Excellent video, just bought the Thule free rider 532 on the original Audi a4 B8 roof rails, was puzzeled before i found your guide, made it so easy, thanks
Thanks so much for posting this. On Saturday evening I wasted 3 hours I'll never get back trying to work from the directions and a video I found online by a guy called Daniel but which had no commentary. And getting absolutely nowhere. Sunday morning I searched again and thankfully I found yours. Bike now sitting proudly on top of the car ready for an away ride through Sussex and down to the coast. Cheers Mr. Staines and hope your cycling in Wales was successful.
The best video for this!! When you do it yourself, we’re always afraid we did something wrong, but this video takes the time to properly explain the whole process and I will travel knowing I did everything correctly! Thank you
Thanks for this great video, just got this delivered today, fitted my Evo Wing Bars to my car last week, couldn't figure out how to fit these onto my bars, now your video has helped a lot. Thank you.
Thank you Paul for the video I was looking at the manual and was just struggling to get the carrier onto my bars. But seeing made life so much easier. All fitted, thanks.
Many thanks for your video! I got frustrated looking at the Thule (Volvo) instruction guide that reminds me of Ikea and decided to search if TH-cam had a wizard who made a video assembly guide. You saved me from hours of headaches haha!
Excellent video Paul and very useful. I have just made the decision to go ahead and buy two of these based on what I saw, and will be checking back in once received to refresh myself on how to construct & fit them. Just one question - 1 thumbs down?!? What the hell is there to dislike about this video?!?
For anybody watching who has a Ford Mondeo with the Genuine Ford Mondeo Mk5 Roof Rack Carrier Crossbars (Model: 1809110), they appear to be Wingbar style, so you can use the wingbar attachments for the FreeRide which is more secure and awesome!
I have a MK3 focus with genuine ford roof bars, they have a groove for the T bolts but the instructions don't actually mention they can be used like this, I'm guessing they can 🤞
I have the Wingbar Evo. The rubber parts on the top has 2 different rubbers (not a only a single one like in the video), so I guess I don't have to remove it before inserting the T shaped screws. What do you think?
Hi, I think the rubbers are just there for aesthetics and can be cut to fill the space between your bike racks. To be honest I tend to leave them off but if you are always using the same bike rack arrangement you cut cut them and put them in after everything is up. Hope that helps.
Thank you for an informative video. I thought Thule were a top-end supplier of roof racks and cycle racks. But their instruction booklets are appallingly bad - and will leave a lot of people very frustrated. I should write and complain!
@@thomasamos4055 I obviously struggled with one hand as I had to put the camera down! Assume it just took some twiddling and fiddling! Sorry I can’t be any more help.
Hi Paul, great video thanks, one question, is it possible to remove the bars as one lump with the racks attached so you can basically leave everything attached and just remove it as one?
Hi and thanks. I haven’t done that but I would say yes. Just loosen the 2 Allen key bolts on either the left or right side of your car (so 4 bolts in total), because the bolts don’t point straight up for security and stability, then it should lift off as you can slide 2 of the feet slightly outwards to lift it off. Definitely a 2 person job that though! Watch the plastic feet underneath the rubber feet as they could fall off onto the car.
Thanks a lot for this, I'll be using these on Ford Mondeo roof bars, so will be slightly different to use the wing bar, but Ford (advertise on their accessories site &) sold me both assuring me they would be compatible. It's great to be able to visualise the actual construction of the 532 itself! Not all heroes wear capes :) By the way, how did the long drive go with the bikes on the racks?
The long drive was nerve racking but they stayed firm! Luckily I’m about to do the same drive again on Fri but the bikes were hardly used last time so won’t have to load them up again! Not sure about the Ford Mondeo roof bars to be honest? They do have lots of different options.
@@paulstaines9205 Hah, no matter how firm they stay attached ( and there was no wobble or anything right?)you always drive very carefully when bikes are attached in any form! I was toying with getting the wing bars, but on the Ford site they advertise their bars and the 532's together, i guess i'll be using the circular adapter?
