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Submitted by
Tanya
a Weekend Warrior
from Yosemite, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | many | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Kevin's Bikes | | Strengths: | I got this bike rack last year before I left for grad school in South Dakota and it fared very well on the 1,600 mile road trip from Northern California. I checked the straps whenever I stopped and often had to tighten them. I had no problems heading over there and back and altogether, I've probably logged at least 4,000 miles on this rack. I would highly recommend it. It does take a little time to get it adjusted to fit your vehicle, but I had it on my SUV and now on my car with no problems. The hooks and the leg that sat on my rear window of my SUV did leave some marks. I've just attached it to my car, so we'll see how that works as far scratching my paint. I know it says not to open your hatch when it's on, but I had no problems when it was attached to the SUV. It looks like there might be a problem opening on the trunk when it's on my car, so I'll just have to take it off and store it when I'm not using it. Overall it's a great rack, although I'm not sure how well it would hold 2 bikes. It holds my rather heavy bike quite well. I have not bought the bike beam for it yet, but I think I'm going to as it will be easier to put my bike on the rack with that. | | Weaknesses: | The plastic screws. I always feel like I'm going to break one. They should have used metal ones. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn 21-spd Midtown. | | Bottom Line: | I really like this rack. I wish there had been some of the colored racks when I got this one. Anyone want to buy a 2-bike Saris rack so I can get a colored one? LOL :) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan_B
a Downhiller
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | You yangs | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sydney bike store | | Strengths: | Easy to set up once intial setup is complete. plenty of clearance for bike when setup on last mount. | | Weaknesses: | SCRATCHED THE BOOT DOWN TO BEAR METAL !!!! this rack does not support a BMW E36 coupe boot. The side straps can not fit anywhere other then where the top straps sit - this causing the rack to move from side to side and causing damage. The rubber feet ALSO rubbed off the clear coat - only used a dozen times since new.
I dont believe this rack is a true "universal" fitting kit, as it didnt fit my mates VT commodore (one of the most popular family car models sold in australia) | | Similar Products Used: | none - but buying roof racks next time!! | | Bike Setup: | Kona Stinky, X9 components, 888 bombers | | Bottom Line: | i would ONLY suggest someone purchase this for a hatchback setup, and not mount it on any boot lid. i have made an official complaint and request to Saris to pay for the repairs to my car. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daver
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Central Grey / Bruce | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$165.00 | | Purchased At: | Rack Attack | | Strengths: | Easy to install and maintain, looks and performs well when installed properly.Bones 2 is easy to fold and store in car trunk when not in use for security reasons.Car trunk will open and close easily with all straps good and tight by simply pulling back a bit on the lower feet when closing the lid. | | Weaknesses: | Many reviewers mentioned the soft plastic thumbscrews. Mine were damaged the first time I installed the rack on the car using normal pressure to tighten them. Made the entire install a little wobbly, but still works with good tension on all straps. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard Raleigh Mountain with suspension. I usually also use the Bike beam so the paint is protected on the bike. | | Bottom Line: | Would consider another if all adjustable hardware was metal, no plastic thumbscrews. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zac
a Racer
from Brooklyn
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Prospect Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sids NYC | | Strengths: | It fit onto my minivan in a way. One bike on it is OK, and a very light carbon road bike at that. | | Weaknesses: | I've never felt that the bikes are really secure. The rack always ends up hanging from the straps off the back when you apply the weight of the bikes no matter how tight I make it. Then, when the bikes bottomed out going over a not very smooth diner entrance, the seat tube attachments broke. It is difficult to mount the bikes too, and then a problem to tighten them on.
| | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | I wouldn't buy this again. Next time I'm going with a roof rack, but those get expensive. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
silverlarryt
a Weekend Warrior
from Indiana USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Easy ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | A1 cycle | | Strengths: | It seems sturdy and easy to setup and use | | Weaknesses: | The cheap ass thumb screws for securing the arms. But I have to say the their product support was very willing to explian they are redesigning the screws and they were understaning in my dissapointment over the issue. I did however replace the screws with some steel 3/8 thumbscrews from Lowes for .94 cents a piece. It is now very secure and I will keep using it. | | Similar Products Used: | Sex swing in the bedroom?? Does that count?? It has straps and all of the same stuff!! | | Bike Setup: | Raliegh Mountain Bike | | Bottom Line: | If they complete a re-design it will be a good product..
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Shuster
a
from NJ
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Weaknesses: | After one use, one of the plastic mounts that supports the bike broke off.
I cannot find the contact information for Bones bike racks to see if there is some courtesy that they will extend. | | Bottom Line: | Difficult to install on car. Very disappointed that the part of the rack that supports the bike broke after one use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from st paul
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Lebanon Eagan | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Eriks Bike Shop | | Strengths: | None, ruined my bike, cheap bike securing straps. | | Weaknesses: | Both straps securing the bike failed. Wrecked $2000 bike. | | Bottom Line: | Enjoyed this rack until it failed. I secured the rack as per instructions and secured my bike like I have for the past 3 years. While cruising at 70mph on the interstate one of the straps securing my bike failed and the other strap immediatly broke because it couldn't support the bike alone. No more biking for me this year dont make the same mistake. :( | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Thomas, KY USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to name | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Montgomery Cyclery | | Strengths: | 1. Top tube supports are secured to arms - don't slide down arms and into bumper. And it looks cool. But I could care less (see below). | | Weaknesses: | 1. Within maybe 10 minutes of leaving the bike shop to install on my car, was right back in the bike shop to get another flimsy plastic "screw" that locks the arms b/c the first one was stripped. These need to be beefed up ASAP using, oh, I don't know...METAL? Once "secured", the arms still wobble laterally. Not a big deal, but for $120+ I expect better.
2. After a 15 minute trip home from the bike shop (after buying the rack), I took it off my trunk to find two nice, permanent indentations on the top of my bumper (2006 Maxima) from the support legs. Rather than rest on the license plate display area (aluminum), Saris decides to have 60+ pounds of weight distributed onto your bumper from two support legs with very low profiles at the contact point. STAY AWAY IF YOU HAVE A PLASTIC BUMPER..unless you want a permanent reminder that you got ripped off.
| | Similar Products Used: | Saris Guardian. Let's see - do I want more indentations in my bumper from the Bones, or have the top tube supports of the Guardian continue to slide down the support arm and slam my bike into my bumper, leaving nice little divets? | | Bike Setup: | '07 Stumpy (with a few tweeks), '06 Rockhopper (ditto) | | Bottom Line: | TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE design. Maybe I'll try a monkey and some duct tape. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LOUANN MCCARTHY
a Weekend Warrior
from MARSHALL, MI
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | KALHAVEN | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | BATTLE CREEK, MI | | Strengths: | LIGHT WEIGHT. EASY TO USE | | Weaknesses: | SCRATCHES THE CAR PAINT, NO SECURITY AND A MAJOR DESIGN DEFECT IE USING PLASTIC SCREWS TO ADJUST AND SECURE THE BONES. THEY STRIP LEAVING THE BONES UNSECURED | | Bike Setup: | FUJI AND A GARY FISHER | | Bottom Line: | I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS RACK FOR MORE THAN CASUAL USEAGE ON VERY SHORT TRIPS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobbie Mac
a Weekend Warrior
from Seal Beach, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Rock-it | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Performancebike.com | | Strengths: | Solid unit, seems like it'll last a while | | Weaknesses: | Wears the paint off the car, worse than most top bar racks because the rack flairs making it difficult to load any odd sized bikes | | Bike Setup: | Mine: full sus
Wife: woman's bike with x frame
Kids: small mountain bike and a bmx bike | | Bottom Line: | I wouldn't recommend this unless you are transporting road bikes and have an old car with bad paint already. I have to put my full sus bike on the outside and backwards, I then use a rope to tie it off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david miller
a
from itasca
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | palos V tree | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$119.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Honestly after 3 years of use I can not think of one. | | Weaknesses: | Mounting hardware that hold the bones to the base are platic and will strip in time causing the the bones and bike to slide around. The straps that hold the bike to the rack are hard plastic and will scratch up virtually any paint job since it is always making contact in the same place. On sedans the bike is to close to the car and you are bound to also scratch up your vehicle. | | Similar Products Used: | Thule hitch mount rack | | Bike Setup: | Blur 4x, Fox Float R, Magura Marta, Mavic 819 on DT swiss 240's, Syncors Bulk carbon bars, easton vice, stylos = 29lbs and takes abuse. | | Bottom Line: | A couple of modifications like using metal hardware, rubber straps, and extending the length of the bones would make it a descent rake. It worked fine for the first season, over time it just could not hold up and it's defects really started to show. I cringe every time I but my $3000 bike on this rack. When I get the extra scratch I will replace it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Tepe
a Cross Country Rider
from Merrick, New York
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Peak Mountain Bikes | | Strengths: | Once it is set up there is nothing to change. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Rhode Gear trunk mounted rack. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar. | | Bottom Line: | I read most of the reviews for this rack on this site. I wasn't worried about the paint on my car because of the cars age. The owner of the shop showed me how to set up the Bones 2 rack and properly adjust the straps starting from the bottom. This is one solid rack. If you do it right, the whole rear of the car will move when you try to shake the rack. The rack becomes part of the car. If you don't tension the straps enough and/or set up the unit correctly you'll have some of the problems mentioned in the other reviews. I would recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Lowry
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississauga, ON, Can
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | hardwood hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Dukes Cycle | | Strengths: | Strong, sturdy. Easy to install and easy to put bikes on. | | Weaknesses: | COntact points on the car need to be redesigned. I cleaned all areas of my car every time I put the rack on to ensure there was no grit to create abrasion. Still after only a couple months of use it has reduced the shiney finish of my trunk to a dull surface (particularly the centre arm that goes on top of the trunk). | | Bottom Line: | Well designed, fits many cars, easy to setup over and over again. May want to consider putting a pad or something soft but grippy under the center contact point to prevent it from wearing down the finish on your vehicle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Cape Girardeau MO
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclewerx.biz | | Strengths: | I have a 97 Pontiac Grand Prix...I checked the saris website, it said it wouldn't fit due to the spoiler. I went to my local bike shop and test fitted it...It actually cleared everything with lots of room to spare.
