THULE SLIDE BARS
The Car Roof Racks Blog
Information and articles for outdoor lovers
Exploring the Best Jeep Models for Family Adventures and the Ultimate Thule Roof Bars Compatibility Guide
Introduction When it comes to embarking on family road trips or seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, few vehicles match the versatility and ruggedness of a Jeep. Renowned for their reliability, spacious interiors, and off-road capabilities, Jeeps have become a top choice for families seeking both comfort and excitement on their journeys. Paired with the right accessories, such as Thule roof bars, Jeep vehicles are transformed into the ultimate companions for exploration.
Why Choose a Jeep for Family Road Trips?
Reliability and Durability
Jeep vehicles are built to withstand the demands of long journeys, providing peace of mind for families venturing across diverse terrain. From motorways to rugged off-road trails, Jeeps deliver consistent performance and durability, ensuring a smooth and reliable ride for passengers.Ample Interior Space
One of the key advantages of Jeep models is their spacious interiors, offering ample room for passengers and cargo alike. Whether it's luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment, families can pack everything they need for their adventures without compromising on comfort.Off-Road Capabilities
For families seeking adrenaline-fueled excursions off the beaten path, Jeeps excel in conquering challenging terrain. With advanced four-wheel-drive systems and robust suspension, these vehicles are designed to tackle mud, rocks, and steep inclines, opening up a world of possibilities for exploration.
Popular Jeep Models for Family Adventures
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out as a top choice for families, blending luxury with rugged performance. With its spacious cabin, advanced technology features, and impressive towing capacity, the Grand Cherokee is perfectly suited for long-distance road trips and outdoor adventures.
Jeep Compass
Ideal for families seeking a compact yet capable SUV, the Jeep Compass offers a perfect balance of versatility and efficiency. With its sleek design, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features, the Compass is well-suited for both urban commutes and weekend getaways. Whether navigating city streets or exploring winding country roads, the Compass delivers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience for the whole family.
Thule Roof Bars Compatibility with Jeep Vehicles
Thule Roof Bars for Jeep Grand Cherokee
Owners of the Jeep Grand Cherokee can choose from a range of Thule roof bar options to suit their specific needs. Whether it's the sleek wingbar, the versatile SquareBar Evo, or the heavy-duty square bar, there's a Thule roof bar solution that seamlessly integrates with the Grand Cherokee's design, providing a sturdy platform for carrying extra gear.Thule Roof Bars for Jeep Compass
For families opting for the compact yet versatile Jeep Compass, Thule offers a selection of roof bars designed to enhance cargo-carrying capabilities. With options like the WingBar Evo and the SquareBar Evo, Compass owners can easily mount rooftop carriers, bike racks, or cargo boxes, ensuring ample space for all their gear without compromising interior comfort. Thule roof bars for the Jeep Compass are engineered to provide a secure and stable foundation, allowing families to embark on their adventures with confidence.In summary, Jeep vehicles offer the perfect blend of comfort, performance, and ruggedness for families embarking on road trips and outdoor escapades. When paired with Thule roof bars, Jeeps become even more versatile, allowing families to pack everything they need for their adventures with ease. So, whether it's traversing mountain passes or cruising along coastal highways, let your Jeep and Thule roof bars be your trusted companions on the journey ahead.
Safe Cycling in Autumn – 5 Tips
Autumn is a fantastic time for cycling. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the weather here in the UK is pleasantly mild. However, as enjoyable as autumn cycling is, it brings with it certain hazards that sre important to be mindful of. For safer autumn cycling, read our five tips below.
Be Prepared for Dark
As dark nights start to creep in, it’s important to be mindful of this before you head out on an afternoon or evening excursion. Check the sunset time before you head out and be prepared for dusk and dark. Wear reflective gear and make sure your bike is equipped with lights at both the front and rear of your bike. If you like to cycle off road then it’s usually a good idea to invest in a good quality front light that will illuminate your path pretty well. Even if you aren’t planning on cycling after dark, it’s always wise to prepare for dark conditions as you never know when you might have to stop to take care of a puncture or change your route due to road works etc.