I would say yes. Just undo all 4 of the nuts securing it to the car, then just undo the Allen key slightly on just one side of the car, so 2 horizontal Allen key bolts on the rear roof rack and 2 on the front, that will allow you to pull the foot outwards slightly to slide it up off the bolt as the bolts don’t stick directly upwards, they angle out slightly for safety. With 2 people then I would say you could lift it off. Just watch your bodywork and also the plastic feet will drop out of the bottom of the rubber foot assembly onto your car, so free then first so they stay on the car and then lift it all off. Obviously take the bikes off first! 😳
I found a bargain for this bike rack, however I was wondering: Can the 532 bike rack be installed only on this Thule roof rack, with the method you showed or on any roof rack with other optional equipment? Your prompt reply will be much appreciated!
Hi, I think it can be installed on different roof bars also with different fittings like straps that wrap around the bar as opposed to sliding through the channels.
Like this www.summittosea.co.uk/bikes-parts-accessories/racks-carriers-kits/thule-cycle-carrier-square-bar-adapter-889500--black-one-size__5120?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=8895&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq5nPj_q58AIVkd_tCh1OuQWEEAQYAiABEgIuzvD_BwE
Please, tell me, while driving without the bikes on the roof, how do you stabilize the 2 arms of the rack? I mean, I can imagine they vibrate, move and hit the rack when the road is not so flat... Do they have something to tie them down?
I would imagine so, not 100% but at the 6 min mark of the video it shows 3 different fitting options so I would imagine one of those methods would work.
Look at 4:12 on the video of how the fix the bolt and then if you look at the end when the bikes are on, my orange one is sitting further forward than my Son’s bike which allowed to clamp the very bottom of the frame.
Received this product with no instructions. I do not like the metal component to adjust it as it can easily scratch the mounting bars. If you have black bars know that it will likely scratch some areas as you install it. I guess the silver option which isn’t painted doesn’t get affected that much.
I was very nervous putting my brand new beach cruiser on this rack. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxG6JIgwJhur8_Rg8UeQ3EmePzi_wSncL8 But after reading many reviews I decided to get this one and take a chance. When arrived it was very simple to adjust and put together. I also added spike tape over the metal hooks before securing and tightening the straps, and no scratches. I also purchased the top bar made by the same company so that my cruiser sits straight on the rack without having to turn upside down. Extra bungee cords are used to secure the front wheel from flapping and even piece of mind knowing your bike is secure. Definitely recommend...
A million thanks mate - I was literally crying after reading the Thule instructions !
You’re welcome
Excellent video, just bought the Thule free rider 532 on the original Audi a4 B8 roof rails, was puzzeled before i found your guide, made it so easy, thanks
Glad it helped!
Thanks so much for posting this. On Saturday evening I wasted 3 hours I'll never get back trying to work from the directions and a video I found online by a guy called Daniel but which had no commentary. And getting absolutely nowhere. Sunday morning I searched again and thankfully I found yours. Bike now sitting proudly on top of the car ready for an away ride through Sussex and down to the coast. Cheers Mr. Staines and hope your cycling in Wales was successful.
ThePluto61 You’re welcome.
The best video for this!! When you do it yourself, we’re always afraid we did something wrong, but this video takes the time to properly explain the whole process and I will travel knowing I did everything correctly! Thank you
You’re welcome.
Thanks for this great video, just got this delivered today, fitted my Evo Wing Bars to my car last week, couldn't figure out how to fit these onto my bars, now your video has helped a lot. Thank you.
Thanks, Glad to help!
Thank you Paul for the video I was looking at the manual and was just struggling to get the carrier onto my bars. But seeing made life so much easier. All fitted, thanks.
Your welcome! Glad it helped.
Thanks! Not all Swedish companies have good instructions. Without your video, I probably wouldn't have finished the assembly. ;)
You are welcome!
Cheers, I stared blankly at the instructions for 10 mins before looking at your video.
😂 Glad it helped.
Many thanks for your video! I got frustrated looking at the Thule (Volvo) instruction guide that reminds me of Ikea and decided to search if TH-cam had a wizard who made a video assembly guide. You saved me from hours of headaches haha!
You’re welcome! 👍🏻
Excellent video Paul and very useful. I have just made the decision to go ahead and buy two of these based on what I saw, and will be checking back in once received to refresh myself on how to construct & fit them.
Just one question - 1 thumbs down?!? What the hell is there to dislike about this video?!?
Thanks Daniel, glad it was useful.
No idea why or when the thumbs down appeared? Oh well!
Thanks for taking the time to do this mate. Really helpful!
Your welcome.