About the bones 2:
Great design...I like the fact that its made of aluminium and abs...There's nothing on here that can rust. It's well engineered. I know I read this somewhere before...but, when the saris bones is attached to your car properly...it's like it's part of the car. You can grab it and shake it and the entire car moves. It's extremely rigid.
| | Bike Setup: | we're reviewing a rack...why does my bike matter?? | | Bottom Line: | I looked into racks for a few weeks before making a decision. You can pay $50 for a cheap, flimsy one that won't be secure or last...or, you can pay around $100 and get a great product made by a company with great customer service. There's a reason these are so highly rated...they're the best trunk-mounted racks on the market.
Five Flamin' chilis across the board! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Southampton - UK
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Strengths: | The only strength this product has is it's looks. | | Weaknesses: | 1) The straps used to secure the bike/s to the outward arms are so badly positioned securing the bike is not only very difficult but requires a great deal of finger strength. In the winter this would be a real nightmare.
2) Assembling the 6 legs into the correct positions and securing to the car is a right pain - I tested this with my wife who succeeded in the end but agreed it was a terrible design compared to past bike racks.
3) The flimsy thumb screws used to secure the arms and legs to the aluminium spine are again badly designed. When assembled and tightened the whole structure wobbles around due to huge tolerances. The only real security to this rack is gained from strapping it to the back of the car and tightening up the straps as tight as possible – how long that would last I’m not prepared to say. | | Similar Products Used: | Thule Freeride, Hollywood, Halfords own brand | | Bike Setup: | Two XC Hardtails (Stumpy & Scott) one Kona Stinky. | | Bottom Line: | Do not waste your money. If you have not tried many bike racks then you can be forgiven for thiking this one might be good - it is not.
Conclusion: Looks 10/10 – Functionality 1/10 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Minot, ND
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Maah Daah Hey | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheels all sport | | Strengths: | Rigid design, ratcheting straps, and arched arms. | | Weaknesses: | none found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima superjoe3 | | Bike Setup: | Standard specialized, with shimano pd-m324 atb pedal | | Bottom Line: | Great product so far. If, like me, you want a trunk mount, buy the saris. It is rock solid, even with the bikes on it. Excellent product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Jensen
a Cross Country Rider
from Eden Prairie, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$139.00 | | Purchased At: | Ramsey Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Easy enough to mount, stable at highway speeds, doesn't look like a lawn chair strapped to my car, and in fact looks very nice. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't (yet) come in black. Everything comes in black -- why not this? | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Tricross Comp | | Bottom Line: | If you can, use a trailer hitch-mounted rack on your vehicle instead of a trunk-mounted rack. If not, get the Bones.
While the rubber feet may affect the clear coat over time no matter what, as long as you make sure the feet and car are clean before installing, there should be no scratches, etc. One reviewer got a Thule trunk rack instead because his or her car got scratched with the Bones. Well, the Thule rack touches the car with some kind of rubber as well. Anyway, in case sand gets blown between the foot and trunk while driving, I installed six pieces of 3M clear paint protector film -- one for each of the top two feet, and two for each of the bottom two feet. For each bottom foot, there is a piece on the bottom of the trunk and on the top of the bumper, since the feet touch both.
Some reviewers have complained that the trunk cannot be opened when the Bones is attached. This is because they installed it according to the instructions, which have the wide feet bottoms touching the top of the bumper, so the rack essentially rests on the bumper and would shift position when the trunk is opened. The laws of physics being what they are, I turned the feet 90 degrees so they rest against the bottom of the trunk, allowing it to be opened without trouble (with no bikes on the rack). When closed with bikes attached, the bottom feet push against both the trunk and the bumper, so all is well. Perhaps with three heavy bikes the smaller surface area of the rotated feet would push into plastic bumpers a bit more, but I doubt it would be a problem.
http://public.fotki.com/Scotian/specialized_tricros/saris_bones_3_bicyc/ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garry Bayford
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords | | Strengths: | It is far more stable than a tubular steel rack I borrowed before buying this. | | Weaknesses: | The mount points for the frame are in a fixed position and if your bike doesn't really match them then it is very hard to get a good secure mount for your bike. | | Bike Setup: | Commencal Meta 5.2, Fox RP3, Fox Float 130R, SRAM, Formula Brakes | | Bottom Line: | When I bought this carrier I had a fairly normally shaped hardtail and mounting it onto the rack was easy. My new Commencal is just slightly the wrong shape for the mount points so it is much harder to fit it and it isn't as secure. I'm changing it for a towball mounted rack soon but I would still recommend it to anyone with a normal framed bike. I've had two full suspensions bikes on it and driven hundreds of miles without any stability problems but I'm just getting fed up struggling to fit the bikes to the rack.
Before fitting the rack I made sure I but strong adhesive tape to the contact points of my car to avoid any scratches. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ATLien Georgia
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Blanket Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | Dick's Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Stylish Design, easy setup, stays very stable even around turns. | | Weaknesses: | The plastic screws that hold the arms in place could be upgraded to metal. The first day I had it one of my screws got messed up and wont tighten. The feet scratch the car. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Trek 4500 18" | | Bottom Line: | This is a good sturdy rack. It is easy to setup on any car, and it holds the bikes in place very well. The feet that make contact with the car scratched my trunk, but I solved this by wrapping a sock around the 2 feet. Overall, it is a good product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Dogg
a Cross Country Rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | lightweight and fairly strong, easy to return | | Weaknesses: | good potential to damage car's paint job, numerous straps that make vibrating noise when driving, doesn't fit most full suspension bikes w/o an adapter bar, doesn't look anywhere near as nice as they advertise, no security | | Similar Products Used: | Swagman spare tire rack, Thule roof rack | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike rack specifically for a trip I was making where I knew I would be using a rental car and hauling around 2 bikes for 2 weeks. It was pretty easy to set up, but wouldn't fit my full-suspension bike without an adapter bar. I had the 2 bike model, and it mounts the bikes very close to each other, which over time caused a bit of damage to the bikes from rubbing on each other. You have to be very careful of how you set the bikes on the rack so they don't scratch each other or the car. Access into the trunk was nearly impossible with the bikes on, and still pretty annoying without the bikes on. Constantly had to readjust the rack if I wanted to get into the trunk.
The picture they show of the product looks nice and is a good selling point. But it doesn't show the 6 straps that are required to secure the rack to the vehicle, which make it butt ugly IMO.
Finally, my biggest disappointment was the security it provided - pretty much none. I was terrified to leave $4K worth of bikes on this rack, since there is no way to prevent the entire rack and bikes from being stolen. It would literally take me 10 minutes or less to pull up, take the entire rack, straps, and bikes off your vehicle, mount it on my trunk, and drive off. Crazy. You can lock the bikes to the rack with a cable (you provide), but you can't lock the rack to the car.
Every other bike rack I've ever used is better than this one. I returned it after two weeks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Jordan
a Weekend Warrior
from Bonita Springs FL US of A
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | LSD Mountain; Bristol CT | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Route; Fort Myers FL | | Bottom Line: | Fixed 'buzzing' straps; ended to be my trunk lid bumpers were not quite compressd, and the side strap anchors just needed some type of padding to stop resonating like my Fender Stratocaster. Take an inner tube by way of a pair of scissors, and/or some two sided tape with inner tube strips (talc facing out) and it'll save your sweet paint.
