Skoda Rapid Spaceback (NH1) with Menabo Tema Steel roof bars, fixed directly to the roof

We fitted a pair of Menabo Tema Steel roof bars on a Skoda Rapid Spaceback (NH1), using the fitting kits made for this model. The work was done in our SuportBicicleta.ro shop at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Skoda Rapid Spaceback (NH1, 2013-2019)

The Skoda Rapid Spaceback (NH1) is the 5-door hatchback derived from the Rapid, launched in Frankfurt in 2013 and built on the Volkswagen Group A05+ (PQ25) platform. Compared with the Rapid liftback it has the same 2.6 m wheelbase, but the body is 180 mm shorter. In 2017 it received a new front end and headlights, and in 2019 it gave way to the Skoda Scala in Western and Central Europe.

With no roof rails, the Spaceback needs bars with vehicle-specific fittings fixed to the body; the manual shows fixing points A and B on both sides. The total permitted roof load is 75 kg, including the bars. If the car has a towbar and you want to leave the roof free, the manual also allows accessories on the towbar, such as a bike rack: a maximum of 50 kg with the centre of gravity no more than 30 cm from the tow ball, 25 kg at 60 cm, and the accessory cannot be longer than 70 cm from the ball.

What we fitted on this Rapid Spaceback

On the car we fitted the Menabo Tema Steel roof bars for the Skoda Rapid (NH1) Spaceback, a well-established product from the Italian maker Menabo. The bars are made of steel with an oval profile, covered in protective plastic, and the metal parts have a rubberised anti-corrosion coating. In the package you will find 2 bars, 4 feet, 4 fitting kits for the Rapid Spaceback, 4 locks with keys and the Allen key.

On the Tema Steel bars you can fit a bike rack, a roof box, a ski rack or a kayak carrier, all with a standard U-bolt fitting around the outside of the bar, because the bar has no track on top. The set weighs 5.8 kg, has a maximum load of 50 kg and TÜV and ISO approval.

Video: Fitting the Menabo Tema bars directly to the roof

Technical details and what to watch for

• Bar dimensions: 1,300 mm long, 30 mm high, 48 mm wide, black.
• Capacity: 50 kg maximum load on the bars, set weight 5.8 kg. The weight of the fitted accessory is deducted from the 50 kg.
• Roof limit: 75 kg including the bars, but the lower limit applies, which is the 50 kg of the bars.
• Towbar alternative: on the Rapid Spaceback, towbar accessories have a maximum of 50 kg at 30 cm from the tow ball and a length of no more than 70 cm from the ball.
• Instructions: the instruction manual is included in the pack.
• Noise and speed: the oval profile helps, and Menabo recommends not exceeding 130 km/h with the bars fitted.

Frequently asked questions

Which roof bars are for the Skoda Rapid Spaceback NH1?

For the Skoda Rapid Spaceback (NH1, 2013-2019) we fitted the Menabo Tema Steel roof bars, the set made for the Rapid (NH1) Spaceback, 5-door, 2013+ model. They have 4 fixings to the body, 1,300 mm bars and a maximum load of 50 kg.

How much do the Menabo Tema Steel bars for the Rapid Spaceback weigh?

The Menabo Tema Steel set for the Skoda Rapid Spaceback weighs 5.8 kg. The weight of the bars counts towards the 75 kg allowed on the roof of the car, and for accessories and luggage the limit is the maximum load of the bars, 50 kg.

Can I fit a towbar bike rack on the Skoda Rapid Spaceback?

Yes, if the car has a towbar: the Skoda Rapid Spaceback manual allows accessories on the towbar, such as a bike rack. The total weight, bikes included, is a maximum of 50 kg with the centre of gravity no more than 30 cm from the tow ball, and 25 kg at 60 cm. You will find the comparison between roof-mounted and towbar-mounted racks in the guide bike racks on roof bars or on the towbar.

What can I fit on the Menabo Tema Steel bars?

On the Menabo Tema Steel bars of the Skoda Rapid Spaceback you can fit bike racks, roof boxes, ski racks or kayak carriers, all with a U-bolt fitting around the outside of the bar, up to a limit of 50 kg.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

For roof bars or other accessories for the Rapid Spaceback, our shop is in Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania. If you want to compare the options, take a look at the roof bars and at the towbar bike racks, and if you have questions, contact us through our contact page or at [email protected]. contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

You can also message us on WhatsApp.

Sources: Wikipedia, Skoda Rapid (2012) · paultan.org, Skoda Rapid Spaceback revealed · Skoda Rapid Spaceback manual, fixing points and roof load (ManualsLib, p. 83) · Skoda Rapid Spaceback manual, towbar accessories (ManualsLib, p. 117) · SuportBicicleta.ro guide: bike racks on roof bars or on the towbar · SuportBicicleta.ro guide: why roof bars make noise while driving (oval profile, 130 km/h) · product pages on suportbicicleta.ro