Quiet, premium roof bars at a record-low price

Is the Thule 711300 Roof Racks, Silver, Set of 2 worth buying? Yes — if you want premium roof bars with strong user approval, this is a very good buy at £124.99, especially because that is the all-time lowest price recorded. With a 4.7/5 rating from 3,631 reviews, it has the kind of track record UK buyers usually want for motorway use, wet-weather reliability, and frequent fitting and removal.

First impressions

At £124.99, these sit in the premium-but-not-extreme bracket for roof bars. They are only 7% below the £134.99 RRP, but the bigger story is timing: the current price matches the lowest ever recorded and is also the average price, so you are not overpaying for the moment. The silver finish and set-of-2 format make them a straightforward buy for drivers already using the Thule Evo roof rack system.

What do the key features actually do?

The headline feature is WindDiffuser technology, which is designed to disturb airflow and reduce noise and drag. For UK drivers doing long A-road or motorway journeys, that matters because roof bars can otherwise create a constant whistle or hum. Thule also uses TrailEdge design to help clean air separate from the bar, again aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag and helping fuel economy.

The SmartSlides slidable length scale is a practical detail rather than a marketing flourish. It doubles as an under-bar aerodynamic cover and should make installation quicker and less fiddly, which is useful if you remove and refit bars regularly for holidays, tip runs, or work use. The SwingBlade end cap pivots open to give full access to the T-slot, making accessory installation easier; that is particularly helpful if you plan to swap between bike carriers, ski mounts, or cargo accessories.

How does it perform in real use?

Based on the feature set and the very strong 4.7/5 average from 3,631 reviews, the Thule 711300 appears to deliver the sort of quiet, easy-to-live-with experience buyers expect from a premium roof rack. The noise-reduction focus is especially relevant on UK roads, where higher-speed motorway driving can expose cheap bars’ aerodynamic weaknesses. The design also suggests better efficiency than basic square-bar alternatives, which is useful when fuel costs are already a concern.

Is it good value for money?

At £124.99, these are significantly more expensive than budget alternatives, but the comparison is not really fair. The Amazon Basics Cross Rail Roof Rack options are much cheaper at £45.14 and £52.49, yet they are general-purpose products rather than a Thule Evo-specific system with WindDiffuser, TrailEdge, SmartSlides, and SwingBlade features. Against the Thule 710600 Roof Racks at £120.99, this model is only £4 more expensive, so the choice comes down to feature set rather than price alone.

For UK buyers, that extra spend may be justified if you want a roof rack that is more refined on long journeys and likely to be less irritating in daily use. It also has a practical insurance angle: a reputable branded rack with a strong review record can be easier to trust when carrying expensive bikes, roof boxes, or camping kit, although you should still check your policy terms.

What should buyers watch out for?

The main warning is compatibility: this is a load bar for the Thule Evo roof rack system, so it is not a universal fit. If you do not already have a compatible Thule setup, the cost of the full system could rise quickly. Another point is that the sales rank of #22,498 in Roof Boxes & Racks suggests it is a niche item rather than a mass-market bestseller, so some buyers may find cheaper alternatives more tempting.

How does it compare with alternatives?

Compared with the cheaper Amazon Basics bars, the Thule 711300 is the more premium, better-equipped option for users who care about noise, drag, and accessory compatibility. Compared with the Thule 710600 at £120.99, this set is slightly pricier but appears to offer a more clearly defined aero-focused feature package. If you want the lowest upfront cost, Amazon Basics wins; if you want the more polished roof bar experience, Thule makes a stronger case.

Final assessment

The Thule 711300 is a premium roof bar set that looks well-judged for UK drivers who value quiet running, easy fitting, and accessory flexibility. The combination of 4.7/5 from 3,631 reviews and the record-low £124.99 price makes it especially attractive right now.