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XplusYplusZ

Member Since: 16 Aug 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 487

Thule roof bars - edge or no edge?

I’m looking at buying a set of roof bars. Can’t decide if to go for the more integrated style bars which have no overhang past the fixing feet - these are branded “edge” by Thule, and look similar to the landrover OEM crossbars. OR are there benefits in going for the less integrated styles where the bars extend beyond the fixing feet.

I have a Thule Canyon roof basket that I’ll be fitting. I’m thinking the overhangs could be useful to help with straps and camping. But I think I prefer the cleaner look of the integrated style..

What’s the general consensus here?

2nd Dec 2022 4:04pm

Defendit..

Member Since: 09 Aug 2020
Location: 's-Hertogenbosch
Posts: 422

It's very personal I think.

I did lower the Thule wingbar Edge , only 5mm above the sharkfin.
Nothing to worry and quiet on the Highway. Clean look

Click image to enlarge No Mud flaps for my 90.!
-----------------------------------------
P300 S MY21 on air, adv.+ offroad pack, DRL+fog, Dinamica Suedecloth + Ebony headliner/Cross Beam- Many Mods..

2nd Dec 2022 4:08pm

XplusYplusZ

Member Since: 16 Aug 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 487

Defendit.. wrote:
I did lower the Thule wingbar Edge , only 5mm above the sharkfin.

Thanks mate - it does look nice and clean. Are the feet locatiosn fully adjustable, or are you forced to use just the 3 points on the bars?

Which bars lengths did you need?

I find the Thule site and instructions far less intuitive than they may think it is. Fitting kits, feet bar length etc. I just have a feeling I'm going to be ordering the wrong parts..

For example, I was looking at this set below. The site says it's compatible, but the picture is definitely not t-track flush bars..
confusing.

Click image to enlarge

2nd Dec 2022 5:56pm

LandRoverAnorak

Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

I think that the T track mentioned in that advert is in the bars themselves to allow fitting of accessories rather than the method of fixing them to the roof. Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia

2nd Dec 2022 9:27pm

Defendit..

Member Since: 09 Aug 2020
Location: 's-Hertogenbosch
Posts: 422

Thule Wingbar Edge 9595. M + L

Did not use the podiumfeet, instead made new brackets and shaved the caps a little.

Click image to enlarge

3rd Dec 2022 8:23am

miker

Member Since: 13 Sep 2015
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1763

Looks smarter, but significantly less usable length on the edge style bars. I had the normal wing bars on my previous Skoda estate and just took them off when not in use...

3rd Dec 2022 8:24am

haymeister

Member Since: 24 May 2021
Location: Saitama
Posts: 266

I have the non-edge installed. Extra length can't go amiss

Easier to install roof box and ski/snowboard rack with the overhang as you said.
I have the Thule Wingbar Evo (753 for the feet, 7113 for the bars (mine are black), and 3040 for the fit kit)
Some pics taken from my IG

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge 22MY Defender 110 D300 S in Pangea Green and Contrast White Roof
IG defender_japan "Hulk san"

5th Dec 2022 12:05am

XplusYplusZ

Member Since: 16 Aug 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 487

Defendit.. wrote:
Thule Wingbar Edge 9595. M + L

You say 9595 (as do a lot of other people). But the Thule site is saying the defender needs 95cm and 86cm..

Do you know why there's a difference?

I wonder if the newer designed feet(720700) means the 95cm will be too long at the rear?

9th Dec 2022 11:53am

Jtt74

Member Since: 20 Dec 2022
Location: Ascot
Posts: 9

Do people with crossbars keep them on all year round?

I can't make up my mind if it looks ok or not, any issues with wind noise etc?

Thanks,

20th Dec 2022 4:30pm

haymeister

Member Since: 24 May 2021
Location: Saitama
Posts: 266

I am purely functional, I take them off when I don’t need them.

1. Slightly less buffeting and whistling at speed (Thule are one of the better ones IMO but you need to install the rubber seals properly)
2. Less anxiety in <2m car parks.
3. Does look cleaner. 22MY Defender 110 D300 S in Pangea Green and Contrast White Roof
IG defender_japan "Hulk san"

21st Dec 2022 11:44pm

XplusYplusZ

Member Since: 16 Aug 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 487

So here's what I ended up with - the latest version of Thule's New Defender solution:

https://www.thule.com/en-gb/roof-rack/roof...e-_-720700

Fitting Kit 187122
Fixpoint Edge Foot Pack 720700
Wingbars 95 95

I'm not particularly happy with the base/fitting kit, they seem to sit very high - especially considering the fixed rail is already raised.

The fitting kit plastics which attach to the feet is quite awkwardly shaped and doesn't seem to mate with the feet very well. It looks a little botched together when compared with other kit/feet pairings. Especially when compared to the non-edge examples. The foot overhangs the fitting kit. The fitting kit tapers thin, then the foot bulges out again.. Aesthetically, it's disappointingly ugly.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

The fitting kit/foot connection looked odd enough that I had to check the instructions multiple times to confirm this was indeed the right way to fit them:

Click image to enlarge

I am considering a similar approach to Defendit's posts above - potentially shaving the plastics of the fitting kit down. The upper metal bracket is pretty complicated. With a latch system to attach the bars. The lower is simply a rectangular plate and bolt which slides along the inside of the integrated roof rail.

Fortunately, they're currently hidden below a pretty ugly roof basket. But I will be removing the bars when not in use with a box/basket.

22nd Dec 2022 12:24pm

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