killahkosha

Heya everybody, back during the summer riding season I had my big 1999 Honda Civic coupe that had a back seat and folded down, this made it rather easy to just stuff the bike in there and drive to a far away trail. But then my car got totaled and I bought a 1997 Del Sol. It is a small two seater convertible (targa top). Since the trunk isn't big enough to fit the bike even with both wheels taken off, I know that I am left with three options:

1. Buy one of those trunk strap-on things and put the bike on there and have my paint get scratched up.
2. Go to the junkyard and buy a second targa top and weld on a rack put my bike up on top of the car.
3. Buy a tow hitch and get the tow hitch bike holder.

So as you can see it is really just between #2 and #3. Which one do you all think is a better option? Is there anyone out there who drives a small car that they had a trailer hitch mount bike holder put on? How does it work out? Would having a roof rack bike holder be easier, safer, or more effective?

-jason keller

seely

I don't think having that much wind resistance on a removable targa top is a good idea. I've seen a lot of shattered targa tops from Camaros/Corvettes in the past. A hitch rack would probably be the safest and easiest solution. They work fine on small cars because the is very little overhang in the back so you won't be bottoming out on the rack as you would in a Buick Roadmaster.

55/Rad

Rear mount racks won't scratch if you take the time to mount them right. There are pads and/or tape you can use that will protect your paint.

55/Rad

2manybikes

Very true,
if you put the rack down on the ground always lie it on it's side so you don't get any dirt on the pads too.

thewalrus

I vote for the tow hitch... There are a few lightweight models intended to never be used for an actual trailer, but just for mounting a bike rack on. I believe their rated load capacities are something like 125 pounds, so it would be okay for three road bikes or two heavy full suspension mountain bikes.

No Exit

put the wheels in the trunk and the bike in the passenger seat .

I think the hitch thing is the best idea personally.

C.F.F

Hitch idea definately. I own a ford focus zx3 hatchback, and I have a trailer hitch. It is the best because you know the bikes ain't going anywhere when the rack bolts into the hitch.Hope that helps.

*cough

tie one end of a rope to your bike and the other to your muffler.

it'll work trust me!!!

I had one of the removable trunk strap on things' and it really sucked. I wasn't that confident when it came to mounting it tho... it looked like it would fall off pretty easy.

Crazy-B

I recently traded my trunk mount rack in on a receiver hitch rack. Maybe it was just the type of rack, (Thule 3 place) but I had a very difficult time keeping the bikes from rubbing on each other. I bought a Hollywood 2 place pro rider model and really like it.

DannoXYZ 

I'd go for the trailer-hitch rack. Then the hitch will come in handy for towing a trailer, or a camper or a sailboat!

ReedZ

Another vote for the hitch rack... shown here on my S2000 (this is the only option as I don't have a hard top at all)

merlinextraligh

Similar to the trailer hitch, you can get a license plate mounted rack. Frame bolts in behind the license plate, and then the rack mounts into a small receiver on the frame. Only thing that touches the painted surface are 2 straps, and the only thing that's visible with the rack off, is a very small receiver at the bottom of the license plate.
I bought one for a Porsche Boxster S. Unfortunately the license plate on the Boxster only bolts into fascia so it didn't work on my car, but it's a cool idea.

Phatman

drool...I want an s2000...9000 rpm...ok enough. haha

I use a saris bones rack, and it works fine on my volvo, even with a small spoiler. no paint scratches yet, and it holds the bikes very securely.

chimivee

Try the Delta Hunchrack :





Fits on an S2000 ^ (or whatever that is), so it should work on your Del Sol.