Bike Carrier - Improvements possible?

[Tarquers]

First time out with a VW rack today that came with the van so the design dates from a few years ago.

Fixing two large full suspension mountain bikes on took much longer than expected, and the straps are a real pain to use.

Has anyone improved the fastenings to make fixing quicker? Thinking of the ratchets on the Thule roof bars I have. A big part of buying the van was to carry bikes, currently massively disappointed.

 

[Louis II]

I had the same thoughts when I first got mine - normally 4 bikes 2 of which are full suspension mountain bikes. I looked around for different straps but didn't find anything suitable so would be interested to know if you do. I do find it gets easier every time though as the bars are already in the right place from last time. I just have to remember which bike went where and which way round. I also don't bother putting the straps through the little slots, just wrap them right round the gutter bit.