I have to admit that I am impressed with this product! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Jordan
a Weekend Warrior
from Bonita FL
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Route; Ft. Myers | | Strengths: | Unique | | Weaknesses: | My straps are buzzing above 60mph. It will be defeated. | | Similar Products Used: | Thule roof rack w/ fork mount(s), on a different car. | | Bike Setup: | 5.1" Marzocchi forked IronHorse HT. | | Bottom Line: | My 1999 SHO Taurus accepts this rack fine; all pads are on trunk, and the lone arm on top is just over the lip towards window, as this has the most structural mass to stay firm under. Trunk closes and opens fine, and the buzzing from the straps is not that big of a deal.
If you've a spoiler on your car, and my SHO has a hiccup in the middle that raises the height quite considerably, this will be the set-up for you. Looks much cleaner than a hitch rack on a car, and not as machine-like as a roof unit on a car either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AJT
a Weekend Warrior
from Sugar Land, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$118.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Aesthetically appealing, sturdy, easy to set up | | Weaknesses: | straps to mount the bike are sometimes hard to undo | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Trek 1500 | | Bottom Line: | I just recently purchased a new road bike and was looking for a sturdy trunk rack to transport it and ran across reviews of this rack on this site. Some of the reviews were positive and some were negative but overall the ratings were quite good so I went and visited the Saris site and was impressed with the design. So instead of plunking down $50 for a cheap looking trunk rack at Target I decided to spend a little more for this one and picked it up last weekend. My first test was kind of awkward in that I wasn't quite sure how to set up the straps on my 2005 Camry..but after some experimentation I finally figured out the best configuration..Once you set the rack up initially you never have to adjust the arms again..the straps to hook it up to your car are easy to tighten and once tightened holds the rack very securely onto the trunk. My first trip with the bike on the back was tentative since it was really early in the morning and the sun had not yet risen but once I got the bike to my destination I was duly impressed! The rack comes off quickly and easily and fits perfectly in the backseat if you want to lock it up while you ride. I recommend purchasing some bungee cords at Wal Mart to secure your front tire while driving and on the way back I hit 50+ miles per hour at some points and the rack held the bike beautifully! My first assessment..future ones to come... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | any that I can find. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$109.00 | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Fits anything, holds onto my bike tight, compact. | | Weaknesses: | none yet. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing else fits my car. | | Bike Setup: | 05 Marin B-17 SRAM X.7-X Gen-PG970 drive train, AVID BB7s 6", THOMSON stem and post. | | Bottom Line: | I have a Mazda 6 with a big stock spoiler, after looking everywhere nothing fits, and don't want to spent 300 bucks to get a ugly roof top setup. I went to a LBS to see if the Bones will fit. It advertises with its feet resting on the bumper, but I have my resting on the rear of the trunk on the license plate. So basically the whole thing is clamped on my trunk, and it works beautifully. Does everything that it needs to be doing. Holds on tight to both my bike and car, doesn't sway or bounce. The setup is a breeze, got everything set in under 5 minutes, the first time!
Get it, you won't be disappointed. 5 chilis for both value and greatness. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Atkins
a Weekend Warrior
from decatur, Ga
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Free Flite Bikes | | Strengths: | Looks Cool. | | Weaknesses: | Hard plastic protrusions that secure set tube straps scratch paint. Hard plastic that seat tube rest against rubs paint. Plastic arms scratch and rub paint on bike. Poorly designed strap and craddles. | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima | | Bike Setup: | Trek Madone 5.2 | | Bottom Line: | I used this rack for the first time on the way to a ride about 2 hours from my house. After 25 miles I pulled over to recheck the strap tension and to my horror the hard platic area around the seat tube strap was rubbing through the clearcoat and into the paint on my carbon frame trek. The plastic arm was also rubbing the clear coat off the front side of the seat tube. I had to stop and get some napkins at a store and tape the bike rack at points of contact with electrical tape and napkins to avoid damage. Had I not stopped to check, this rack would have more than likely rubbed all the way into the carbon fiber. This rack may be OK for someone with a walmart bike or an old huffy that they don't care squat about but DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT put your nice bike on the saris bones or else your bike will look like hell at the end of your trip. It took less than 25 min on the hiway for this damage to occur. If Saris really cares about its customer they would change this design A.S.A.P. I took mine back and got a refund.
WARNING!DO NOT BUY! ITS JUNK! DO NOT BUY! ITS JUNK! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from SC
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$81.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Very sturdy, little sway, fits any vehicle, easy to adjust. | | Weaknesses: | Bike straps take some getting used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Transport | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hardrock Comp | | Bottom Line: | I use my Bones 3 on a Toyota 4-Runner and it works great. The bottom feet rests on the bumper, the top feet on the back window, and with the six tie-down straps there is no side-to-side swaying. It does take some work to get all the straps tight, but that is the case with any carrier of this style. The plastic straps that hold the bikes in place are very secure, but can be a bit difficult to loosen of you over-tighten them. If the Bones used the Yakima style rubber straps, it would be perfect. It carries two bikes comfortably, and takes a little work to get three bikes to fit. But once they are on, they aren't going anywhere. Overall, I'm very happy with it. Especially since I got a slightly used one on eBay for half the retail price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yeung
a Weekend Warrior
from perth uk
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | halfords | | Strengths: | er none | | Weaknesses: | scratches bike and car, difficult to set tension straps evenly | | Similar Products Used: | thule clip on, thule roof bars and tour rack, hollywood 4 bike | | Bike Setup: | klein palomino, di lorenzo road bike | | Bottom Line: | this rack sucks. rubber feet scratched the hell out of the bootlid of my bmw 5 series and worse still the hard plastic bike holders scratched my klein. difficult to set straps evenly too. the rack didnt even fir the wife's saab 93 as it fouled the rear spoiler. rubbish. i took mine back after 3 weeks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Texan9922
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$139.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikrke Ba | | Strengths: | It's very stable, holds my bikes well, fits over my spoiler (after I adjusted correctly) | | Weaknesses: | the rubber feet have left a some small scratches on my trunk. I scrapped my spoiled through trial and error of adjusting it to fit my car, but that is on me. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4300 w/545 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Has held my bikes stable on 100+ mile trips at 75-80 mph. I"m very happy with it, but I would recommend putting down a cloth under the rubber feet. As long as the load bearing straps are tight, your bike won't move. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from lansing, MI
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Burchfiled park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Normal frame bikes slip on and off super quick. Attached very solid to car. bikes do not shake at all when attached. Have not seen any scratches from rack on car in 2 years of use. All componets are alumin. and abs plastic, so will not rust out. I am using the 3 bike model. Straps all have rubber type feel that won;t harm bike if you are worried about scratches... | | Weaknesses: | My full suspension bike is difficult to get on and off. Also girlfriends bike with female frame slightly hard to center on this rack. Bought a tube top adapter to solve that problem. | | Bottom Line: | Package clearly states that you should have a Metal Bumper on your car to use this rack.. This rack rests on the bumper, and if you have a plastic or foam one, it could distort the rear end.. Luckily my jeep Cherokee is all metal so no problems.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Severna Park
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | 149 | | Strengths: | Design is funky. Curved support bar allows you to stagger bikes so that handle bars don't get in the way. | | Weaknesses: | Very difficult to get bikes on and off as the straps are very rigid. Feet leave marks on your car and cause serious pressure points on the trunk and bumper. Decided to return the Saris and replaced it with the new Thule 962xt three-bike model. What a difference. Would strongly recommend the Thule over the Saris. | | Similar Products Used: | Thule 962xt. This is a great rack. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4300 disk. | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy this model Saris. Would recommend the Thule 962xt instead. It's cheaper, more stable, easier to mount bikes, distributes weight of bikes more evently on trunk/bumper supports, and the rubber straps that are used to secure the bikes to the bar are more flexible and easier to secure. Also the Thule has an ingenious no-sway bar that keeps the bikes at a slight angle away from the car so there's no chance of them damaging your car. Saris is a POS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dirt CPA
a Cross Country Rider
from pasadena, ca
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | very stable, bike does not sway on rack at all | | Weaknesses: | rack will leave marks on your car | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima, various cheapo no name racks | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain ETSX, SRAM X9, Fox Talas, Float AVA, Magura Marta, DT Swiss 240 | | Bottom Line: | The Saris bones rack takes some time to set up initially but once the arms are adjusted it's very easy to take on and off the car. The bike is very secure on the rack. Does not move or sway at all. Saris has great customer service. After about 5 years of use, a plastic piece on the rack that cradles the top tube snapped off. I did not have the receipt for the rack and the LBS that I bought the rack from went out of business. I called Saris, explained what happend and they sent me a new arm for the rack. No questions asked. Total call time was about 5 minutes. About the most painless warranty issue I've ever dealt with. The only negative I have with the rack is that the hooks and rubber feet from the rack that touches your car will leave marks on your car, especially if you have a dark color car. But I think you'll have this problem with any trunk mount rack. I put some pieces of cloth between the hooks and my car and this does the trick. It just looks kine of funny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Byron
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu, HI, US
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | bikemania.biz | | Strengths: | Stable as a boulder, quality materials, doesn't scratch paint (as long as you make sure your paint is clean and free of dust and grit before putting on rack), very adjustable, compact when stored, fits my TT Roadster perfectly, looks good. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | none, this is first one. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Giant TCR2, stock | | Bottom Line: | Ditto all the good things written about this rack in other reviews. Just want to point out that it fits my '03 Audi TT Roadster well too. The six straps attach to all 4 sides of the trunk and secure the rack perfectly. Saris's site only says that it fits the TT Coupe and makes no mention of the Roadster for some reason. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Gainesville, FL USA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay--a seller from K-zoo, MI | | Strengths: | -solid as a rock
