General Cycling Discussion - Automobile bike rack recomendations

Was wondering if someone could recommend a decent bike rake for my 2000 Toyota Solara?

I was thinking about a bumper rack.

Pros: easy on and off with the bikes. More aerodynamic than, a roof rack,

Cons: Will get in the way for access to the trunk. I'd worry that someone would hit me from behind or worse, I would back into something and my bike would get crunched.


Any thoughts? Specific brands?

I can't be of much help other than to note that I have the same question. I was looking into the "Bones" trunk rack. My big worry is the bike bouncing off of and scratching the bumper of my leased saturn. I don't really want to pop for a hitch though. The Bones rack is about $120--I've seen cheaper ones, but i'd be willing to pay extra for the added security, if its worth it.

I can't be of much help other than to note that I have the same question. I was looking into the "Bones" trunk rack. My big worry is the bike bouncing off of and scratching the bumper of my leased saturn. I don't really want to pop for a hitch though. The Bones rack is about $120--I've seen cheaper ones, but i'd be willing to pay extra for the added security, if its worth it.

No offense but please don't hijack my thread. You are looking for a truck rack. I am looking for a bike rack, There is a lot of difference there.

The bones is a SARIS product that holds bicycles on the trunk of your car. A very well made rack. I do not believe that your thread was hijacked. I do not believe that the bicycle is at any greater risk perched on the back of your car than when perched atop it. There are many threads about roof racks discovering low overheads. Downside of a bones is that you loose trunk access.

I've been using the Saris Bones for about 9 months on my older Toyota Camry. I have found it to be very stable for both the bike and the vehicle. (I also tie down the front wheel so it doesn't hit the car or bumper.) In my neck of the woods, people on average tend to stop further back of me with the bike on the car as compared to when the bike is not there. I also like that I can see how the bike is doing on the rack, has it shifted, etc.

spinnaker Was wondering if someone could recommend a decent bike rake for my 2000 Toyota Solara?

I was thinking about a bumper rack.

Pros: easy on and off with the bikes. More aerodynamic than, a roof rack,

Cons: Will get in the way for access to the trunk. I'd worry that someone would hit me from behind or worse, I would back into something and my bike would get crunched.


Any thoughts? Specific brands?



1. I did not "hijack your thread"
2. I am not looking for a "truck rack"
3. I am looking for a rack for my bike that attaches to the trunk of my car
4. You asked for specific brands--I offered a suggestion

spinnaker Was wondering if someone could recommend a decent bike rake for my 2000 Toyota Solara?

I was thinking about a bumper rack.

Pros: easy on and off with the bikes. More aerodynamic than, a roof rack,

Cons: Will get in the way for access to the trunk. I'd worry that someone would hit me from behind or worse, I would back into something and my bike would get crunched.


Any thoughts? Specific brands?



1. I did not "hijack your thread"
2. I am not looking for a "truck rack"
3. I am looking for a rack for my bike that attaches to the trunk of my car
4. You asked for specific brands--I offered a suggestion

Sorry my aplologies. I must of misread it. It started out with "I can't be much help" and then I just skimmed the message . Nine times out of ten, responses like that are "me too" posts are are really worhless but I can see your response had a lot of value.

There are about 3 or so very similar threads going on this subject right now. http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=95614&highlight=rack

apology accepted , captain Needa

Another vote here for the Saris Bones rack, three bike version preferably since it has the two arms for the upper mount. Carries two heavy bikes easily. Easy on and off. No scratches in 6 months. Trunk still opens. Cars stay away from the rack and you can use the first two positions for the bikes just to make sure. I wonder about the wind load on the bike sometimes but I suppose that wouldn't really be an issue if I kept it under 70 or so.

http://img235.exs.cx/img235/9963/sarisbones7tc.jpg
Another vote for the Saris Bones 3, but we have a secondary reason for using it. If you look at the silver part in the middle of the second picture you'll see that it's a tube that the straps go through (as shown in the first picture. This tube has an interior diameter about the size of a soda can. What we do is lock a contractor grade Master Lock cable to the frame of the car (at one of the tow points). Next we run the cable through the rack weaving it through the wheels frame etc then we use my Kryptonite EV disc lock to secure the other end back to the cable. When we take the bikes off to ride we just wind the cable around the rack to take up slack and lock it to the portion coming up from under the car. Yes we go through some (ahem) interesting neighborhoods, but with this setup we haven't had a problem even when we stop for lunch after a ride. Just be sure to use big intimidating locks not puny padlocks. Also the bikes don't "wag" while driving. As far as being rear-ended goes we have renter's insurance that will cover them if they are damaged, destroyed etc. If you have more expensive bikes a rider can be attached to your car insurance (it's not that much more).

sort of a side note: Where the cable would hit / rub on the bumper I slit one of those foam "noodle" pool toys down one side and slipped the cable inside (they have a hole that's the perfect size) a little duct tape and boom no girlfriend wigging out about roughed up bumper paint.

