roof bars/cycle racks - is Thule worth the ££?

[butteriesplease]

hi,
I'm needing to buy a roof rack & cycle rack thingy (my 12yo enjoys cycling (MTB), and would like to be able to take his bike with us on hols, or perhaps get him to places for cycling).

So, in my innocence I thought it might cost around £200.... a quick look on Halfords tells me that Halfords own brand bars are £100, then the cycle rack thing is £45, but the reviews are not good.

I know Thule is good (we had this before on old car) but that costs much more - it is £225 for just the roof bars, then another £100 -£130ish for the cycle rack bit.

Is it worth it? Would only ever be his bike (I don't cycle) and occasional use. I wanted up on the roof as would not be keen for the vision out of rear windscreen to be obscured - but is it?? We have a Corsa if that makes a difference.

Thank you in advance!

When I needed roof bars and bike carriers I found the Roof Box Company online to be really useful - they sell Thule but also cheaper brands and they explain what the difference is between the different options. I ended up with Cruz ones, but paid more for the lighter aluminium airo option rather than basic steel bars.

thanks, I'll check them out as well. I need something easy to fit as well, as I'll be relying on my 21year old to fit them for me.

We had some I can’t remember the name of now and then got Thule non whistle or something. So much nicer noise wise when nothing on.

I got generic roof bars, I can’t remember where from. Then Thule cycle racks. They fit together fine, and it was easy enough for me to do it myself.
I just leave the rack on all the time as I don’t have anywhere to store it. The only issue I’ve had is the mechanism for adjusting the frame width seizes occasionally.
Oh and they whistle but I just turn my music up 😁

thanks for the replies. No one seems to be saying that Thule is necessarily worth the extra £ compared to other/generic brands which is helpful, thanks!