I'm moving from Iowa to Texas for a co-op. A lot of stuff will stay behind in a garage or something. But the bikes are coming with me. I drive a 2005 honda civic, and I don't want a top rack because I want to save gas. And my car doesn't have a hitch mount, so that leaves the trunk rack. I'm a little worried about it because my car trunk has a spoiler, and trunk racks are known to cause wear on the car. Right now, I'm on the fence between these two:
https://www.amazon.com/Allen-102S-Pre...=bike+car+rack
https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Deluxe-2...pr_product_top

I'm leaning towards the 102S for the two bottom straps for more stability. But before I buy, I would like some input from people who have used these things on the highway.

Been using the Saris Bones 3 for many years .... one of the best yet

https://www.saris.com/en/bike-racks/v...es-3-bike.html

Ditto, I have a Saris Bones 2 and it has fit on EVERYTHING that I have ever tried to use it on. Honda Accord, Nissan Altima (with spoiler), Honda CRV, Cadillac Sedan DeVille, Ford Focus wagon...

Aaron

Any rack that rests on the finish of the car can cause scuffing due to dirt and grit getting between the pads and paint. IMO, the best solution is to apply clear stick-on protective film under where the rack rests. The stuff is available at most automotive stores, on-line, etc..

Any trunk rack is going to be an inferior option. You can easily add a hitch to your car. That's what I would do if I didn't want a roof rack. Just my 2cents.

it costs at least $150 to get a hitch installed.

It generally costs a whole lot more than that to buff out or repaint a trunk lid. And a WHOLE lot more to buy new bikes and pay for the damage it will cause when the bikes fall off when a trunk strap breaks and the bikes go sailing.

P.S. Allen stuff is generally pretty low quality IMO. I'd look for a better quality rack.

Saris Bones 3 has been very dependable for me

seems like saris bones is a good idea. One thing I'm wondering is if I get the 2 slot version, I'm going to get one that has one upper arm. The three bike versions have two upper arms. I feel like I'm compromising stability if I get the 2-bike model.

Dude, you are gonna drive a couple thousand miles. Get a decent rack. Or not, it won't affect me either way, but it might affect you.

Does the roof rack really affect your mileage that much?

I got one. It knocks 2-3 MPG off unloaded, maybe double that with bikes. I like it cause it makes a compact car a lot more versatile. Hitch racks eliminate the mileage problem and the are a lot easier to load. I think I made how I feel about trunk racks pretty clear, but to elaborate I feel they are a threat to the bikes that are on them and the drivers behind them. I have seen them come loose a couple of times. Never with serious consequences, but that's enough to make me uncomfortable.

Yeah I had a trunk rack but it was a target brand POS, and it broke on the freeway with two bikes on it... So I got the roofrack and I guess I never really recorded the change in mileage.

But from the photos provided the Amazon options don't look a whole lot sturdier than the one that broke and ruined my bike. The 2-3 mpg will cost you a lot less than a new bike. IMO the roof rack is your best option because it's secure and you can take it off when you aren't using it to save the mileage. However roofracks are expensive even when they're used.....

Roof racks are expensive when you drive into a carpark or garage with the bike on top. There are people who forgot the height limitations and drove right in, damaging both the bike and the car.

that's what I'm afraid of too. In fact, there's an insurance commercial right now of that happening.
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I don't mean to be a cheapskate. But I'm a student getting by on hourly wages. I made the order for the 102S yesterday, and it's too late to cancel it now. I appreciate your guys' suggestions. I will probably get the bones rack when I get a better income.

atallen, what was the model of your allen rack? It seems that the primary reason why these racks fail is the buckle strap giving out. The upper end trunk racks have straps extending to the sides, as well as top & bottom. I'm sure I can secure the rack much better if I get some Lowes bungee cords to secure the side, and the top a little better.

Nothing wrong with being a cheapskate bro, we all been there. Please make sure you tighten that rack AT LEAST every time you stop for gas. They really have a tendency to work loose. And with other racks once you check/tighten once or twice you are usually good to go. These work loose at odd times. Don't ruin the day of the guy driving behind ya. And have fun in Texas. All my exes live there...

Yeah I feel ya, I just graduated from college. I know how it goes haha. It wasn't a Allen it was a schwinn brand and it failed at the cheap metal slides that hold the straps. Be sure to use somethig like nylon straps not bungee chrods. Where is coop with?

Invista, formerly a DuPont subsidiary in production of chemical intermediates and polyolefins - now operating independently.

rebel, I'm not taking up your sloppy seconds if that's what you're suggesting.

Ha, you're welcome to em. I hear Texas wants to secede. I propose trading them back to Mexico for a case of Negra Modelo and 2 players to be named later.

In other words you won't need to be a cheapskate for long?
ChemE?
After that accident I was able to knot the straps so they didn't loosen.

Money is icing on the cake. I'm more happy about my first January wearing T shirts, and not getting dry skin, or driving through fricking snow slush

No, no no...let Mexico take California back. Half of Mexico already lives here. I don't mind moving to Texas.

To the OP, good luck on your move. Like everyone else said, be sure to check the mounts to make sure nothing has worked loose.

Personally I prefer San Diego at about 70 degrees year round to Houston's sticky awful summers... but that is just me

"I think we should annex Mexico; We've already got the people, so we may as well have the real estate that goes with them."
-- Gallagher (the comedian)