Need a 3 bike rack for my car
 

Can anyone recommend reliable brands for my search on Craigslist? Also, how little can I expect to pay for a used one? Again, I need one for three bikes. Also, there seem to be many styles. Which is easiest to use on an suv? Which is most versatile (for a variety of cars)? Thanks!

Saris Bones3....fits most cars, easy to use, durable

...ditto to the above recommendation, Saris Bones 3 for sure! I have one that's used for my wife's and my bike on a Honda Accord and its the best bike rack we've ever had. Easy to use and quick to attach and remove, I can have it attached in less than three minutes and removal is less than one. They're also very strong and durable - and - made in the good old USA, one of the reasons I bought it. Go to Saris website and watch the video on how they're made. You'll buy one just from watching that...

I'd agree that the Saris Bones is the best of the strap ons. Here are the downsides:

1. If you use any strap on rack once a week for a season, by the fall you'll be able to tell where the feet set on your car.
2. Racks that hang the bikes by their top tubes were really designed for a frame style that has fallen out-of-style. Your bikes will hang at funny angles.
3. The first bike is easy to hang. The second bike is a little harder because you have to figure out how to orient the pedals and handlebar. The third bike will be harder yet to hang.
4. Once your bikes are loaded, forget about getting into the back of your van.

Your other alternative is a receiver hitch rack. It's biggest upside is it's easier to mount (assuming your SUV has a receiver) and more secure and stable. Unfortunately, you're going to have to pay more.

Receiver racks that hang the bikes from the top tubes have the same issues as a strap on but, since they usually hold 4 bikes, you have more space to orient the third bike.

One thing you can do for any rack that rests on the finish is to put pieces of transparent protective film there. Pads, no matter how soft and clean can get road grime under them when driving longer distances and abrade the paint. If you're only driving short distances and keep everything really clean, it likely won't be a problem.

We bought a 26" bike at walmart for my son who is 57" but will be growing a lot more. The guy at the bike shop we visited said 24" would only be good for 6 months for him. However, the seat at its lowest position is too high for my son to get up on by himself. He also has difficulty dismounting. But he rides it fine as far as distance of handlebars and length to pedals. This is a mountain bike by the way. Should we return it for a 24" or let him grow into the one we bought?


We also need the bike rack. We have to go with whatever we can find on Craigslist as I'm sure the one you all recommended would be expensive new. We currently have 3 bikes but may get a 4th. I have seen racks on top of cars, as well as those that strap to the back. The 4 bike racks I'm seeing on Craigslist all seem to require hitches. We need the rack to fit either our suv or our small car. We have no hitches. One option is to get a 3 bike rack that straps to the back of the suv and bungee cord the 4th bike on the built in roof racks on top of the car. Another is to toss the 4th bike in the back of the suv, but we will lose space for bags and miscellaneous.



I need some advice on both of these issues asap.



Much appreciated!

The bike size question is one that only you can really answer. There is no doubt that buying a smaller bike would be better for him this year.

I know it's a bite on your monthly cash flow today but, if you think that you might be looking for a 4-bike car rack in the near future, you'll probably be money ahead in the long run by acquiring a 4-bike receiver hitch rack now. Look for one with a 1 1/4" so you can use it with either your SUV or your other car (provided you have hitches installed on both).

Roof rack systems have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. I think the biggest advantage is easy access to your car trunk or hatch while you have bikes loaded. You have to balance that with loading ease, the fuel economy hit, and the potential for overlooking a low overhead. If cost is a big factor for you (and it sounds like it is) unless you can find somebody with a whole system to sell, it's probably not going to cost out very well.

FWIW, the trick to fitting one or more bikes inside a car is to remove the front wheel. That allows you to twist the fork sideways and makes the bike a 1-plane object that fits much more easily.

Very helpful, especially the idea of removing the wheel. Thanks!

for an SUV I prefer a hatchback rack, these rest on the back bumper. happy hunting!

We went ahead and exchanged the 26" for a 24" and the problem's resolved. That 26" was just ridiculous. Hopefully the new bike will last him many years before we have to go to the larger size. Thanks for the advice!

+1

my kids finally made it to adult size bikes. it was a challenge to continually keep changing their bikes as they grew. the benefits of buying used bikes. but it was still a challenge to get them sized right, in good condition, and a style that we wanted.

That's why you have to go with Walmart bikes on sale!:)

Here's a link to see the product if that helps.

Bell Triple Back 3-Bike Rack : Target

Thule Raceway

Is that a recommendation?