Thule AirScreen XT Wind Fairing: The Essential Accessory for Your Rooftop Bike Rack

In this video I review the Thule AirScreen XT Wind Fairing and talk generally about the effectiveness of these types of wind deflectors in reducing wind noise generated by car crossbars and rooftop bike racks.
Timestamps:
00:00 Outtake
00:40 Intro
02:09 Why I Chose a Rooftop Bike Rack over a Hitch Mount Rack
05:11 Thule AirScreen Purchase & Installation
07:00 Thule AirScreen Performance
Thule AirScreen XT Wind Fairing available at Amazon.ca: www.amazon.ca/Thule-AirScreen...
Thule UpRide Bike Rack: www.thule.com/en-ca/bike-rack...
Thule UpRide Fatbike Adapter: www.thule.com/en-ca/bike-rack...
BMW Roof Rack Crossbars: www.bimmerworld.com/Body-Aero...
Car Wake Image: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1...
Julian Edgar’s CZcams Channel: “Dusty bums - car aero understood by looking at dust!”, • Dusty bums - car aero...
Scicon Bike Defender - Road - Roof Rack Road Bike Bra Cover: sciconsports.com/ca_en/roof-r...
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Music Credits:
Bikes by Mike Intro Theme
“Technological - upbeat electronica with uplifting synth pads” by zapsplat.com
Free to use when crediting creator
Bikes by Mike Background Theme Music
“Endless Motion” by composer Benjamin Tissot
www.bensound.com
Free to use in multimedia project
Sound Effects Credits:
Bikes by Mike First Intro Glitch
“Audio Cable Connector Noise, Glitch 3” by zapsplat.com
Free to use when crediting creator
Bikes by Mike Intro Theme Song for Bouncing Wheel
“Tennis Ball Hits the Ground 01” by Sound Effects +
Standard License, Finnolia Productions Inc. House and Office, Sound Effect SFX 41802465
Bikes by Mike Intro Theme Song for Rolling Wheel
“Fishing Reel Fast” by Sound Effects +
Standard License, Finnolia Productions Inc. House and Office, Sound Effect SFX 41498102
Fast Forward Effects
“390145__cuddlenucks__glitchy-tape.wav” by CuddleNucks at freesound.org
Licensed under CC0 1.0 (creativecommons.org/publicdom...)
Unmodified/original version

[@yens]

Great video, interesting about the wake of the car and how dirty the bike gets. Makes me glad I didn't opt for a hitch mount rack. Good comparison to demonstrate how well this deflector worked as well as choosing the size. Much appreciated

[@bikesbymike]

Glad you liked it! In the end, everyone has their own preference for what’s most important to them. I was riding with someone on the weekend who hates rooftop racks. Mainly because it’s more difficult to load bikes and he has to worry about accessing underground parking. Another guy that will only store his bikes in his vehicle. Just have to find the solution that works best for your own needs, I guess.

[@balwindergill5486]

I just got this setup. I am worried about this accessory leaving paint damage over time. Whats your experience with that?

[@bikesbymike]

That’s a good point. I never thought about that type of damage. I checked it out this morning and after having the wind fairing installed on my car rooftop for about a year, I do see a few small scuff marks under a couple of the contact points. I have a roll of 3M Scotchguard Series Paint Protective Film that I use to wrap my bikes. I’m going to cut individual pieces to stick under the contact points which will prevent further damage. This is really something manufacturers of these styles of wind fairings should recommend in their installation manuals.
I replaced the Thule AirScreen XT with the INNO Universal Wind Fairing a year ago when I changed vehicles. The Thule one did not fit my BMW i4 all that well; the ends of the wind fairing did not make proper contact with the curvature of the car roof. I like INNO style which provides a stronger and more adjustable reach to the roof. I think the issue you raised would be identical with the Thule rack since the contact points are very similar.

[@daniellemillar5757]

Anyone want to buy a hitchmount rack? 😆

[@bikesbymike]

Sorry, Sis.