As dark nights start to creep in, it’s important to be mindful of this before you head out on an afternoon or evening excursion. Check the sunset time before you head out and be prepared for dusk and dark. Wear reflective gear and make sure your bike is equipped with lights at both the front and rear of your bike. If you like to cycle off road then it’s usually a good idea to invest in a good quality front light that will illuminate your path pretty well. Even if you aren’t planning on cycling after dark, it’s always wise to prepare for dark conditions as you never know when you might have to stop to take care of a puncture or change your route due to road works etc.
Make Sure your Tyres are in Check
As rainfall becomes heavier and more frequent conditions become slipperier. Even when the ground is dry its important tyres can withstand the excess debris washed onto roads by the rain. In autumn there is typically excess debris off-road too. Falling leaves and plant matter, twigs and branches are all puncture and skid hazards to look out for. One way to prevent accidents caused by these conditions are to invest in some good quality autumn/winter tyres.
Make sure your tyres are inflated properly and don’t forget to keep a puncture kit and spare inner tube in your backpack. A helmet light will also come in very handy if you get caught with a puncture after dark.
As rainfall becomes heavier and more frequent conditions become slipperier. Even when the ground is dry its important tyres can withstand the excess debris washed onto roads by the rain. In autumn there is typically excess debris off-road too. Falling leaves and plant matter, twigs and branches are all puncture and skid hazards to look out for. One way to prevent accidents caused by these conditions are to invest in some good quality autumn/winter tyres.
Make sure your tyres are inflated properly and don’t forget to keep a puncture kit and spare inner tube in your backpack. A helmet light will also come in very handy if you get caught with a puncture after dark.
Don’t Get Caught Without the Right Gear
You never know when you might get caught in a downpour, so even if you’re heading out in dry conditions, don’t let a little unexpected rain ruin your journey. It’s wise to use overshoes to keep your feet dry and your cycling shoes clean. Remember, it doesn’t have to be raining to mean your feet get soaking wet- a large puddle will do it!
Wear layers of light clothing that can be taken off/put on if the temperature changes. Always carry a breathable, waterproof layer that will save you in a downpour. A waterproof cycling cap is also a great investment for autumn as it will help keep your noggin nice and dry, whilst still allowing airflow through the ventilation holes in your helmet.
If you do get caught in heavy rain without any waterproofs, its best to turn around and head home or take cover until it stops. Even if you feel warm while you’re cycling, once you stop you could find yourself feeling extremely cold and run out of energy quickly.
Don’t forget to use mud guards either which will save your legs and bum from getting uncomfortably wet.
You never know when you might get caught in a downpour, so even if you’re heading out in dry conditions, don’t let a little unexpected rain ruin your journey. It’s wise to use overshoes to keep your feet dry and your cycling shoes clean. Remember, it doesn’t have to be raining to mean your feet get soaking wet- a large puddle will do it!
Wear layers of light clothing that can be taken off/put on if the temperature changes. Always carry a breathable, waterproof layer that will save you in a downpour. A waterproof cycling cap is also a great investment for autumn as it will help keep your noggin nice and dry, whilst still allowing airflow through the ventilation holes in your helmet.
If you do get caught in heavy rain without any waterproofs, its best to turn around and head home or take cover until it stops. Even if you feel warm while you’re cycling, once you stop you could find yourself feeling extremely cold and run out of energy quickly.
Don’t forget to use mud guards either which will save your legs and bum from getting uncomfortably wet.
