Oval load bars?

[Prepo]

I was admiring today nice silver load bars (on a silver XC90) which are not available for the XC.  With the feedback about noise with the square sections, I had bought the black aeodynamcic versions which I have not yet used.  I find that there is another option, "oval" load bars.  They stick out more but seem to be flatter and better suited to times when I may want to transport flat loads like sheets of plywood than the more domed shape of what I have. The side projecting bits may be easieir to secure tie downs, as well.  Anybody have any opinions on these? I have the option to exchange mine. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/whatsthat.gif

[Prepo]

I meant not available for the XC70.

[wiz]

Prepo I assume you are talking about Volvo (Thule) bars. My understanding of the oval shaped bars is that they do not interface with as wide a range of gear as the regular square bars. A fairing is another way to deal with the noise issue, and some XC drivers have found that if you place the cross-bars as far back as you can on the roof rails, that helps too.

[Prepo]

Wiz, let me clarify that I am not interested in getting the square bars but am comparing the aerodynamic ones (which I have and which seems to be type often compared with square bars on this forum), with an oval design that I had not heard about before.  They are all Volvo assessories.

[Low Tide]

Prepo-

I hear you. You must have the wing profile now.... aero-bars so to speak. Question? Do they lock to the rails? What fits? Flexy?

To answer part of your question I have heard about the aluminum oval bars, but I'm afraid I'm looking for the same info. There is a picture of them on Thule's homepage- http://www.thule.com

and more info on the international site-

http://www.thule.com/frames.asp?id=1884

Click load carriers, 755- scrol down, look for oval bar ref:

Aero bars
Exclusive aluminium load bars. Fits Rapid System load carrier feet only.
Art. no. 860, 108 cm.
Art. no. 861, 120 cm.
Art. no. 862, 135 cm.
Art. no. 863, 150 cm.

Fit guide that talks about wind noise/positioning:

http://www.thule.com/PabloImages/Document/35/1435.pdf

As you see, aluminum is "special" the black square ones below the aero being the "standard" ones volvo uses. Crazy though the price is basically the same...

See the locks?  Included.

As for the accessories/use questions.... Nothing definative other than they "exist" & are supposed to accept "most" Thule accessories, but they will require the same adaptor that lets you cross fit thule accessories to yakima round bars. There are a couple of shapes of the adaptors- nylon clips. I am not sure that they come with any though. Depending on the accessory you will need either nothing, or these (accessory specific) clips, or the universal Thule fat mouth clamp (now comes with a few of the ski racks I believe)

Example-  Bike rack

http://www.thule.com/PabloImages/Document/58/1458.pdf

See diagram 3a and 3b and how they hook into the crossbar to fit, on the square rack, these are difference shaped pieces.  

Sorry I am not a big help- I wish I knew more. IMO They are pretty neat looking from photos I have seen- check the thule website. I have not contacted volvo for details. Keep us posted if you find a list of stuff that fits them (maybe contact thule directly and ask about the oval profile bars) , or other features such as built-in locks to secure to the volvoroof rails.

Volvo also has something listed for the XC70 called T-track bars- which I was under the impression were similar to the ones you mentioned seeing for the XC90. Another piece of a options-filled puzzle.