Thanks a lot! Watching your video made me realize two mistakes and one missing part :D
Glad I could help
Very well done the video tutorial for mounting this bike carrier!…thank you!
Your welcome. Thanks for watching.
Top man. Much more helpful than the Thule manual.
Glad I could help.
Thank you for sharing this video.
You helped me to trust the assembly instructions....
You’re welcome
For anybody watching who has a Ford Mondeo with the Genuine Ford Mondeo Mk5 Roof Rack Carrier Crossbars (Model: 1809110), they appear to be Wingbar style, so you can use the wingbar attachments for the FreeRide which is more secure and awesome!
I have a MK3 focus with genuine ford roof bars, they have a groove for the T bolts but the instructions don't actually mention they can be used like this, I'm guessing they can 🤞
A really thorough explanation - thanks for sharing.
Your welcome
I have the Wingbar Evo. The rubber parts on the top has 2 different rubbers (not a only a single one like in the video), so I guess I don't have to remove it before inserting the T shaped screws. What do you think?
Hi, I think the rubbers are just there for aesthetics and can be cut to fill the space between your bike racks. To be honest I tend to leave them off but if you are always using the same bike rack arrangement you cut cut them and put them in after everything is up. Hope that helps.
Cheers pal, made much more sense to see it being done over the crappy paper instructions 👍🏼
Your welcome.
Brilliant Paul easy to follow
Thanks. Glad I could help!
Thanks a bunch Paul. This video saved me a lot of time 🙏😊
Your welcome!
Thank you for an informative video. I thought Thule were a top-end supplier of roof racks and cycle racks. But their instruction booklets are appallingly bad - and will leave a lot of people very frustrated. I should write and complain!
Glad it helped! 👍🏻
Thanks Paul - very clear instructions, helped to sanity check my installation. Cheers!
@@marcinbarszczewski3968 you’re welcome.
@@paulstaines9205I can't fit the locks to save my life
Have you got the key in?
@@paulstaines9205 yes I have.
@@thomasamos4055 I obviously struggled with one hand as I had to put the camera down! Assume it just took some twiddling and fiddling! Sorry I can’t be any more help.
Cheers for this. Really helpful and saved me loads of time. 👍🏼
No problem
A crucial piece of information was missing at 5:20.
Hi, What piece of information was missing? Where the handle pushes into?
This was a great help, thanks for sharing
Your welcome
Hi Paul, great video thanks, one question, is it possible to remove the bars as one lump with the racks attached so you can basically leave everything attached and just remove it as one?
Hi and thanks. I haven’t done that but I would say yes. Just loosen the 2 Allen key bolts on either the left or right side of your car (so 4 bolts in total), because the bolts don’t point straight up for security and stability, then it should lift off as you can slide 2 of the feet slightly outwards to lift it off. Definitely a 2 person job that though! Watch the plastic feet underneath the rubber feet as they could fall off onto the car.
Thanks for the video! Did you tried them also in highway? Is there some limitation for highways? Thanks 😊
They were fine on the highway for me, no issues.
Thank you! This video helped me a lot.
You’re welcome.
Super helpful! Much appreciated.
You’re welcome
Thank you, you’re a life saver!
Your welcome
Thanks for the video.regards from Spain
Your welcome.
Thanks a lot for this, I'll be using these on Ford Mondeo roof bars, so will be slightly different to use the wing bar, but Ford (advertise on their accessories site &) sold me both assuring me they would be compatible. It's great to be able to visualise the actual construction of the 532 itself!
Not all heroes wear capes :)
By the way, how did the long drive go with the bikes on the racks?
The long drive was nerve racking but they stayed firm! Luckily I’m about to do the same drive again on Fri but the bikes were hardly used last time so won’t have to load them up again!
Not sure about the Ford Mondeo roof bars to be honest? They do have lots of different options.
@@paulstaines9205 Hah, no matter how firm they stay attached ( and there was no wobble or anything right?)you always drive very carefully when bikes are attached in any form! I was toying with getting the wing bars, but on the Ford site they advertise their bars and the 532's together, i guess i'll be using the circular adapter?
@@thelatman9397 I’m sure that will make no difference to the stability. As long as the actual bike racks are secure around the bike frame.
Will this fit my sons 24" bike?
Yes 100%
very helpful thanks
It's possible to remove the roof bars without removing the bike racks to put the entire thing on the car roof like a big square ?