-You can easily lock it (and your bike) to the frame of the car using a cable and lock, which is good for those who are paranoid such as myself
-set-up time is short
-It's relatively easy on the car's paint. The big rubber feet don't cause any problem whatsoever--I had a little bit of wear on the side of the truck where the side metal clamps hold (for the straps that are pulled perpendicular to the direction the car is facing) | | Weaknesses: | -I have the 3-bike rack, and I think it would probably be too much to ask to carry 3 full-size bikes (I've only carried two, and mostly only carry one) | | Similar Products Used: | Cheapo whatever model from K-Mart or some such place | | Bottom Line: | When I have this bike rack on, I can grab onto it and move the whole car from side to side and forward and backward without having it slip even a little. It seems like it should be pretty easy on the bike's finish, etc. I bought it after reading recommendations here and haven't been disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from washington dc usa
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 100 | | Strengths: | Easy to install, easy to adjust. Holds bike on tight( i did use bungees for added stability). | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, I crossed the country with my bike on the back. In four days this rack carried my bike for 2800 miles. It never jumped, it never slipped, it stayed put, it went through thunder storms, crosswinds in excess of fifty miles an hour and I got the car up to 120. Never once did the straps loosen. 5 out of 5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Once mounted, bikes are very stable, but that is not a good trade off for the damage thses have caused! | | Weaknesses: | Rubber feet ruins paint and leaves indention in bumper, Product ruined car with several small scratches also. | | Similar Products Used: | none...soon to be trailer hitch mounted bike rack. | | Bike Setup: | TREK 4500 Disc with Eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | This is a horrible rack that caused damage to my car. The ruber feet wear out paint and leaves scratches in the paint. The clips also dig into paint if tightened to the max. Also if you dont secure the front tire with another strap, it too will cause damage. Overall, I think this product is a POS. I am switching to hitch mount. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ernie
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, FL
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Quiet Waters | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$105.00 | | Purchased At: | New on ebay | | Strengths: | Easy to set up. Can use on different types of vehicles, thus eliminating the reason to purchase more then one rack if you have more than 1 vehicle. When folded, it's nice and compact. | | Weaknesses: | Seems easy to steal. | | Similar Products Used: | Car trunk | | Bike Setup: | GT Aggressor 2.0 (stock) | | Bottom Line: | I have had this rack for over a year. Never any problems. I use it on a mini-van and on a sedan. Easy to set up.
As far as the adjustment knobs breaking - try not to tighten them like a gorilla. Slightly more than finger tight is sufficient. Believe me, once that thing is on the car, it's not moving!
If you are having problems tightening the straps, try the following:
Pull on the straps TOWARDS the corresponding clamp on the trunk, not away from it. (Imagine lifting a huge rock off the ground with a rope through a pully over-head. You would be pulling DOWN on the rope while the rock is going UP. You are pulling TOWARDS the rock. Same concept with the straps).
I hope this review helps.
Happy Riding!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Cox
a Weekend Warrior
from Fenton, Michigan
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything nearby | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | New from eBay | | Strengths: | ~~Very solid on the car
~~Fairly simple to set up
~~Lots of color choices
| | Weaknesses: | ~~If bikes are placed next to each other, they will rub
~~I needed to use a couple bungee cords and a zip tie to keep the front wheels from moving. | | Similar Products Used: | Bike shoved in back seat | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Impala w/ spoiler (fit great) | | Bottom Line: | Great rack. Buy a new one on eBay like I did and save yourself 40 bucks. If you have 2 bikes, definitely buy the 3 bike model so they don't have to be next to each other. I took a 500 mile trip up and down I-75 going 70-80 the whole time. The rack and bikes were stable. Wind noise was noticeable but went away with the radio on a moderate volume. Go buy this thing, you won't be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$96.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay bike part store | | Strengths: | Great colors available, but I bought the Gray one off eBay (new, excellent price). Solid design, only 13lbs, easy to use especially once you get past the first-time setup. 4 large support feet, 6 straps (top, bottom, and side) with easy-to-use quick releases, a built-in ratcheting anti-sway strap for each bike, solid easy-use ratcheting top tie-downs with quick-releases, light but strong materials all around. Very solid rack and very stable when strapped down tight - doesn't move at all. Good product support from Saris, too. | | Weaknesses: | The support arm lock-down knobs are weak and too flimsy, IMO, though once they're twisted down properly they won't budge. One knob broke on me, so I requested 3 replacement knobs (free parts, but I requested FedEx 1-day shipping at $10 - headed out on a trip the following day). Then another knob's threads stripped when I loosened it - out at the trailhead, of course, but I had the spares with me. (Doh! I will have to be more careful). | | Similar Products Used: | 10yo 4-strap tube-type rack - nowhere near as stable. | | Bike Setup: | Fisher 2004 HKEK | | Bottom Line: | This is for the Bones 3 rack. Contrary to what others have said, there is room on this thing for 3 bikes, and I prefer to keep 2 bikes close together for load balance. My GF's tiny Fisher 13" Tassahara actually fits on the rack, but I had to move the arms together and then spread them out after the bike was on the rack (couldn't do this with another rack). This forced me to load my bike on the far outside support in the same direction, and it bounced/vibrated slightly with the road while the small bike (closer in) had no bounce at all. This concerned me, but I drove 600 miles round trip at 80+ mph - the last half in 20+ mph winds - and both bikes and the rack stayed rock solid to the car with no problem. Made a similar trip with two 19" bikes on the two inner supports, and they didn't bounce at all. Also, this rack could easily be quickly stolen, so I'd recommend a quick teardown to throw it in the trunk while you're out riding. The MSRP is a bit pricey, but you can find it cheaper on eBay unless you want a color that isn't Gray. In all this is an excellent rack, definitely worth the money. I only gave it 4 chilis because of the knobs, but otherwise it's a solid 5-chili investment. :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Paulus
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | commuter | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Quick and easy to put on the car. Tool-less and self contained | | Weaknesses: | Buckles can be a bit tricky to disengage. Also can be difficult to rack up smaller kids bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 99 Giant Rincon SE 23.5 (I'm 6'4", 210lbs) | | Bottom Line: | This is a nice bike rack. I like the tool-less features of it. The 2 small problems I have run into have been that it can be kind of difficult to release the clamping straps, and I'm not sure my wife would be comfortable with it. Also, because of the size of the arms, it can be difficult to get a smaller kids bike (16" / 20") bike on and off the rack. But, once it's on, there's no doubt that it will stay there and not come off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raife
a Weekend Warrior
from B'ham, AL
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail of Tears | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$119.00 | | Purchased At: | Galyan's | | Strengths: | Small, light, strong, easy to use. | | Weaknesses: | Seems like adjusting knobs will wear out, still too new. | | Similar Products Used: | Performance Xport | | Bike Setup: | Like I want it. | | Bottom Line: | Great product. I had gift certificates for the outdoor store so I used them to pay for this rack. Awesome rack. Pricey for the two bike setup. Very easy to use. I thought the tripod system would sway and shake but didn't work loose or give on a three hundred mile haul. I'm very impressed with this Saris product. Hope it lasts a few years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Gates
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedar Hill State Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | Lakewood Cycle Shop | | Strengths: | Good, solid support. | | Weaknesses: | The teeth that grip the straps and hold them in place have worn down. | | Bike Setup: | Giant mountain, Trek hybrid, Trek road. All or any combination of the above. | | Bottom Line: | The guy at the bike shop recommended this to me 6 years ago when I first got into the sport. I've used it about twice a week since then, and until recently have had no problems. It has always provided rock-solid support, though I've always been a bit nervous when loading it down with 3 bikes, especially mountain bikes and their weight. It seems that for whatever reason that the teeth that grip the straps to keep them from slipping have worn down, and now they don't grip at all. I can still load it down with one bike, if I'm not going very far, but more than that, and it almost drags the ground. I'm going to have to find out if I can get replacements. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james
a Weekend Warrior
from atlanta, ga
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | atlanta cycling in vinings | | Strengths: | big rubber feet on the support arms protect the car finish from scratches. easy to put on and take off after reading the directions. support arms are also adjustable to make clearance for the spoiler. | | Weaknesses: | it would have been nice if the rack came in different colors. the price is a bit on the high side. but i'm firm believer in you get what you pay for. so don't go cheap if you're considering a rack for your car. | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bike Setup: | gary fisher marlin and tarpon. car is 1991 honda prelude. | | Bottom Line: | very impressed. my girlfriend and i went to stage 6 of the tour de georgia, from midtown atlanta to brasstown bald mountain with our rack. i was a bit nervous since it was the first time we used it, constantly looking back to make sure everything was okay. but after some 300 miles at an average speed of 80-85 mph, the rack held our bikes with no problems. there is a slight learning curve when you put the rack on the car for the first time. but you get use to the procedures fairly quickly. the instructions come with stickers so you can remember the settings of the support arms when you take off the rack. this is a great buy for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ario
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Very well constructed. Thick rubber to protect on the surface. | | Weaknesses: | None (YET) | | Bike Setup: | Two bikes easily carried on this rack. | | Bottom Line: | I have a 02 Civic EX Coupe. I have a factory spoiler this rack comes exactly 1mm away frmo the spoiler. After testing there is no damage to the spoiler at all. I had a hard time putting my bike on it but I did it. I like the option of having ther ruber on the two legs either resting ont he trunk or the bumper. I have picked the trunk because a Honda bumber cannot hold the weight of a bike. Although the instruction say not use the trunk I have used other trunk racks and they all use the trunk. Little on the pricy side. The bnoes 2 does not have any color options. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sarge
a Weekend Warrior
from Sylvan Lake, MI
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$76.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | stable, secure, ease of use. Solid design. | | Weaknesses: | not a weakness of Saris but a weakness of trunk racks in general. Taking them on and off. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh M80 | | Bottom Line: | I came here and read all the reviews, Saris Bones seemed to be a winner. Glad I did my research, the rack rocks!! Brand new they are pricey, save a few bucks and go to Ebay.
