I was wondering if anyone had experience with the 2009 models and roof racks. It seems like the factory, Yakima, and Thule are all the about the same price. I am gonna put mountain bikes in the summer and snowboards in the winter up there.

 

i'm in the exact same situation. 2009 a4 ibis white, just bought bikes for me/wife and we both snowboard.. was thinking of getting the factory roof racks instead of the trunk mounted kinds.....

 

I was at the dealer yesterday to check out the carrier systems. They had an A4 sedan (I have an Avant) with a roof rack with a bike on carrier in the show room. I don't think it's practical to carry a bike on the roof. I would have to lift the bike from the lowest part of the frame to mount or dismount it.....not practical at all. It looks cool but it's the worst place to carry anything (plus the wind noise).
I'm still looking into a tow hitch for a bike carrier.