I would say yes.
Just undo all 4 of the nuts securing it to the car, then just undo the Allen key slightly on just one side of the car, so 2 horizontal Allen key bolts on the rear roof rack and 2 on the front, that will allow you to pull the foot outwards slightly to slide it up off the bolt as the bolts don’t stick directly upwards, they angle out slightly for safety. With 2 people then I would say you could lift it off.
Just watch your bodywork and also the plastic feet will drop out of the bottom of the rubber foot assembly onto your car, so free then first so they stay on the car and then lift it all off.
Obviously take the bikes off first! 😳
@@paulstaines9205 Tried, it's possible !
Do you think you could get 4 on the roof? The video is very clear, thinking of getting 4 for my Octavia. Thanks
Possibly depending on the size of the bikes (weight on top of the car) and the pedals need space next to each other?
I found a bargain for this bike rack, however I was wondering: Can the 532 bike rack be installed only on this Thule roof rack, with the method you showed or on any roof rack with other optional equipment?
Your prompt reply will be much appreciated!
Hi, I think it can be installed on different roof bars also with different fittings like straps that wrap around the bar as opposed to sliding through the channels.
Like this
www.summittosea.co.uk/bikes-parts-accessories/racks-carriers-kits/thule-cycle-carrier-square-bar-adapter-889500--black-one-size__5120?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=8895&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq5nPj_q58AIVkd_tCh1OuQWEEAQYAiABEgIuzvD_BwE
You can install the rack on a regular square bar by all of the mounting equipment in the pack
Great video mate, thanks very much.
Your welcome
Please, tell me, while driving without the bikes on the roof, how do you stabilize the 2 arms of the rack? I mean, I can imagine they vibrate, move and hit the rack when the road is not so flat... Do they have something to tie them down?
From my experience they don’t vibrate or bang around but the majority of longer drives would have the bikes on the roof and then back home again.
@@paulstaines9205 thank you. I've just installed a pair on my car.
Will this fit 2018 Subaru outback factory crossbars?
I would imagine so, not 100% but at the 6 min mark of the video it shows 3 different fitting options so I would imagine one of those methods would work.
Thank you very much!
You're welcome!
Proper helpful nice one.
Your welcome!
Thank you for your help with this.
You’re welcome!
Thanks mate really helpful!
My up right bar won't reach the down tube on my 29er. Might have to send it back
Mine just reached on my 29 inch. Fix your clamp through the highest points and adjust your wheel seats to move the bike further forward.
Look at 4:12 on the video of how the fix the bolt and then if you look at the end when the bikes are on, my orange one is sitting further forward than my Son’s bike which allowed to clamp the very bottom of the frame.
Mine have just arrived and found your video helpful. Thanks very much my friend. Ps very familiar accent...
Glad it was helpful. It’s a Manchester one, I hope!
Paul Staines. It was I just hope they stay on there once on. I grew up in Manchester, I go manc when angry.
Antwone Fernandez yeh all depends whereabouts you live in Manchester! They are pretty secure when locked.
Helped me, cheers
You're welcome!
It’s a bit of a faff! The videos make it look so simple. Thanks for the vid
No problem 👍
Received this product with no instructions. I do not like the metal component to adjust it as it can easily scratch the mounting bars. If you have black bars know that it will likely scratch some areas as you install it. I guess the silver option which isn’t painted doesn’t get affected that much.
Yeh I can understand what you mean. The silver bars do not really get affected.
You saved my Life ! 😂😂😂
Very good👍🏻
Thanks
Perfect - as I get older, simple step by step instructions in a video are what is needed :-) The Thule instructions are complete rubbish.
😂I tried my best! Glad it helped!
I was very nervous putting my brand new beach cruiser on this rack. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxG6JIgwJhur8_Rg8UeQ3EmePzi_wSncL8 But after reading many reviews I decided to get this one and take a chance. When arrived it was very simple to adjust and put together. I also added spike tape over the metal hooks before securing and tightening the straps, and no scratches. I also purchased the top bar made by the same company so that my cruiser sits straight on the rack without having to turn upside down. Extra bungee cords are used to secure the front wheel from flapping and even piece of mind knowing your bike is secure. Definitely recommend...
Вот что значит нерусский человек - не развернул хомуты на себя, чтобы было удобнее затяжку производить)