Allen Rack, 103 or 104, to me its the best deal out there for a rack. I have many many miles of traveling on mine and its been great.

Did I misunderstand? But the one post mentioned that the tunk can be opened on the Bones 3? Is this true? Can you open the trunk when any other kind of rack is attached?

I have a Thule 4 bike hitch rack. When carrying one or two bikes, the bike cradles slide to the rear of the arms. The dealer has replaced the cradles, claiming Thule knew about this manufacturers defect. I haven't used the rack since the fix, so I can't say if the problem is solved. A problem in general with bumper/hitch racks is that the bikes just hang swinging in the breeze. If not secured the bikes slap the car or rack every time the car accelerates or brakes. Tying down the bikes isn't as easy as it would seem as there is a space between the rack's vertical support and the bicycle in the inboard cradle. For another 100 bucks you can buy a Thule hitch rack that solves this design flaw. Wish I'd known before I bought this rack.

I use a bones on a 91 Accord. The diagram shown by raiyn is how mine fits. You can Sort OF get into the trunk but raising the lid requires that you somehow hold up/stabilize the entire rack+bike assembly as the vertical load is born by the bumper. The straps do hold it, but there is a lot of motion going on trying to get into the trunk. I do not have enough hands to do that and get anything into and out of the trunk. Then again, the trunk on a 91 accord ain't much to wrote home about anyway. I do not use the trunk with the rack on the car. It can be done, however. I think that I loose about 1-1.5mpg on the road. It is very stable and weathers well. The rack is very quick to dismount...if I need the trunk to get at the spare or whatnot, that is what I would do. YMMV

Another vote here for the Saris Bones rack, three bike version preferably since it has the two arms for the upper mount. Carries two heavy bikes easily. Easy on and off. No scratches in 6 months. Trunk still opens. Cars stay away from the rack and you can use the first two positions for the bikes just to make sure. I wonder about the wind load on the bike sometimes but I suppose that wouldn't really be an issue if I kept it under 70 or so.

I've got an Acura CL with a spoiler on the trunk. Does anyone with this model know if it will work with this setup?

Was wondering if someone could recommend a decent bike rake for my 2000 Toyota Solara?

I was thinking about a bumper rack.

Pros: easy on and off with the bikes. More aerodynamic than, a roof rack,

Cons: Will get in the way for access to the trunk. I'd worry that someone would hit me from behind or worse, I would back into something and my bike would get crunched.


Any thoughts? Specific brands?

I have the 3-bike Bones and love it. It's very flexible to allow switching between cars. I bought it when I had a Dodge Stratus and it converted easily to my Dodge Intrepid. Yeah, I know not much difference but my friend has one that he uses on the back of a Toyota 4-Runner.

Also, you don't necessarily lose access to the trunk. I've opened my trunk with 1 bike on the rack. Probably not good for the trunk hinges. :o

Spend the money on a hitch rack. They can carry any bike. Full suspension mtb, kids, womens, no matter the frame style. I've got the Hollywood Team Rider, which they no longer make. I managed to get one on close out from a supplier. My brother has the 4-bike saris cycle-on, which he loves.
Below is a fit guide for saris racks, for the guy with the spoiler.








http://saris.com/fit/fitguide.asp?make=NONE
http://saris.com/products/cycleon.htm
http://hollywoodracks.com/2&3.htm#sportrider

I've opened the trunk using my older Saris Bones(don't think its 3). However you have to be very careful. The weight of the bike keeps making the trunk want to close on you. If the bike is not mounted, you have these pieces sticking out, and yes they do hurt. But for fast access or to dump something in the trunk it works fine.

Ive got a Rhino rack that fits on my rola roofracks - has a cutout for disc brakes and rock solid. No complaints

The problem with a hitch rack is that you need a hitch. I don't have one on my Solara. The rack is only around $30 more but add $100 - $125 for a hitch and we are talking well over $300 for a bike rack.


Though, I do like the added stability and the fact that I would be able to access my trunk.

What prevents the bike from rocking back and forth on the Bones rack?

