Need recommendation of trunk mounted bike rack

[tuxbailey]

I am using a Performance X-Sport rack that is about 12 years old. It functions well overall but it has the hand screw adjuster so when I am not carrying bikes and want to fold the arms it takes some effort to do so and I am getting tired of the routine.

Can anyone help recommend something that might fit these criteria:

- Stable on trunk, even when the trunk needs to be opened without removing the rack.
- Arms that can be easily folded backward.

Saris Solo (even though it doesn't fold)

http://www.rei.com/media/aa/bc8147bc-970c-4346-b636-eeb90fa78e69.jpg

[fjaws]

Saris Bones RS.

Wouldn't recommend the solo except for very short trips with lite bike.

[tuxbailey]

Saris Bones RS.

Wouldn't recommend the solo except for very short trips with lite bike.

the RS looks like a great rack and I have found some deals already. However I don't think it fits my car because of a deck spoiler (Acura TL.) The suction cups won't fit around there.

I really like the fact that it has SS straps and it can be locked to the car.

[cdn_bacon]

The original Saris Bones should do the trick. There is a ton of clearance on the 3 bike version.

these two spoilers are pretty high Should give you the clearance you need

[staggerwing]

Not cheap, but really like our Thule Raceway Pro. The ratcheting outrigger straps make installation simple, quick and neat. Flattens in seconds to fit on my garage wall when I'm done with it. Picked up at a the local REI on a 20% discount deal.

FWIW, I've had it on both our 2013 Jetta Sport Wagon and a 2005 Mazda 3 hatch with no issues.

[tuxbailey]

Not cheap, but really like our Thule Raceway Pro. The ratcheting outrigger straps make installation simple, quick and neat. Flattens in seconds to fit on my garage wall when I'm done with it. Picked up at a the local REI on a 20% discount deal.

FWIW, I've had it on both our 2013 Jetta Sport Wagon and a 2005 Mazda 3 hatch with no issues.

Isn't the raceway pro the same as Saris Bone? looks exactly the same...

Edit: I guess the strapping mechanisms are different:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71jL2msHzsL._SL1500_.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71YhIrKIWjL._SL1500_.jpg

[benc]

Those racks don't even look similar...

+1 for a Saris Bones. Great rack.

[tuxbailey]

Yeah I think I probably will go for the original Saris Bones for 3 bikes.

Quite a few of them on sale in the local CL.

[staggerwing]

Similar in execution, but two totally different racks from different manufacturers. To be certain, I think Saris was there first with the idea. The two 'wings' which ride against the car surface are single piece U-shaped moldings on the Thule, which I think helps overall rigidity. I will note, that even without bikes mounted, the Thule rack is heavy enough to prevent the JSW rear hatch from staying open without manual assistance.

FWIW, the Raceway Pro does come in a 3 bike version, which is what I have.

[InspectorGadget]

I don't see it on Thule's website, but they make a Raceway Pro 2 (http://www.rei.com/product/886980/thule-raceway-pro-2-bike-platform-carrier) that carries 2 bikes much the T2 hitch-mount. It's not inexpensive, but your bikes will love you for giving them their own space. It's a nice rack.

http://www.rei.com/media/cc/7059d89f-e127-4fee-83e5-ea444e859ee7.jpg

[George_H]

I've got a Thule Raceway pro 3 bike carrier and am very happy with it. Mounts and dismounts easily to a 2006 Honda Civic.

[dton]

Does anyone with experience with these trunk mounts face problems with longer distances at highway speeds?

[tuxbailey]

After this post I went looking for racks in local CL.

I found both the Saris RS and Thule Raceway 3 on sale (9002XT.) I tried the Saris and it doesn't fit my car. The Thule works very well and it meets my criteria. The only issue is the locks is kind of hard to operate. I won't be able to open the trunk with the rack on but at least it is to take off and remount if needed.

The rack itself is very impressive. Kind of heavy but it becomes an immovable object on the trunk. Each arm can be adjusted independently.

http://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com/img/s4/v10/p1403215133-3.jpg

http://tuxbailey.zenfolio.com/img/s6/v134/p1403215134-3.jpg

[CampyorBust]

Saris makes fantastic product. Years ago I bought one second hand and it made the trip cross country with two bikes no problem at all. I however did find that the rubber feet did damage my paint some.

[54ny77]

just get some rope, you'll be fine.

http://www.cruizers.org/bikerack.jpg

[Geeheeb]

One more saris bones user, love it and it fits well on my station wagon.

[chrisroph]

I found a thule raceway 3 bike on my local craigslist for 40% list. It's an excellent rack.