There are two options for using Thule Aeroblade load bars with rail-equipped vehicles. The first is to get the standard Aeroblade and this Rapid Crossroad Railing Foot Pack. The second is to get the Aeroblade Edge Raised Rail system, which features an integrated foot system with the Aeroblade bar. From a quick glance, the latter option seems simpler and more cost effective. It is also has a lower profile finished height. All great things, but there are drawbacks and you have to identify your needs and usage to make the best decision.

First, are you going to be removing or adjusting carriers, even if just a few times a year? Second, how much bar length do you intend to use? These two questions might even be linked together, say if you know a few times a year you will need to add a bike carrier or two for stage races or vacations where you want road and mountain bikes along. The main advantage of the modular option is that you have access to the full length of the top of the bar, whereas the integrated design reduces your actual rack usage to the distance between the two integrated feet. So unless you have a really wide vehicle, you will have trouble mounting more carriers or cargo on top. This also forces you to have to reach further over the vehicle to install or remove a bike or set of skis, and if your vehicle is tall compared to your reach, it is even more challenging to access the carriers. What is different about using the modular system with feet?

The Rapid Crossroad Railing Foot Pack contains a set of four feet that mount to the underside of the Aeroblade, leaving the top completely accessible. While the set-up is a little taller than the Edge system, it still has a very clean look and aero effect. And instead of not sacrificing about 4-5 inches of t-track top space on both ends of the load bar, you also get access to pivoting endcaps, called the SwingBlade™ system, open to allow full access to the t-slot for easy accessory installs, which makes removing and installing t-slot bike, ski, and cargo carriers simple, quick and efficient.

The Rapid Crossroad Railing feet install easily and securely to the bottom of the Aeroblade, and the coated strap of the foot pack firmly mounts to rails of virtually every size used on vehicles today. You should plan on using four Thule One Key lock cylinders, one for each foot, to protect your investment. Remember, you need to have roof railings that are raised for 360° clamping access, and you need to have the correct length Aeroblades for your vehicle and usage. Please consult the Thule Buyer's Guide for compatibility with, and selection options for, your vehicle. Take the time to consider how you will use the system to decide if the integrated foot Edge kit is right for you, of if modular makes more sense. Truly modular systems are more flexible and can save you money if you change vehicles, as well as offering more simple-to-access, usable load bar space.