TripleB67

I'm looking to purchase my first automobile bike racquet to hold two bikes (usually just one though, Gary Fisher Mamba) and it will be going on a 2013 Kia Optima (no spoiler and no trailer hitch).

I'm not sure what type to get...I assumed one for the trunk would be my best option but I'd love to hear your opinions on what type's the best.

I'm hoping to find one that is: very simple to use, will hold bikes securely, will not scratch or damage my car, bikes won't shift and scratch/damage my car, works without having to remove the front tire from the bike, and is relatively inexpensive...in case you can't tell making sure it doesn't damage my car at all is one of my top priorities.

For the trunk I've found one from Saris (Bones)*** for under $120 and I've also found some for as cheap as $35 by Allen Sports that get really good reviews. But I'm sure there are a lot of others out there with a variety of quality and cost!!!

*** edit: just checked the Saris website and of course the Saris Bones doesn't work with my 2013 Kia Optima!!!

So, is there anything out there that fits what I'm looking for in a bike transporter?

Any other advice would you give me in this process?

Thanks for any and all help or advice!

Triple67

btw: took front wheel off and it still won't fit in my trunk

Maelochs

One thing---whatever you buy, if you wrap all the contact points with old inner tubes you can avoid dome scratch potential.

I have a trunk rack I literally picked up from the side of the road ... someone was throwing it away. No idea what brand or anything, but just by being really careful I have adapted it safely to my car---it has never done damage.

It is a really primitive rack, with just two plain arms sticking out---no fancy frame rests or anything. I use three or four bungees to make sure my bike or bikes are completely secure---including making sure the front wheel(s) don't flop around, and the pedals don't move either.

idiotekniQues

I've had a Saris Bones 3 bike trunk rack for a few years now. It works very well, saved me some bucks vs the equivalent Thule rack as well. I comfortably transport 2 bikes on it. Not sure about jamming in 3 bikes on it, thinking they may come in contact with each other too much.

Elvo

1UPUSA will install in 10 seconds (no ridiculous straps to tighten down), won't scratch your bikes or your car, and can hold 3+ bikes.

fietsbob

My Cars Had Rain Gutters on the roof edges.. New cars, they dont any more ..


when I moved back From Cal to OR, in 1990,

My 68 Saab 96 had a 3 rail rig* ... parts I got from the Seconds and returns at Yakima HQ..

and had 5 bikes and a Basket for strapping down duffle bags .


*2 rails on the roof + 1 on the hatch back connected by their aluminum Extruded wheel trays.

TenSpeedV2

Inexpensive - quality - protection. Pick two. IMHO, the only way to go is a roof rack or a tray hitch rack. Nothing that hangs, and something that actually mounts to the car by means other than chintzy straps and rubber feet. The only way to ensure that you do not damage the car at all is installing a hitch and then a tray rack. Previous Bones 3 owner and the thing ruined my now ex wifes SUV. Any contact point, regardless of how much we tried to protect it, there was obvious wear from straps/feet. When I decided to carry the bikes on my Audi, had a hitch installed and went with a Saris tray rack after ditching a POS "tray" rack from Amazon. With the racks, you really do get what you pay for.

VegasTriker

You might be lucky enough to find a used Rhodegear Shuttle bike rack on CL. I've had one for at least the past 20 years. I upgraded once from one without the frame holders to one like this one has https://albany.craigslist.org/bop/5760900403.html I think I paid $15 for the latest one at a local thrift strore. Bell bought out the company and then stopped making the rack as it competed with their model. Prices for active CL listings range from $15 to $40.

TimothyH

This is 100% correct.

Anything that touches the paint is going to scratch the paint.

You get what you pay for.


-Tim-

TripleB67

Just checked the Saris website and of course the Bones doesn't work with my 2013 Kia Optima .

Will add this info to my original post!

Thanks for all the input so far!

TripleB67

IamNed

I just bought two Swagman rooftop carriers that did not require removing the wheels for under $50 each. I transported my son's mountain bike and road bike 1200 miles for his move to college. They worked great and I would have no issue using them again if the need arises.

robertosmith

Well its needed to Transporting Bike on Car and by this its possible to hold my favorite cycle hold with me anywhere and I get the really a great body relaxation when I cycle and so have to understand the importance of cycling..Thank you

immortal216

I was looking for a rack a little bit ago and did a TON of research. I wanted something that wouldn't leave scratches on my 2015 Toyota Avalon. What quickly learned was a hitch mount was considered the best however, it would have been really expensive to install the hitch then buy the rack. I think it was something like $400 total for my car. I was really close to the Saris Bones 2 until i found out it could seriously damage a "weak" bumper.

Another great trunk option was the Thule Raceway however, This was also really expensive costing something like $350 if memory serves me correctly. What i ended up with was the Saris Bones RS. This is pretty close to the Thule Raceway with the ratcheting straps, locking to your car so it cannot be stolen, 2 strap design for quick connecting and it also holds 3 bike although i have not tried this yet. I have yet to find a scratch on my car from it. all the contact components are coated in plastic so i wouldn't worry too much about damage. The price from amazon was close to $350 similar to the raceway however i found it for $200 new (just a little bit more than the Bones 2!)

Here is the link in case this is what you are after Good Luck!


Saris Bones RS 3 Bike Trunk Rack | Trunk Rucks | ERIK'S

MRT2

I have been using something similar to this Saris Sentinel for the last 10 years or so. We used to use it on a Honda Civic, and now on my Honda Accord and Mazda 6. The hook and strap system is cheap looking but easy to install on multiple vehicles and works well enough to transport 2 or 3 bikes locally. And the price is moderate, about $70 or $80 at a local bike shop or online. Unless you really want to pony up $400 or $500 for a roof rack or even more for a trailer hitch and hitch mount system, I highly recommend this.

https://www.saris.com/Catalog/racks#...4&filter-10=on