Also, really glad I went with the 3 bike model even though I will only have 1 or 2 bikes most of the time.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pissed
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus | | Strengths: | Holds 2 bikes very well. Super stable on at up to speeds of 85 or so. Doesn't rock or sway at all. | | Weaknesses: | Could not get 3 bikes on for nada without them touching. Price is a little high. Can't secure it to the vehicle without buying even more expensive items. | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima Super Joe | | Bike Setup: | Trek Hardtails | | Bottom Line: | This is an AWESOME rack for 2 bikes(3 bike model). It is rock stable and gives a good sense of security when barreling down the freeway. Worked well with my car spoiler, previous rack (Yakima Super Joe) allowed my Rockshox to meet my spoiler and allow my fiberglass to see the light of day! I cannot not get 3 bikes on this rack without them touching. I will not have my bikes touching, scratches on the trail are one thing but not during transport. So as long as you don't intend on actually using 3 bikes with this rack you should be okay. I would definately recommend this over the 2 bike version, it is far more stable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Easy setup, secure fit, looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | I think it would be really easy to steal (less than 30 seconds). | | Bottom Line: | I bought this rack new off of eBay for $84 (after shipping). After shopping around, looking at other racks, and reading reviews, I knew the Bones was the way to go. I'm glad I bought it. Getting it on the first time took around ten minutes, but the next time took around two, if that. This thing is rock solid and very secure. After putting it on I shook it and the whole car moved, but not the rack. My first time using the rack was a 330 mile trip. At first I was constantly looking in the mirror at the bike, worried, but everything was fine. I drove around 80mpg on average, up to 90 at times and it was fine. This really is a great product and I highly recommend it if you want a trunk rack. Don't buy something cheaper only to regret it later, remember, you get what you pay for. Having a bike fall off your car could have all sorts of negative ramifications, so go with the Bones!
My only complaint would be the fact that someone could easily steal this rack. You can probably take it off in less than 30 seconds. That being said, if you're in a sketchy area, just take it off and stick it in your car. You'll be able to put it back on in a few minutes, which is worth the peace of mind of knowing your rack is safe from punk thieves who are too lazy to work and buy their own. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
weather expert
a Cross Country Rider
from iowa
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | aebike.com | | Strengths: | stable. doesn't scratch. totally adjustable. | | Weaknesses: | didn't come with free bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | performance cheapies. | | Bike Setup: | steel hardtails | | Bottom Line: | very well constructed. the arms are totally adjustable to fit just about any car. the straps are soft on the inside and contact patch is big so that they don't scratch frames. recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark watkins
a Weekend Warrior
from commack, ny, usa
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | local store | | Strengths: | very well constructed; once you put it on once, it is easy to use; it does it's job just as it should | | Weaknesses: | a little expensive | | Similar Products Used: | non | | Bike Setup: | cannondale r600 triple | | Bottom Line: | It cost more that other racks out there, but this is a case, i think, of you get what you pay for. This is a very well constructed item, that is made to be easy to use, effective, and long lasting. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shannon Boone
a
from Greeley, CO
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$145.00 | | Strengths: | Light, holds the bike secure, easy to take on and off of my 02 Honda Civic, doesn't move around once it is strapped onto the trunk, pretty easy to adjust. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to hold all types of bikes, doesn't appear to work well at all with SUV's | | Bike Setup: | '04 Trek | | Bottom Line: | It is a really great rack and I would deffinately recommend it to anybody! I had wanted the 2-bike rack orginally but nobody had it in stock. So to save time I went with the 3-bike setup and I am very glad that I did! They have a great warranty on the product, and great customer service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Judd
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Stable
Secure
Easy to mount on car | | Weaknesses: | The straps that hold the bikes to the rack can be difficult to tighten completely, especially on my bike with the top of the top tube cable routing. Using some bungee cords as extra security makes this a non-issue though. | | Bottom Line: | I've used the three bike model on my Saturn L300 for about 6 months now. It fits over the spoiler easily and doesn't move on the car. I've had no issues with the mounting pads marking the car at all (I make sure that the car and the pads are wiped clean each time the rack goes on).
So far I've made trips ranging from 50 - 200 miles (round trip) with one and two road bikes on the rack. No problems of any kind. The bikes don't move on the rack and the rack doesn't move on the car. The rack is easy to mount and remove from teh car and it folds up reasonably flat for storage. Don't know what else you could ask for. I do use plenty of bungee cords to make sure that the bikes can't go anywhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Danville Bike | | Strengths: | Awesome rack, doing 80-85 on the freeway and the bike didn't move at all!!! Also, rides lower than my old rack, so it does cut visability as much. Finally it's really small when it's folded. | | Weaknesses: | A little expensive for a trunk rack, but I figure I can sell it when I no longer need it | | Similar Products Used: | REALLY old trunk rack | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4900 | | Bottom Line: | Looked around at alot of racks, this is the best that I found. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kristina
a
from Fairfax,VA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fountainhead/Wakefield | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | E-bay | | Strengths: | Adjustable, rubber straps | | Weaknesses: | I have a small full suspension frame and I have to load the bike the opposite way that is recommended b/c the seattube strap wont' fit around the seattube and shock. The seattube "bumper" now rides along the downtube and I have to strap the downtube instead of the seattube. The bumper scratches the decals. This really isn't that big of an issue but its something to be aware of if you have a small full suspension bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear | | Bike Setup: | Turner XCE | | Bottom Line: | I have the 3 bike version (yellow) and switch it between a '97 Jetta and '00 Windstar with no problems. Its very solid, it doesn't scratch the paint on the bikes and the straps stay pliant even in the brittle cold. The brittle straps on the Rhode Gear were a problem.
