General Cycling Discussion - Wallyworld car racks

OK...whats the deal? (2 questions)

1)Are the Performance/Nashbar/LBS branded trunk racks REALLY that much better than something you would purchase at a DS? I've searched previous posts and it seems like most are willing to drop some moderate coin on one.

Other than the typical "you get what you pay for" response, what is the difference? The form and function of them all seem quite similar. And, IMO, the "quality" quotient might come into play if your on the freeway doing 80+mph or weaving in and out of traffic/finding every pothole in the road...those aren't my typical driving conditions or habits.

2) My perceived need of a car rack is based on the notion, that, on some days, instead of commuting the whole 18 miles to my place of work, I would drive 8 and bike the rest. If I take the minivan (the wifes car) I don't need anything...the whole bike will fit inside without doing anything. If I take my car, the front wheel has to come off and the rear seats need to be folded down. This is not a time consuming process, as I have quick releases on the wheel and brake. The million dollar question is: won't it take just about the same time to unstrap and fold up the trunk rack as it would to take the bike out of the trunk?

Any advice is appreciated.

I think that the devil is in the details.

To me one of the biggest differences has to do with how the straps tighten. Saris, for example, uses metal cam locks that are much less likely to loosen as you drive down the road. The cheaper racks just use a friction buckle system that's not-so-good. I've seen too many cars driving down the road with one or more straps completely loose for me to be comfortable with that.

I bought an Allen rack (hitch mount), and it's construction is just as sturdy as a Thule or Yakima, but what I realize now is (with my car, a Pathfinder) the fabric straps used to secure the bike get VERY dirty. Thule/Yakima have rubber lashes that I think would be better over the long term. Other than that, I'm pleased with it.

I bought a cheap trunk rack at a Sporting goods store. Soon as I saw how I had to use the left over fabric from the mounting straps to secure the bikes. It went back in the box. I went and looked at some LBS and ended up getting a Sarris 3 bike for 85 bucks. Glad I spent the extra coin now that I have used it. One other thing, think of the cost of your bike/bikes how much do you want to spend to make sure they are as safe as possible and damage free?

If I take my car, the front wheel has to come off and the rear seats need to be folded down. This is not a time consuming process, as I have quick releases on the wheel and brake. The million dollar question is: won't it take just about the same time to unstrap and fold up the trunk rack as it would to take the bike out of the trunk?


Wow, I have the exactly same problem.

I think that the devil is in the details.

To me one of the biggest differences has to do with how the straps tighten. Saris, for example, uses metal cam locks that are much less likely to loosen as you drive down the road. The cheaper racks just use a friction buckle system that's not-so-good. I've seen too many cars driving down the road with one or more straps completely loose for me to be comfortable with that.

While I agree the Sarris is a superior rack, their cam lock system on the straps leaves a lot to be desired. They need a true locking system where it impossible to slip. I always but a couple of half hitches on the strap to be sure the cams don't slip.

Otherwise the Sarris is rock solid. I have seen some of the cheaper racks and I am not sure I would trust them.

You can get a two bike Bones for under $90. I can't imagine that you could get a Wally Mart rack for less than $40. A good Sarris will last you for the rest of your life. Even it lasted you 10 years, that is a difference of $5 a year.

Thanks for the responses.

I think I'll wait till Christmas or for next years income tax refund and buy a decent model.

Till then...the bike will go in the car.