Roof bars for a California?

[California Craig]

Hi. I bought a pair of roof bars for my Kombi and before I had a chance to fit them I upgraded to the California. Is it possible to fir them to the top for decoration only? Thanks again

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Hi. I bought a pair of roof bars for my Kombi and before I had a chance to fit them I upgraded to the California. Is it possible to fir them to the top for decoration only? Thanks again

You may need a different foot pack. No point in fitting them unless you are going to use them, as they may restrict which car parks that you can get into.

 

[Jodalo]

You may need a different foot pack. No point in fitting them unless you are going to use them, as they may restrict which car parks that you can get into.

And if you forget they are attached! Ouch could be disaster.

 

[Deskman]

Sell them, you don't need them.
A cali is impressive in its own right.

 

[TripleBee]

Apart from the noise they could generate and create more drag, so less fuel economy.

 

[California Craig]

Thanks for the input - I hadn’t really given the fuel economy bit any thought - I was planning on roof bars, side bars and a bike rack - I guess combined they’d make a fair bit of difference

 

[Mike Currie]

Apart from the noise they could generate and create more drag, so less fuel economy.

I've had the VW factory roof bars fitted since new and there is no noticeable noise and very little difference in fuel economy. So if you like the look, go for it!

 

[California Craig]

Thanks. Any chance of a photo showing the bars? Thanks again

 

[DrJuanKerr]

I was planning on roof bars, side bars and a bike rack

Absolutely no offence meant to you @California Craig it's just I find it absolutely hilarious that people consider a bike rack as an aesthetic upgrade. It's blatantly obvious they do too. For every Cali [or otherwise] with a bike rack, 90% are empty.

I'm thinking I might get an elliptical trainer as a roof decoration. I know it would hit fuel economy and really reduce the number of car parks etc I could gain access to but it would look awesome

 

[California Craig]

I’m laughing so much I can barely type. Agreed - I’d never risk scratches by actually attaching a bike!! I suspect you’d end up on few internet threads with an elliptical trainer attached to the roof! So funny - I’ll chuckle all morning now!

 

[Mike Currie]

Thanks. Any chance of a photo showing the bars? Thanks again

 

[California Craig]

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Thank you for the photos! Nice van too!

 

[Jodalo]

Absolutely no offence meant to you @California Craig it's just I find it absolutely hilarious that people consider a bike rack as an aesthetic upgrade. It's blatantly obvious they do too. For every Cali [or otherwise] with a bike rack, 90% are empty.

I'm thinking I might get an elliptical trainer as a roof decoration. I know it would hit fuel economy and really reduce the number of car parks etc I could gain access to but it would look awesome

I have mine on all the time, I think it makes me look really cool and sporty. But the real reason is that it’s so unwieldy to store and my shed is full of crap.

 

[B J G]

You may need a different foot pack. No point in fitting them unless you are going to use them, as they may restrict which car parks that you can get into.

Are you talking of rails (front to rear) or bars (left to right)?

 

[California Craig]

Are you talking of rails (front to rear) or bars (left to right)?

Hi. Thanks for the reply. I was referring to the one that run from front to rear - purely for looks rather than use. Do u know if these can be fitted? Thanks again

 

[B J G]

Hi. Thanks for the reply. I was referring to the one that run from front to rear - purely for looks rather than use. Do u know if these can be fitted? Thanks again

California has recessed rails in order to keep the crossbar height as low as possible.

It may be possible to fit the rails for cosmetic purposes but I would assume that securing them would be very problematic.
Also the roof is alloy not steel so not advisable to fit rails in my opinion.

A case of wait and see what you can do as and when you have your Cali home.

 

[California Craig]

California has recessed rails in order to keep the crossbar height as low as possible.

It may be possible to fit the rails for cosmetic purposes but I would assume that securing them would be very problematic.
Also the roof is alloy not steel so not advisable to fit rails in my opinion.

A case of wait and see what you can do as and when you have your Cali home.

Thank you for the information and your advice ..... I think I might just forget the roof bars and remove the risk of damage or problems. Back to choosing the bike rack and side bars! It would be so much better if I could just have my first trip in it rather than fixating on getting bits for it! Best wishes and thanks again!

 

[Alan Andrews]

Apart from the noise they could generate and create more drag, so less fuel economy.

I was told that adding the roof bars and without any stowed luggage the roof bars will consume the equivalent of 10% of your fuel.

 

[California Craig]

I was told that adding the roof bars and without any stowed luggage the roof bars will consume the equivalent of 10% of your fuel.

That’d be a huge difference In cost on a long journey

 

[ThomasHJ]

Absolutely no offence meant to you @California Craig it's just I find it absolutely hilarious that people consider a bike rack as an aesthetic upgrade. It's blatantly obvious they do too. For every Cali [or otherwise] with a bike rack, 90% are empty.

Well it's not that strange that when you see a Cali, the bike rack is empty. Many, if not most people leave them on all year. So you can easily take bikes when you want. Having the rack on the van doesnt mean you should have bikes on it every time you drive it right? And, I personally do feel the bike rack of teh T5 makes the cali look better. The T6 bike rack however...

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Having the rack on the van doesnt mean you should have bikes on it every time you drive it right?

I agree. I'd expect a little more than 10% usage though

 

[ThomasHJ]

Maybe many daily drivers (like me) in your area. They prefer riding a car over riding a bike

 

[Hamish S]

Misread that thought it was "prefer riding a car over a bike!!!!". Got there in the end though.....