Use Extra Caution in Wet and Damp Conditions
Wet conditions can be dangerous. When cycling off road, keep your wits about you and watch out for thick mud (this can pop up out of nowhere on off road trails). If you do come to a muddy patch, don’t halt on the breaks, slow down gradually as you come up to it (anticipate a longer stopping distance in wet conditions) and let your bike move underneath you. Steer gently and calmly and lean into turns. As well as mud, it’s also really important to watch out for patches of wet leaves which can be very slippery. If you’re unsure about how to approach a certain path when it’s wet, cycle slowly but confidently. There’s also no shame in getting off and pushing for a little while if you feel really uncertain!
Wet conditions can be dangerous. When cycling off road, keep your wits about you and watch out for thick mud (this can pop up out of nowhere on off road trails). If you do come to a muddy patch, don’t halt on the breaks, slow down gradually as you come up to it (anticipate a longer stopping distance in wet conditions) and let your bike move underneath you. Steer gently and calmly and lean into turns. As well as mud, it’s also really important to watch out for patches of wet leaves which can be very slippery. If you’re unsure about how to approach a certain path when it’s wet, cycle slowly but confidently. There’s also no shame in getting off and pushing for a little while if you feel really uncertain!
Give Your Bike Little Extra TLC
During the autumn months, you’re putting your bike through a lot more than its used to in summer. Make sure you give it the TLC it needs to stay in top working condition and keep you safe when cycling. Look after your brakes. Check your brake blocks for trapped dirt and debris. Stones and bits of plant matter can fly up when you’re cycling and get caught between the pads and wheels. Check these before you head out. You can also adjust your brakes so that they sit closer to the wheel rims to make it easier to brake in wet conditions. If you’re unsure how to do this, head into your local bike shop and ask for advice. Incorrectly adjusting your brakes could mean you wear down your brake pads excessively or worse!
Clean your tyres. It goes without saying that you’ll need to clean your tyres more frequently in autumn, due to excess mud, leaves and other debris becoming trapped in the treads. Ideally though, you should rinse your tyres down after every ride. A quick blast with the hose pipe or get wash will do. Be sure to inspect for any punctures and trapped stones as you go.
Keep your chain lubricated. Make sure to keep your chain lubricated in autumn using a wet lube. Every so often you should fully clean the chain to remove trapped dirt and grit which can wear away at the chain. Use a degreaser to fully dissolve remaining lubricant and rinse. Add new lube once the chain is completely dry. You can also use a chain gauge to determine whether or not your chain is past its use-by date.
During the autumn months, you’re putting your bike through a lot more than its used to in summer. Make sure you give it the TLC it needs to stay in top working condition and keep you safe when cycling. Look after your brakes. Check your brake blocks for trapped dirt and debris. Stones and bits of plant matter can fly up when you’re cycling and get caught between the pads and wheels. Check these before you head out. You can also adjust your brakes so that they sit closer to the wheel rims to make it easier to brake in wet conditions. If you’re unsure how to do this, head into your local bike shop and ask for advice. Incorrectly adjusting your brakes could mean you wear down your brake pads excessively or worse!
Clean your tyres. It goes without saying that you’ll need to clean your tyres more frequently in autumn, due to excess mud, leaves and other debris becoming trapped in the treads. Ideally though, you should rinse your tyres down after every ride. A quick blast with the hose pipe or get wash will do. Be sure to inspect for any punctures and trapped stones as you go.
Keep your chain lubricated. Make sure to keep your chain lubricated in autumn using a wet lube. Every so often you should fully clean the chain to remove trapped dirt and grit which can wear away at the chain. Use a degreaser to fully dissolve remaining lubricant and rinse. Add new lube once the chain is completely dry. You can also use a chain gauge to determine whether or not your chain is past its use-by date.
Happy Cycling!
Take your bike to explore new horizons this autumn with the help of a high quality roof bar.
We have roof bars to an enormous range of car makes and models as well as a wide range of accessories to help safely and easily transport your bike from A to B.
Thule Slide Bars are ideal for cyclists as the sliding function allows the easiest loading and unloading. Even when your bike is covered in mud, the sliding function will help prevent you and your car from getting dirty.
