I say don't buy them at all.  They do look cool but are too heavy IMO and
the tubes are too big in diameter.  If you go off road you also loose some
of your approach angle clearance up front.  But the bull bar unside down U
in the middle looks cool and is functional as you can attach lights to it,
etc. if you don't mind drilling into it (I couldn't care less).  I have the
front receiver hitch in my set and that is good for a bike rack up front if
you prefer bugs on your bike over a thorough coating of dust if on the back.

Since I already bought mine I stopped investigating other options, but I
think I could do better looking around, maybe go to a custom hitch place and
have some made in smaller diameter tubing.  Someone should look around and
report back what they find.

>From: Mark C <obeechi@RUNBOX.COM>
>Reply-To: obeechi@RUNBOX.COM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: tube bumpers without the U ..
>Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2006 07:29:10 -0700
>
>Regarding those tube bumpers sold at http://www.Aircooled.net
>
>What say you about the idea of getting the front bumper without the upside
>down U on the top????  Is it better or worse...??? (on a visual level... )