We've gone on 4 hr trips with 3 bikes strapped on, going 75-90 Mph and it didn't budge. Good stuff! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Len
a Weekend Warrior
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | easy to set up and use | | Weaknesses: | not a roof rack | | Similar Products Used: | saris roof rack, thule, yakima | | Bike Setup: | specialized epic | | Bottom Line: | great product. very stable on my nissan altima. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Torza
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hole in the Ground (Tahoe Area) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | City Bikeworks Sacramento | | Strengths: | Rock solid performance. Incredible customer service department | | Weaknesses: | Absolutely none | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3+
Specialized Allez | | Bottom Line: | I have been using the Saris Bones 2 rack holder for a couple of years now. Fit perfect on my old car (Mitsubishi Eclipse) and with just a few seconds of adjustments my new car (Acura CL) I've even put it on my girlfriends minivan with minimal time for adjustments. The thing is rock solid. There's more. About a month ago some idoit decided to rip off my bike while it was on the bike rack. He not only took the bike but instead of simply undoing the straps on the rack he cut them. So I call Saris to see about ordering new straps. The customer service rep told me they were molded in and the entire arm would have to be replaced. So he starts taking my name and address and after I gave it to him I asked how much this was going to cost me. I was expecting a lot since the two arms and straps are almost half the product. His answer floored me. He said it sounded like I had had a bad enough day already and there would be no charge! I couldn't believe it. I thanked him very much and 5 days later the new arms arrived. Not even a postage and handling charge! I don't think I've ever had a customer service experience so satisfying. So needless to say the Saris rack gets my highest rating. I wouldn't think of purchasing a different rack ever! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy Reese
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeworld | | Bike Setup: | Rans Velocity Squared
Mountain Bike | | Bottom Line: | Though it was cleared for the back of my Clubwagon Van by the factory specs, it doesn't secure well on the flat surface and didn't stay stable on the cross-country trip holding two bikes (three-bike model). The larger diameter tube of my recumbent (RANS V-2) caused the outer lip of the holders to break off, leaving the straps alone to do the securing. I'm returning the holder. I believe the design and use is appropriate for: smaller vehicles without vertical surfaces and traditional diamond frame bikes. It does definitely mar the bike finish since the bikes swing on the holder, though probably no less than other carriers of this design.
Overall--great product, wrong application. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Missouri
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sac River | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Easy set-up and it fits anything. | | Weaknesses: | Flexes at high speeds | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Fisher | | Bottom Line: | This is a cool product, but when traveling on the road at more than 50 mph, the wind resistance from the mounted bike makes the rack flex back and forth. This didn't seem to be a problem since the bike an rack stayed attached to the car, but I have noticed strange spots on my car where the feet rest. It seems that as the rack flexes in the wind, the feet rub vigorously against the bumper/trunk. It didn't leave a mark or dent, but those particular spots don't take wax like the rest of the car. I think it was wearing down the clear-coat. I have since purchased a receiver hitch and rack. That seemed like a cheaper option than a new paint job for the car. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a
from Franklin, IN
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | $0.00 | | Strengths: | East to use, easy to install. Does not mar paint of car. | | Weaknesses: | Straps that go around seat tube have nubs that will mar the finish of your bike. | | Similar Products Used: | None...asked for and received as gift, largely because of the non-marring claim...go figure. | | Bike Setup: | OK, I'm a roadie so go easy. Y2K Trek OCLV, full Dura Ace, Spinergy, Mavic, or Rolf wheels. MTB is a stock Fisher Tassahara. | | Bottom Line: | Good construction, easy to use. Great if you want to avoid a permanent rack on your vehicle, or if your permanent rack is currently your trunk. Will mar the finish of you bike. If you don't care, go with it; if you do care, you should probably avoid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycleworld | | Strengths: | Solid construction, foot pads don't harm paint, holds bikes away from vehicle and very versatile. Use it to transport bikes 60 to 120 miles to various trails without any problem. | | Weaknesses: | None really but if I had to come up with something I would say it should have bands to hold excess straps from flapping in the wind (easily solved with quality bands). | | Similar Products Used: | Bed of truck and truck of car. | | Bike Setup: | Giant mountain bike. | | Bottom Line: | This is an incredible product. I am very greatful for all the previous reviews of the Bone because they are right on the money. This is the very best trunk rack made. It is easy to install (once you have the initial set up done), doesn't mark/scratch/mess your vehicle's paint job at all and carries your bikes very securely. It is expensive compared to other trunk racks but it carries your bikes at least as secure as much more expensive set-ups (roof rack, tow hitch, etc) so I rank it high in value as well. Great for smaller vehicles like my beloved Honda Civic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Still looking | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$109.00 | | Purchased At: | Alfred E Bike | | Strengths: | Solid one piece construction for arms. | | Weaknesses: | Rest's on car bumper. Its a bumper rack!! | | Similar Products Used: | None.. first one | | Bike Setup: | Marlin and Tassajara Stock | | Bottom Line: | This rack may have been good, but not for my car (2002 Ford FocusZX3). Note that this is a BUMPER rack. That means the rack will rest/depend on the bumper for support instead of the car trunk (sheet metal). My bumper (and most modern cars) is made out of plastic (probably ABS) roughly 3mm thick. The bumper is more or less kept in shape by the energy absorbing foam inside the bumper. This make for improved crash protection, but NOT for supporting 60lbs of bike weight. The bumper will slowly sink (depressed) around the rack support leg. Throughout my trip, the bike was bouncing up and down since it has no support from the bumper. The only thing holding my bikes are the nylon strings. Make sure your bumper is strong enough to support the weight of your bike before investing on this rack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Tenefly, NJ
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$149.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | -Well thought out design. Easy to set up.
-Super solid.
-Arms are adjustable in for my full suspension.
| | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Thule, Rhode Gear | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Heckler,Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 220 (kids bike) | | Bottom Line: | After alot of frustration with my Thule trunk rack (the arms kept falling down), my LBS recommended the Bones 3. Simple design and very easy to set up on my VW Jetta. The rack is solid on the car and the bikes are solid on the rack. My wife and kids have very small bikes and you can adjust the arms closer to get these bikes on the rack. This is not easy on these small bikes, but at least it can be done (I couldn't do it on my old rack).
I've logged many miles and at high speeds with the Bones nd no problems.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Griner
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrenceville, GA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$109.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski Sports | | Strengths: | This rack is easy to set up and the bikes do not move once they are put on. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear and Bell Crap. | | Bike Setup: | 2 2003 Trek 4500's pretty much stock. | | Bottom Line: | This the best trunk rack that I have ever seen. Sure you can not open the trunk with it installed, but its a truck rack. I bought this rack and immediatley took it on a 700 mile road trip on the interstate at 80-90 mph, and the bikes and rack never swayed an inch. This rack rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City, OK
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Easy set up, no bike swaying, and will not fal off your car no matter what you do. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear POS | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Trek 8000 | | Bottom Line: | This rack rocks! The straps to hold your bike(s) on are tough as nails. I have an 88 Trans Am and this rack fits great! I can drive around like a crazed fool and my bike stays back there. I've taken it on really long road trips and never had to adjust a thing. You put it on there, and it stays. I hit 100mph out in the Oklahoma panhandle with my bike on the back. Wasn't even wiggling. Matt | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike T.
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedboat | | Strengths: | Rigidity. Sturdyness. | | Weaknesses: | Can't open trunk. Have to remove it while you're gone riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Thule roof rack. Backseat. Trunk. | | Bike Setup: | Seven Sola | | Bottom Line: | This rack is nice. It's so sturdy and solid it inspires confidence. I can't even tell it and the bikes are there unless I look in the mirror. I wipe off the car's paintwork and the rack's feet before installation as I'm very picky about my car's condition. The plastic covered hooks are nice too.
It doesn't take long to install but it's a pain as the trunk can't be opened with the rack mounted. Plus there is no-way it can be left on the trunk while I'm out riding as a knife will remove it in seconds.
It has nice ratcheting frame straps but extras are need to keep the 'bars from turning and to keep bikes apart. I use old toestraps and bungee cords.
A nice solid rack but a pain to have to keep installing and removing it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Fraga
a Cross Country Rider
from Morgan Hill
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Easily adjusts to fit car
Holds bke securely
The seat tube brace/strap combo really helps stablize the bike
| | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bottom Line: | This is a review of the 3 bike model. It adjusted to fit the car (2002 Saturn L series with spoiler)with no problems at all. I strapped one road bike on it using the straps on the rack plus a couple of extra bungie cords for extra security and took off for a 200 mile drive. 65-70 mph, good roads, rough roads, and hour of rain. The bike never moved, the rack never moved, what more could you ask for?
It's light, easy to adjust, folds up for storage, the design gives you plenty of ways to add extra bungies for maximum security. Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris MacFarlane
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Strengths: | A very elegant design. Thoroughly well thought out and brilliantly executed. Light weight, folds down to nothing, and fits on almost any vehicle. Unlike some roof systems, this rack doesn't leave a mark on your car, and I like the idea of being able to see the $12000 I strap to my car at all times. It also makes pulling into the garage a bit easier. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Hitch mount rack and an earlier Saris rack | | Bottom Line: | For cost, value, conveinience and style, this rack is unbeatable. Highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duncan
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall England
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords, Car Accessory Store in UK | | Strengths: | Simple to fit, Easy to remove, Looks stylish with unusual design, much better than typical UK racks out there. Once its set up just undo one set of side straps and you can refit it in less than a minute. Doesn't shift at all, even at 100mph+ (oh i love the lax speed limits over here) even with a really heavy bike loaded. | | Weaknesses: | Cant open the boot, or trunk as you call it, with the rack in place and need number plate board to stay legal | | Similar Products Used: | Roof bars, Trunk | | Bike Setup: | Standard Non Suspended Kiluaha and friends cheap full suspension bike.. (35lbs) !!! | | Bottom Line: | Best piece of kit on the market, not the cheapest, but unusual in the UK.
