What variables should I be aware of as I consider a trunk rack for two bikes? It seems to be as complex as choosing the right bike. We've always put our bikes in the van, and maybe we'll keep doing that. But the van's getting long in the tooth. Can I purchase at a big box store, or do I need the expertise of the local bike shop? That, and whatever else you care to share...

I know many will disagree with me, but if your car is your baby and you don't want scuff marks on it, avoid trunk racks altogether. All of the different types have advantages and disadvantages.

Some are better than others, though, and the better ones are typically had from bike shops or upscale sporting goods stores like REI and the like.

Took me a little while to get used to it, but now I swear by the Saris Bones 2.

I use one from a big box store on my Geo Metro and it works really well as long as you keep the straps tight, but it does leave scuff marks at the 6 hook points.......

Consider how much you value your paint job and how much you value your bikes when you're considering how much to spend on a rack. IMHO hitch-mount beats trunk mount if you have a hitch or can bolt one on for $150. Roof racks are another option if you can remember not to pull into parking decks or your garage.

With any rack on the back, ensure you know how you're preventing the bike(s) from swinging into one another as well as into the back of the vehicle.

I'm very pleased with a 2013 2-bike, Thule 9001xt, which I got for a nice price last Spring on a lightning deal at Amazon. It installs easily and securely with two adjustable and lockable steel cables and two hooks attached to both trunk top and bottom. It stays on all season without any adjustment and the design allows neither the rack nor full bikes to budge even at highway speeds. I just use a number of different bands/ties to keep the front wheels from rotating. I wrapped the four hooks with duct tape to minimize damage to the trunk paint. I mostly transport only one bike. After the first season, the trunk was unharmed and the rack is flexible enough to accommodate a variety of frames. The only "flaw" is that you have to keep the carrier arms extended even when you're going bike-less or they will block your license plate. The rack is big and solid enough to inspire confidence it will last for years, and compact enough to go into my trunk in the off-season or any other time. Check Thule's fit guide to see if the model will fit your wheels.

+1

+2. I cut up some microfiber towels and place them under the rubber pads to protect paint finish.

last rack I bought was a Hollywood rack off Amazon. Hollywood has a big line and their telephone customer service is pretty good. tell them the car you have and they'll get you the right rack. I got particular cuz it was for wifey's hatchback and she has a little one. a regular trunk rack can probably be found on craigslist

There are a couple measures that can be taken to protect the automobiles paint. Keep a clean cloth in the trunk. Each time before installing the rack give the trunk lid a quick rub down to remove the dust and other organics. Also, be sure to position the 1st bike loaded with the chain ring facing away from the bumper and the pedals in an appropriate position.

Nobody can really recommend a rack without knowing the make/model/year of the vehicle. The good news is that each manufacturer should have an online rack selection guide. Simply plug in the variables and it should tell you which rack meets your needs.

Matt

+3 for the Saris Bones 2.

Whenever Mrs. Grouch and I buy a different car our FIRST consideration is how we're going to transport bicycles with it. We tend to gravitate toward cars that hold our bikes on the inside, away from the weather, away from road grime and away from prying eyes. We used a roof rack for a decade or so but I didn't really like it because I couldn't see the bikes as I was driving down the road. We have a hitch rack so Mrs. Grouch can carry her trike on her Saturn but I hate having to remove it so her car will fit in the garage. We haven't owned a strap on rack for probably 30 years. I don't like strap on racks. I think they contribute to scratches on your car, scratches on your bike and I've known a few folks who lost a whole rack full of bikes on the highway.

One of our members works at Hollywood. I'll leave it up to him/her if they want to identify themselves.

I agree. I've been there, done that, got the T-shirt. I have a roof rack I almost never use, because I so much prefer just putting the bike in the back of the car, out of the weather and out of danger.

Even if you're careful to wipe your car clean as a whistle and use clean pads where the rack contacts the paint, think about what happens if it rains and your car starts picking up road grime and the like, and at freeway speeds. And if you use your rack often, it's bound to happen sooner or later.

I think it depends on how much you like/love your car. For most, the minor scuffs and scratches are probably not a big deal, and a trunk rack is fine.

I bought a cheap Amazon.com trunk rack that goes on the back of an 02' Buick Regal which is our "beater" car.. I load the first bike with the chain ring towards the bumper w/ no issues. It doesn't contact anywhere. I always end up having to use a lot of closed cell foam scraps to prevent the bikes from touching each other in various spots. Every time I load the bikes they seem to go on a little different. I'm more concerned about scratching the bikes than the car. I considered a hitch mount for the truck but we have to drive 30mi. to where we ride and the lousy MPG wasn't something I wanted to suffer.

Do you have a Honda Accord (as I do)? If so, check on the weight limitations of the truck lid. I noticed that no one seemed to carry Accord trunk racks - For good reason. I found somewhere references to a 50 lb. limit on the lid and hinges. I also found a couple (not many, though) accounts of Accord trunk lids / hinges being damaged by the bike/rack weight. Note this is highly model-specific. Other cars obviously support more weight, which is a bit strange given how well Hondas are built in general. I really want a trunk mount for my Accord, but it's apparently not a good idea. I hate to spend the $$ on a receiver for no other purpose than a bike rack, as we've already done on my wife's Oddysey.

Just FYI, my $0.02.

I wasn't aware of this. I've been using my Hollywood trunk rack to carry my commuter bike on my 2007 Accord, five days a week, 40 mile round trip, for the last 8 years or so. I haven't had any problems but it doesn't weigh 50 lbs. either. Probably more like 30 lbs. counting the rack. Can't remember if I've ever had multiple bikes on the rack while using the Accord.

Matt

As said above-depends n how you value your vehicle paint job, and that of your bikes. I use a Draftmaster from ATOC. Customer service is number one as it is the owner. If you have a hitch, it's the best and easiest I've ever owned in the last 40+ years. I have had mine for 4- 5 years now.

I was looking for a rack from Allen when I learned of it (from Allen, intially). Then again - Wasn't 2007 (or 2008?) the last year of the Honda body design revision cycle prior to mine (2010)? The current design was new for what, 2014? So you're is the design prior to mine, which may be rated stronger. At any rate, there's no guarantee of damage, but after noticing that Allen makes racks for seemingly every car except mine, that's what they told me, which seemed to be confirmed elsewhere. My bike is about 23 lbs, but given the bike weight, rack weight and inertia (bounces, potholes, etc.), I can see where it could momentarily exceed the rating. But of course, that's still no guarantee of damage.

Once again, my $0.02. :-)

I hadn't thought about this. Our little Toyota Corolla might not like the weight of the rack, my heavy Townie, and another somewhat heavy bike. Good to know!