Tandem Cycling - Does this model vehicle exist in the US?

Hi There

Recently i purchased a new car in Australia. It is called a Holden Astra CDX Wagon (link below);

http://www.holden.com.au/www-holden/action/modeloverview?modelid=26007

The car itself is made by a company in Belgium called Opel. And it is called an Opel Astra Sports Wagon in Belgium (pic attached). Now i would like to acquire some Thule roof racks for my new car (as this is the only company in Australia that has roof racks for this vehicle) & Thule make two types of roof racks for this car. Ones that have a square bar and another that has an aero version.

Now my question is this. I didn't realise that Thule make a tandem rack (they don't sell it here in Australia) otherwise i would consider it. I was thinking of getting the Yakima rack. But i thought i would jump on the American Thule website to see what bars they recommend for the Thule Tandem rack but Holden or Opel do not exist as a car manufacturer on the Thule.com website so there is a possibility that the vehicle is known by some other name in America?? Or perhaps it is just not imported into the States?

Does anyone know if this make/model of vehicle exists in the US? If so could someone kindly let me know. That would be most appreciated.

Thank You

regards
Jeff

You might check Thule's European fitments for the Vauxhall Astra, assuming GM markets the wagon version in Europe. For example: http://www.fasteronline.co.uk/Thule-astra-2004-roof-system-p-2335.html

The 2008 3 & 5 door Opel Astra models will be marketed in the US late this year under the Saturn brand using the Astra name; however, I didn't see where the Wagon version was being offered. Instead, it appears as though GM is marketing the Opel Antara -- a compact crossover SUV -- as the Saturn Vue with a hybrid powertain option to fill the wagon-market niche.

Interestly enough, GM's Saturn Sky Redline model is being marketed in Europe as the Open GT: globalization is an interesting thing.

Try calling "Charley" at Tandem Toppers in Seattle - he is very familar with Thule and also manufactures Tandem Toppers and Draft Masters

"Interesting" is a good word for it :)

I drive a Honda Accord Euro R, marketed here as an Acura TSX. :rolleyes:

As far as I know, Holden's aren't sold in US. We have a Thule tandem rack. When we use it, it gets mounted to Yakima round crossbars that are attached to our Mazda minivan's factory rack side pieces with Yakima adapter towers. The tandem rack should attach to round or square crossbars. Sticking the bike inside the minivan is much easier than using any roof rack.

Try calling "Charley" at Tandem Toppers in Seattle - he is very familar with Thule and also manufactures Tandem Toppers and Draft Masters

+1 http://www.atoc.com/

The link below is the info about the two different Thule roof racks suitable for the vehicle mentioned at the beginning of this thread;

http://www.thule.com.au/vehicleguide_detail.php?car_brand_id=1081&car_model_id=25329

I have also attached a close up picture of the aero bars. Do you think the Thule or Yakima tandem would fit these bars somehow?

regards
Jeff