Class.. well worth nearly every penny, just wish it was as cheap here as it is in the states. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trip
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethel Park, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | This bike rack is great. I got the special edition "Earthtone" one which gives money to the IMBA to help them do more for the mountain biking community. I was missing three straps when I recieved it, so the company sent me some more straps for free and a bunch of free stickers. The bike seat post straps really do work to help keep the bike from hitting my car and the bike straps fit my Cannondale and Schwinn perfectly. Just remember to wash off you car before putting the rack on so it won't scratch the paint. The style is also different so it gets a little press talk before a ride; I like it because it's not the same old black tubular steel out there. | | Weaknesses: | There is no way to lock the bike rack down to the trunk if in a bad area of town. Buy a cable lock to lock the bike to the rack for some type of protection. | | Similar Products Used: | minivan, blazer, my dodge neon's backseat. | | Bike Setup: | Customized Cannondale and a Schwinn Mesa GSX as a backup | | Bottom Line: | The Saris Bones Bike rack is great. Get the three bike model because it has an extra leg for more stability. I believe it is a best buy for the price. Would have given it a 5 Flamin' Chilis but it was missing straps so I couldn't use it for a week until my replacements arrived. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a
from Daytona Beach, FL
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | santos | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$85.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Super strong, can fit on almost any car, easy to take off and on. | | Weaknesses: | I have the 3-bike model and it is alittle sketchy with more than 2 bikes on it. The straps it comes with are too small to fit onto all bikes...espcially if you have an odd shapped bike like my Kona Stuff is. Even when the straps fit the bike still sways at high speeds, but this can be fixed with some 4$ extra straps from a hardware store. Not super easy to get bikes on and off it since the plastic straps get in the way. | | Similar Products Used: | my trunk and back seat. | | Bike Setup: | Kona Stuff...pretty much stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | This is a amazing bike rack with one or two bikes on it and some extra straps to stabalize them. I travel an hour and a half down the interstate every week to bike at my favorite area at about 85mph and (knock on wood) the rack holds up great. When I tries to put 3 bikes on it, it didn't feel so stable and the whole bike rack seemed to move around alot...I ended up putting one of them in the trunk. Also you will definetly want some extra straps to stabalize the bike for any high speed driving or really bumpy roads. Overall it is a really cool rack and since I almost never carry more than 2 bike it works perfectly for me. What-ever you do buy this rack on ebay...its not worth 130$+shipping that your local bike shop and internet stores are selling them for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tien
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Adjustability. It can hold my GT I-Drive after the first two hours of adjusting it to fit. | | Weaknesses: | Straps could be a little longer to handle larger frame tubes. However, you can sacrifice an unused strap to extend another strap very easily with their zip-tie-like locking design. My 3-bike rack can only handle one bike after the reconfiguration for the GT. Even better, my buddies will just have to drive themselves everytime. | | Similar Products Used: | DrawTite Hitch Rack. | | Bike Setup: | 27 lbs. GT I-drive 1.0 | | Bottom Line: | There isn't any trunk rack out there that's more adjustable and secure. You can adjust both the width and angle of each arm independently. If you have to go with trunk rack, this one has a better chance of fitting your odd frame than other trunk rack out there other than the ones that can mount by your wheels. If your car has a tail spoiler, this rack is design for that. If it's important to you to lock your bike and rack together, this rack makes it a breeze. I'd go with the 3-bike model rather than
2-bike even though you don't need to mount all 3 bikes because the 3-bike model with 4 legs making contact to the car, it feels more secure. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft Lauderdale, Florida
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | easy fit, sharp looks, a moron can figure this one out, light weight and strong construction, easy to change sizes, my bike looks damn good on it. One more big plus, it holds the bikes far from the car so pedals and wheels can not reach it (I have had many scratches to my car with my Thule) | | Weaknesses: | must buy a bike adapter bar if you have any type of unusaul shape frame (for example a trek Y bike or a cannondale downhill), but with the bar you can use it the same. | | Similar Products Used: | Thule trunk rack | | Bike Setup: | cannondale R1000 (ultegra setup), Trek Y33 (deore XT and XTR setup), Specialized Allez (105 setup) | | Bottom Line: | Get it and you will be pleased... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leo
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great fit, secures bikes nicely, durable components. | | Weaknesses: | Hard pads scratch paint quite well, plastic set screws, but have not had a problem with them. | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear trunk rack | | Bike Setup: | 2 MTB's - Bones 2 bike rack | | Bottom Line: | I biased toward this rack since it was the ONLY one that would fit my car (small spoiler) and provide the clearance I needed and hold the bikes securely enough that I didn't feel worried on the highway. The only experience I have is with trunk racks, and for that, this does a great job. It takes some time to set the numerous straps, but I think that's what makes it work well. The pads are big and set well, but do scratch paint, but to be expected, especailly when two bikes are loaded and you hit bumps in the road. Great construction, and holds really well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from UVA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Easy to fit to car, STABLE!!!, doesn't hurt bikes' finishes, simple design, looks cool | | Weaknesses: | the holder plastic cushion stuff rubs off on the bikes' top tubes, but it can easily be washed off - this is better than the other way around | | Similar Products Used: | putting the bike inside my car (Ford Focus) | | Bike Setup: | Kona Caldera w/ some extra shiznit | | Bottom Line: | Go look on Ebay and buy this rack. Now. I mean it. I've probably logged 3000+ miles w/ bikes on this rack on a couple vehicles and I don't see how any other trunk rack could be better. Stable even at high speeds, stable even when cornering like a rally car driver (yeah, I do that a lot), just downright stable. Here, I'll make it simple.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&krd=1&from=R8&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&query=saris+bones | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a
from New York
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Very easy to install with no tools required. Very light. | | Weaknesses: | It's a nightmare trying to load full-suspension bikes on this thing even when using the bike beam. The pins on the bike beam has a tendency to get stuck inside when you put too much pressure on it. Fixing it is just a real pain in the butt! The straps on the rack can be difficult to loosen.
These straps has partially scraped off the decals on several bikes. This rack will really test your patience. | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear | | Bottom Line: | Unless you have road bikes, then I would recommend this rack. otherwise, use a roof rack for full suspension bikes. For a few dollars more, I could have bought a roof rack. What a waste of money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Massey
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Valley Forge/Forbidden Path | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$85.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Light Weight, No Assembly required,Compact, Low price (ebay) | | Weaknesses: | None,Nada,Nill,Zero, | | Similar Products Used: | some cheap piece of doo from a flea market | | Bike Setup: | Do I have too Im critiquing a bike rack | | Bottom Line: | This is the Bentley of bike racks, at 80 plus mph...domt worry be happy, this thing is here too stay, once you get used to it, its a snap too put on, we have a sedan, the 2 clip at the bottom can be undone too, so one can get into the trunk if neccesary, without removing the bikes and or rack...look on ebay you can save yourself 40 bucks from retail...Dont get a roof rack, you cant park your car in a garage, it even fits on my car..Lotus Esprit | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Clemson, SC / Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ?? | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$89.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Keeps my bike solidly attached to my car | | Weaknesses: | none at all | | Similar Products Used: | the inside of my trunk | | Bike Setup: | 01 Fisher Marlin | | Bottom Line: | This is the only trunk rack you'll ever need. It held my bike steady for 300+ miles of interstate, and through terrible Atlanta traffic. Fits well on both my subaru impreza wagon and old mazda protege. It seems that if anything goes wrong, it's most likely your fault. Bottom line - get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Pontiac, IL, United States
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Jubilee State Park, IL | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Cycle and Ski, MN | | Strengths: | Rigid, stable, light, looks good | | Weaknesses: | Tightening pegs are small and can be difficult to turn | | Similar Products Used: | Cheapo store-bought tube type | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Rockhopper xc stock and Fuji hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I bought this rack in Minnesota after stopping on the interstate to attach a loose strap on my generic department store rack. This rack is as solid as it looks. It is constructed of a lightweight but super-stiff plastic that look like, well, rib bones on a T-Rex. It was a little difficult to set up at first, but once I got it on my '96 Mazda Millenia sedan it was rock solid. The bikes don't move at all due to the racheting three point straps. Good design.
It did scratch the top coat a bit, but that was my fault. The instructions specifically say to wash the area where the rubber feet contact the car. My only real gripe is the pegs used to tighten up the arms. They are small and difficult to turn unless you wiggle the rack's arms a bit. No big deal.
