Can Older Thule Velo Vice 589 Be Used On 2018 Audi Q3?

Question:

I have a 2018 Audi Q3 and I would like to install a Thule Velo Vise #589, fork mount bike carrier on the Audi base carrier bars. I used the Thule Velo Vise #589, fork mount bike carrier on a different vehicle that had the square tubes on it. Now I would like to install the Thule 589 onto the Audi base carrier bars and I would like to know if there is some hardware I could get to go from the small square tubes to the oval shaped base carrier bars. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Scott H

Expert Reply:

I have a few options for you, but the Thule Velo Vise 589 you have can only be installed onto factory aero crossbars by using the Thule Ride On Adapter 532 which has been discontinued for quite a few years now. If you can find two of the then you can install them onto the crossbars on your 2018 Audi Q3, then install the bike rack on those.

You could replace the factory crossbars on your Q3 with the Thule Roof Rack System which uses 47" Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars # TH712200 and Evo Flush Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars # TH710601 but personally I would not do this for two reason. The first being the square bars will have quite a bit more wind noise than your aero crossbars due to the design, and the second being this option would cost quite a bit more than just buying a new bike rack.

Instead I recommend replacing the bike rack with the Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Rooftop Bike Carrier - Fork Mount # RBC035 which will fit your factory crossbars, and will work perfectly with your bike as long as it has a 9mm axle. If it has a different size axle you will also need the Rhino-Rack Multi Axle Adapter for Fork Mount Bike Racks # RRRBCA030.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.