Nothing

so in other words, when I start and stop, my bike will hit my trunk/bumper and scratch the hell out of it?

I had a graber trunk rack, and it took alot of rope or a few bungie cords to minimize the sway. I also put a mitten on the pedal closest to the car. It took me half an hour to put 2 bikes on to my satisfaction. On my Hollywood, it takes 5 min. I know a hitch rack cost more, but honestly their worth it. And no matter what type of bike you own, it'll work on the tray-type. I still have to put a hitch on the boyfriends car so we can use the rack on either car.

so in other words, when I start and stop, my bike will hit my trunk/bumper and scratch the hell out of it?

On the Saris Bones there are two ratcheting latches for the top bar and one for the down tube for each bike. The bikes do not move if you have them on. The guy that said the bikes move obviously does not have a Saris. What you need is something to keep the front wheel from moving and Saris sells an aux strap for that purpose.

With one bike it's not that hard to get in the trunk but you need to be careful.

BTW - the Saris will clear virtually any spoiler given the way that you can move the arms. However the bottom arms are supposed to rest on the top of your bumper. On my car, with my spoiler, they do not but I have never had a problem but you might want to go to your LBS to see how one actually fits on your car.

thanks--that was very helpful

just for reference I am getting a hitch installed and have bought the sportworks Mod rack.

Getting the hitch installed on my Mazda Protege 5 is costing my $195 and change.

The rack for a single bike cost me $199. That was for the the folding hitch, single bike tray and locking hitch pin. Each additional bike tray would cost me $99.

My car will only take a 1 1/4" hitch, which means this rack can only expand to 2 bikes. On the 2" it will expand to 3 bikes.

THe Sportworks Transport series fits on 2" hitches and starts at 2 bikes, can be expanded to 4 bikes. Not sure on the cost but I think I have seen the 2 bike part for $250-$300 range.


So hitch racks (this style at least) is expensive. However there are other designs of hitch racks that are less as you know. It can be tough choosing the right one for you

I added a hitch for about 125 plus another 200 for the bike rack. It carrys 4 bikes and folds down. It was expensive but I love the fact when not in use I can remove. Can't even tell the hitch is there. Also, my wife's SUV has a hich so I also use it on her car. Very good investment for me! Take a look at my installation. :D

I dont see what is so difficult about tying down your bikes, I run a bungee through my front wheels and attach to the rack and it holds the bikes tight against the car and rack. I have never had my bike fly around slam into the trunk, even with mutiple bikes on.

I would recommend a rooftop bike rack because often times the vehicle's brake lights are obscured by several bikes on a rear deck or bumper bike rack. And have you ever seen the type used by the pros at the Tour de France? All roof racks. Just a thought.

Spend the money on a hitch rack. They can carry any bike. Full suspension mtb, kids, womens, no matter the frame style. I've got the Hollywood Team Rider, which they no longer make. I managed to get one on close out from a supplier. My brother has the 4-bike saris cycle-on, which he loves.
Below is a fit guide for saris racks, for the guy with the spoiler.

http://saris.com/fit/fitguide.asp?make=NONE
http://saris.com/products/cycleon.htm
http://hollywoodracks.com/2&3.htm#sportrider

+1. Hitch racks are the way to go. I like my new Swagman XR or something like that. Each bike can be angled to maximize distance to the ground. I had the standard Swagman before but ground clearance was a problem so upgraded to this one and it is very good.

If you don't go with a hitch mounted one go with the Saris. IMO it is the only trunk mounted rack that is well made and can be used for long trips. A friend of mine has one and it works very well.

so in other words, when I start and stop, my bike will hit my trunk/bumper and scratch the hell out of it?
I can't help with which new bike rack to buy, but I can help with preventing scratches. When I haul a bike with my Rhode Gear rack, the bikes can rock on the supports. I place an extension ladder protector on the pedal that is next to the car. These are usually soft rubber or plastic units that are placed on the top of the extension ladder to protect a house. They are readily available at Lowe's, Home Depot or paint stores that sell extension ladders. It's amazing how well they fit over bicycle pedals and afford excellent protection. FYI

I have to weigh in for the hitch rack, I had a Thule that would hold four bikes. When I wasn't using it it fit in the trunk. I gave it to my daughter and made a rack to fit my hitch, total cost $25.00, it will hold 2 bikes. Hitch racks don't scratch your car and can be attached in seconds.

Get a folder. Then this thread will be moot.

Allen rack. Or get a hitch-type rack/.