I was all set to buy an Audi, after two test rides (last one on the highway). Yet, the deal breaker may be that the vehicle doesn't have factory installed side rails on the roof that would allow me to install either Yakima or Thule bike carrier accessories. There is a Mazda optional accessory roof rack, but it has horizontal crossbars (rather than siderails) and this does not allow you to install many types of upright Yakima (e.g. Cobra) or Thule fork-mounted bike carriers (e.g. Velo Vise).
For a sport activity vehicle, I can't understand why they omitted side rails, or did not make them an option. Meanwhile, as the vehicle is so new, neither Yakima or Thule has a fit kit to put one of their after market roof racks on. I really want to solve this before our annual summer holiday as I need to mount 4 bikes like this on the roof. The rear type of bike carrier is not an option I would consider.
For a sport activity vehicle, I can't understand why they omitted side rails, or did not make them an option. Meanwhile, as the vehicle is so new, neither Yakima or Thule has a fit kit to put one of their after market roof racks on. I really want to solve this before our annual summer holiday as I need to mount 4 bikes like this on the roof. The rear type of bike carrier is not an option I would consider.
