does anyone use a half size box and one or two cycle carriers? If so, does it work OK?

Thanks!!

Hi, I have a Renault Megane estate (sport tourer they call it) I have a slim roofbox, Halfords exodus 320ltr. This goes on the roof along side 2 cycle carriers. The roofbox goes over the passenger side, and the biles go over the driver side. Its a bit tight, bit it all fits.

Stumpy....

We have both, as it was not long before we realised that the roofbox alone was not going to be enough. Roofbox, estate car and trailer (still only just enough)

Stumpy...

Thanks for the replies...

Stumpy - I have seen the Halfords box, do you have the Halfords bars and cycle carriers as well? You say things are a bit tight, do you have adult bikes or childrens bikes on there? Would that make any difference? We will be having one adult and one child if possible.

Thanks!

Hi John,

We considered the same set-up you, but opted instead for a full size roofbox and a high mount cycle carrier as we thought we'd rather have more space and versitility.  The only minor annoyance with having the bike rack on the boot is that you can't get in without taking the rack off (we have a saloon).

The one thing I did notice in our search was that the difference in price between a half size box and two rooftop cyle racks and the full size box and 3 cycle high mount carier option was negligable.  

John, we have the Thule bars and feet, for the roof box, as the Halfords ones looked ok, but the Thule ones were better and the Halfords cycle carriers. I think it was about £70.00 for the carriers in a special double pack.

We have adult bikes on the roof, with the roof box, and the kids bikes are taken apart (wheels off and handlebars turned) and put in the boot, but we are going to try and put the kids biles in the trailer the next time we go away. (kids bike for 8yr old, and 13 yr old)

Stumpy...

Hi we have a half width roof box and with our old Zafira we could only fit one bike next to it and had three on a towbar mount bike rack. Now we have a Sharan I am hoping it will be wide enough to get 2 bikes on

incidentally i like the long half width roof box because

1) The wind resistance is lower than a full width

2) It is easier to make full use of all the space. With a wide box it is very difficult to pack it fully without climbing into the roofbox almost.

I use a half width box and 2 cycle carriers. It is a tight fit and I find that I have to "top & tail" the bikes. One on forwards & the other on backwards. I also find that I put the brackets for one of the cycle carriers either side of the foot fixing attaching it to the roof(if that makes sense). It brings the cycle carrier to the far end of the roof bar. 

I can just use the roof mounted carriers at other times as well.

I am considering getting a tow ball mounted cycle carrier soon, as I am changing my car & it will be too high to put bikes up easily on the roof.  

You can also lash chairs & windbreaks etc to the bikes, as long as they are securely tied & not too heavy of course.

The only thing I have found is that I have to fill the roof box FIRST and then put the bikes up on the roof. Once the bikes are on, the box won't open. Mine is a Halfords with side opening. Thule do make boxes that open on the rear, but I am not sure if the slim coffin like models do.

I have also seen the slim roof box in the middle of the roof rack, and a bike either side of the box. I haven't actually tried out this configuration, but I might give that a try when I go away.

I also find I have to be careful with the placement of the pedals, as they can get in the way when securing the bike on the roof, next to the roof box.

Fantastic replies, thank you all very much, it seems like the half box and the cycle carriers is the way to go!!!

Thanks all!

When I have gone back & re-read this thread, it might be of use if you knew which bike carriers I have.

http://www.thule.com/Thule/ProductPage____45876.aspx

I believe that Halfords do have their own carriers that look similar.

My box is this one from Halfords

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_258423_langId_-1_CarSelectorCatalogId__CarSelectorGroupId__varient__categoryId_33979_crumb_34005-33985_parentcategoryrn_33979

I had a Vauxhall Signum last year, to give you an idea of the size of my car compared to your estate.

Smudger