[mrkhanman]

WE are looking to add a roof rack system that enables 2 bikes (fork mount) and a canoe. i like the wing profile bars (are these the same as stock: http://vparts.autowebaccessori...3.php)?

1. Can i purchase Thule or Yakama parts for the actual carriers, or do i have to stick with volvo parts?
2. Do the wing profile bars lock?
3. Anyone have pictures to share of a canoe setup or a fork mounted bike setup on the roof?

I have searched some discussion on roof racks. all seems a bit ambiguous. Any help would be appreciated. THanks.

 

[XC-Ski]

Re: Roof rack for bike/canoe (mrkhanman)

I carry a canoe on Yakima bars with gunwale brackets and a boat loader extension on front because of the height. I sometimes carry bikes, including a tandem, on fork mounts. But I do not carry bikes and the canoe at the same time because the crossbars are not wide enough. I suppose you could do it but the bars would stick out awfully far. The XC90's roof is fairly narrow.

The profile crossbars don't work at all for the canoe because the distance between the rails is too narrow and there is no good canoe attachment to go with the crossbars. The crossbars use a slot for mounting which limits what you can put on them although adapters can be made if you are handy with that sort of thing. Another problem is that the crossbars are arched so that anything not mounted in the center will tip to one side. All-in-all a rather poor design. At least it looks nice.

If you want to carry a canoe and bikes, I'd recommend a roof rack for the canoe and a hitch rack for the bikes; both Yakima or Thule make good ones. Or get a specialty trailer built for carrying gear such as the Slick Rydr.

 

[mrkhanman]

Re: Roof rack for bike/canoe (XC-Ski)

THanks for the info. it is too bad that the wing profile does not seem to do the job.

i will look at the parts you suggested. the traileer seems a bit extreme. we need to lug the canoe once in a while and likely rare to take canoe + 2 bikes on the same trip.

anyway, will let you know how it turns out.