Which rack -- not hitch or roof -- do you recommend?

[akelman]

Here's the problem: we have a car that won't play nicely with a hitch, and my not-very-tall wife doesn't want to deal with anything on the roof. So, what's the solution? Are there any racks that you would recommend in this case?

[Idris Icabod]

Never used one but I did shake the crap out of the demo at the 24 hours in the Old Pueblo. Seemed really solid:

https://www.seasucker.com/collections/bike

[fffuhq]

Saris bones 2 or 3

[cp43]

I think that means you're looking for a trunk mount rack.

Yakima and Saris come to mind for good places to start looking.

Chris

[akelman]

Originally Posted by fffuhq

Saris bones 2 or 3

That's what I was thinking, but I wondered if there was something better out there.

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by akelman

Here's the problem: we have a car that won't play nicely with a hitch, and my not-very-tall wife doesn't want to deal with anything on the roof. So, what's the solution? Are there any racks that you would recommend in this case?

what is the car? is it a hatchback, sedan, etc?

there are lots of custom solutions available for individual cars. when we had a mini i seriously considered installing something like this for a rear rack...

[akelman]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

what is the car?

Volvo V60: replacement for the SportWagen.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Originally Posted by akelman

Volvo V60: replacement for the SportWagen.

If the issue is the rear door, a Softride Dura Assist rack might work. I used one on both a Rav4 and Murano.

[tuscanyswe]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

what is the car? is it a hatchback, sedan, etc?

there are lots of custom solutions available for individual cars. when we had a mini i seriously considered installing something like this for a rear rack...

Im looking for something like this ( i think). What is it? can you point me to some more info? Thanks!

[AngryScientist]

i just dont like all the "temporary" solutions out there.

when you think about how auto manufacturers likely design a car and it's hardware - it is relative to the normal forces the component will see, with some margins added. the hinges and closure system for a rear hatch and rear glass are simply not designed with hanging 30+ lbs cantilevered off of them. more weight if you consider wind forces that may act on the bikes.

these seasucker and strap attachment racks like the saris may very well be OK for light occasional use, but i don't view them as good regular use solutions, especially when connected to a rear hatch.

i would think if one is not available yet, surely someone will create a nice tidy hitch solution for that volvo. i would be hesitant to regularly hook up anything that puts extra stress on the rear hatch itself, and even more cautious about the glass.

in my engineering minded opinion.

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by tuscanyswe

Im looking for something like this ( i think). What is it? can you point me to some more info? Thanks!

https://www.waymotorworks.com/sports-link.html

[PWong87]

I looked into the Thule hitch mount platform rack before I ended up installing a hitch on my car and buying a 1up.

Thule Raceway Platform 9003PRO 2 BIKE

[akelman]

Let me say again that a hitch rack won't work. Nor will a roof rack.

[akelman]

Originally Posted by PWong87

I looked into the Thule hitch mount platform rack before I ended up installing a hitch on my car and buying a 1up.

Thule Raceway Platform 9003PRO 2 BIKE

That's interesting -- though some of the reviews are pretty scary -- but probably heavy enough that it's a non-starter for my wife.

[cdn_bacon]

saris bones. so easy to set up. goes from my Cruze to my wifes Santa Fe with minor adjustments of rotating the arms. the concept is so simple and its extremely sturdy. Never had a concern with mine.