Strap on bike racks?

[mardpea]

Thanks for all the help and tips but my search is appearing futile.

I sent an email to Saris to find out why the Bones 3 does not fit and the following is the reply that I received:

"The reason why the Bones 3 will not fit your vehicle is because the bumper is too small to provide a stable footprint for the feet of the rack. The Bones 3 relies on the bumper to transfer the weight of the bikes down through the bumper. Without the proper fitting on the bumper the rack is considered a non-fit. Let me know if you have any questions."

Now I'm even more confused. The bumper looks the same size as any other bumper but pushing it down, it appears a little softer than my other car (a Nissan Pulsar). Perhaps this is the reason there appears no racks that are designed for the Tig as the bumper has to support the weight, which could get considerable over bumpy terrain or roads.

[Zak]

I am going through the exact same process and appear to be in the exact same head space when it comes to shelling out dollars for towballs...

My thoughts were to get a roof rack that was still aesthetically appealing the lines of the vehicle; Whispbar which is still some $300 plus a bike mounting kit, but would also allow me to carry my surf ski and other bits and pieces.. Only problem I have with it is that the bars may be too close to the top of the roof. Has anyone had any experience with this model of roof rack? (I don't have a sunroof so no dramas there).

Whispbar - Australia's Quietest, Most Fuel Efficient Roof Rack System

[goodfella]

I know its not a Tiggy, but I just bought a $139 Rhino Clip-on Bike rack for the wife's Peugeot 307. The guy warned me that the instructions are a bit Ikea-ish.. but I had it installed in 10 mins and fit the task perfectly, carrying my mountain bike and daughters peddly as well.

[ethosguy]

Strap on bike racks are a bad idea if you like either your bikes or cars; damage, at some point, almost certian.

Towbar 'bike beak' carriers not much better; bikes swing & rub each other and top tubes are thin and easily crushed.
My prefered type are the front wheel in with down tube clamp; you'd be amazed how much room a pair of wheels will consume in a Tiguan...
Down tubes are usually the thickest tube on the bike and will tolerate some pressure. Thule makes a nice one (lobster claw closed by a rotating knob, single support arm) but check the fit for your frame if it has unusual tube section or suspension.

I noticed on the newstand that a recent issue of Australian Mountain Bike covered the topic.

[goodfella]

Strap on bike racks are a bad idea if you like either your bikes or cars; damage, at some point, almost certian.

Ironically,you're so right! The 1st day I srapped the bike rack on my wife's car, a neighbour in our block failed to ask me to move it and continued to reverse her territory into the side of our car! So there.. Bike Racks cause damage to your car!

By the way, the clips are plastic coated and I slip some clothe underneath for extra protection.

[*thad*]

Strap on bike racks are a bad idea if you like either your bikes or cars; damage, at some point, almost certian.

Towbar 'bike beak' carriers not much better; bikes swing & rub each other and top tubes are thin and easily crushed.
My prefered type are the front wheel in with down tube clamp; you'd be amazed how much room a pair of wheels will consume in a Tiguan...
Down tubes are usually the thickest tube on the bike and will tolerate some pressure. Thule makes a nice one (lobster claw closed by a rotating knob, single support arm) but check the fit for your frame if it has unusual tube section or suspension.

I noticed on the newstand that a recent issue of Australian Mountain Bike covered the topic.

I read that article last night and there is no more info than what is in this thread.
I have been thinking about it and will try to come up with a roof mount that lays flat (only good for one bike) as it is the best option other than in the car for me.