Originally Posted by
Jen2440
I've never been able to figure this out. First, I really do understand that if someone is set on stealing something, they can/will do it. But I'm still concerned about protecting my bike while its sitting on my trunk rack. I have pretty much the standard trunk rack, attached to the car trunk lid with straps and metal clips. If anyone wants to steal the rack all they have to do is cut the straps, which would be pretty cheap to replace. More important, the bike can be taken right along with it, or by itself. I can't see any way to secure it to the car.
Would appreciate any suggestions.
For that kind of rack your best option is to never leave it unattended while the bike is on there.
If you must leave it unattended, you can take measures like taking the front wheel, seatpost and pedals off as it sits there to make it unrideable and require a would-be thief to have the means to transport it away.
One step better, if the bike is worth it, is to invest in a more secure rack system than a strap on. Most passenger cars can be fitted with a U-Haul or similar tow bar that can support a 1 1/4" hitch mounted rack.
Those have security bolts available that can of course still be picked or otherwise defeated, but not as easy as cutting a strap.
Keep in mind attaching one of those may void your auto warranty.
If you already have a hitch mount, or if you vehicle can have on added without voiding warranty, that is IMO a no-brainer upgrade from strap mount systems.