I didn't have time to research other racks, but this one really sticks out due to its unique design. Get it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darrell G.
a Weekend Warrior
from Clifton, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$87.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Great stability, 1-2-3 easy setup. Light, doesn't scratch the paint of your car. | | Weaknesses: | NONE!! | | Bottom Line: | Best damn bike rack you can get. I got this rack because of all the great reviews that I read here. And now I'm giving mine. Eveyone was right. There is NO BETTER RACK OUT THERE. I give it an 11 but they only let me go to 5.
Check out Ebay. Don't pay full price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft Campbell, Ky, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$95.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | easy to adjust, strong | | Weaknesses: | left marks on trunk, should buff out easily though. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Specialized Rockhopper, 2001 Schwinn, 1998 Trek | | Bottom Line: | Great overall rack. I drove over 2000 miles, that's right 2000 miles in 9 days, carrying all three of the bikes listed above and had absolutely no problems. I saw every type of driving condition imaginable for summertime, including rain so hard I couldn't see 5 ft in front of me. I drove upwards of 80-85 mph for hours on end, hit all kinds of bumps and potholes, and never had to worry about the bikes. The rack held up great on bumps, turns, winds, whatever. The only marks left behind were on the top of the trunk, but they should buff out pretty easy. I would recommend this for anyone who has bikes and wants to travel with them.
Good rack, worth the money.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Conyers, GA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Looks Cool. | | Weaknesses: | Lock Screws are fragile.
Plastic that holds straps on rack are weak.
Doesn't mount securely to Ford Explorer.
Pads scratched rear windshield. | | Similar Products Used: | Saris Bat Rack. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this rack in Dallas, loaded my bikes up for a trip to Colorado. By the time I got home my rear window had two large scratched areas where the rack touched the glass. Two locking screws were broken, and several of the retainer straps came off the rack because the plastic of the rack failed. The loops were still around the bike frames, but they were no longer part of the rack. This occured twice on the downtube straps and once on the top-tube strap. The jagged plastic scratched up my frames, Arrgh!
I had to junk the rack, It was useless!!!
This was all about 5 years ago. Perhaps they have corrected the weakness of their resins, but I won't risk it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biff Spooky
a
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Silver Comet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Strong, sturdy, quick, efficient. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't pay rent. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | '02 Trek 7500, '96 Cannondale F400 | | Bottom Line: | I got the 3-bike model. I put my bikes on, I drive around, they stay on. What else do you really want?
It takes a little adjustment at first to fit your vehicle, but involves no more than sliding the arms on and off of the spindle. Lock 'em down and your ready to strap it on.
I hooked this up to my early 90's model Crown Victoria LTD, and went smokin' around town with the actual intent of trying to jostle it into 'making something happen' with it. It stayed on as if it was welded to the vehicle. I took it up to 80 on the expressway, no problem with that either - not like there should be anyway.
The bikes lay by their top tubing into little nooks on one of the 'bones', then two hard plastic 'EZ-release' straps secure them in the nook, with another strap to secure your hardtail's center tubing. It's not going anywhere.
What else can you say? It rocks. Some may consider it a little pricey but I found it to be a fair value on Ebay, which was available at $60 less than at the LBS.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GK
a Weekend Warrior
from Potomac, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Infinitely adjustable. Easy on the car. Rock solid. Hollow cylinder permits locking with cable (BEST FEATURE). | | Weaknesses: | Hold straps for bikes could be designed a little better, but they do the trick. Seat tube strap is usually troublesome. The tightening screws for the bones on the cylinder don't inspire 100% foolproof confidence, but they've also never failed. | | Similar Products Used: | Old rickety Rhode Gear rack. | | Bike Setup: | MTB and Road. | | Bottom Line: | Can't imagine how any competing trunk racks beat the Bones rack. I think it has some weaknesses of it's own, but I'm stil very happy with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerardo
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any I Can Get To! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission Cyclery | | Strengths: | Excellent build quality, very stable, versatility, ease of use. Onced strapped to my hatch, it won't budge, even at 90 mph going down the freeway with two 25 lbs bikes on it. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to see the cops with it strapped on. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheapo department store stuff. | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Can't go wrong with this rack. It may cost a bit more, but it is well worth the extra bucks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gene P
a Weekend Warrior
from Bucks cty. PA. USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | TYLER PARK | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Guy's | | Strengths: | assembled in box..price reasonable..Great design..Sturdy | | Weaknesses: | Adjustment of "S" hook strap buckle will scratch car spoiler.."J" hook strap will not fit under rear bottom of trunk lid..Fit chart has no solution for my MAXIMA "SE". | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear Shuttle mounted upside down..(a poor shake and rattle arrangement.) | | Bike Setup: | Giant Iguina--Trek 820 | | Bottom Line: | Best rack I have seen, and I have been looking at them ALL.Can't get myself to buy any other product after seeing the BONES.I'm waiting to hear from SARIS on what to do to make it fit right.Lots of "SE" Maximas out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dimm
a Weekend Warrior
from new york
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$139.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | this bike rack holds up to 3 bikes and over 100lbs of weight without really budging one bit. that alone should say something for the qaulity and durability of the rack. | | Weaknesses: | none what so ever | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | gary fisher sugar1: xt/xtr guts, shimano rims, thompson elite stem/seatpost/nokian gazzalodi core 2.3 freeride tires. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, is if your lookin for a trunk rack, i have done some reasearch and have not seen any rack top this one as of yet. it is worth the money do not hesitate to get this product | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from ohio,dayton
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | solid set up holds the bike at higher speeds
| | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | grabber out back. | | Bike Setup: | trek 6000 police bike | | Bottom Line: | This is a solid rack. I was on duty on after noon shift
when I was dispatched,to a stolen car I was a mile away from
the area mean while my bike was on the car, once I spotted the stolen car the chase was on.The chase went on for 10 miles I reached speeds of 140mph on my chevy caprice ,chasing a camaro the bike never left the trunk.
I purchased one for my self. Iam sold on this rack, my old outback rack [department issued]was a real pos I had lost
the bike off of it 3 times,the bike was was trashed all 3 times. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
collin
a Cross Country Rider
from S.C.
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | -No paint to scratch all plastic and aluminum
-Very solid
-Large straps and hooks
-Secure straps to hold bikes on
| | Weaknesses: | -Anti sway attachments make it difficult to fit smaller frames | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode gear
Allen | | Bottom Line: | I work in a bike shop and have seen many others, this is the best I've seen, well worth the $! Has been tested at 95 MPH with one bike and I still have it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Flemington
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Your Mom | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$115.00 | | Purchased At: | Alfred E. Bikes, In Kalamazoo, MI | | Strengths: | The fact that it is. easy to setup. guy i bought it from put it on for me to show me how, did it in about a minute and a half. faster once you find the right settings. This has fit superbly on 7 different cars. 2 vans, 2 sports cars, 2 sedans, and a grocery getter. | | Weaknesses: | nothing really, very well designed. | | Similar Products Used: | THULE roof rack, I'm a fan. Yakima hitch rack. | | Bike Setup: | Giant steel frame. judy sl, xt everything, thompson elite, sun rhynolite rims, panaracer tires. | | Bottom Line: | Buy it to believe it. it is amazingly tight, and does a great job of what it is supposed to do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duane
a Weekend Warrior
from Carrollton,GA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Run | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | www.aardvarkcycles.com | | Strengths: | Extremely secure. I can rock my Mustang without even moving the rack! | | Weaknesses: | No such thing. | | Similar Products Used: | Other cheap products. | | Bike Setup: | Giant Iguana SE, Manitou X-Vert, Thomson, Zuzu pedals, Selle Italia, Velomax Rouge, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Didn't want a roof rack, but needed a solid rack. After reading some good reviews here and talking to LBS I decided on the Bones. I have no regrets. It goes on easy, mounts solid, and holds my bikes firmly. Locking the bikes on is a snap. I love this rack and would buy it again if I had to. I recommend it highly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$119.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Nashbar | | Strengths: | Solid-This is the most rigid trunk mount rack on the market. The core is a machined alumnium cylinder that holds solid plastic-type 'legs' via the built in tooth & cog system. It's also very flexible. I use it routinely on my 2000 Accord Coupe in a conventional configuration, but on a recent trip we mounted it to the vertical rear glass/gate of my friend's Volvo wagon. | | Weaknesses: | It's a trunk rack-you can't use your trunk while rack is mounted. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheapo Trunk Racks, Saris Roof Racks | | Bike Setup: | Intense Tracer, Supergo Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I have the 2 bike model. This rack has lasted me 2 riding seasons, including 1 winter. Be sure to keep the soft, rubber feet clean, especially where they meet your painted parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay auction | | Strengths: | Set up under 5 minutes from box
Quick install/remove from car
Extremely strong and stable
Responsive and helpful customer support | | Weaknesses: | A bit pricey, but worth it | | Similar Products Used: | Many | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Rockhopper w/ mods | | Bottom Line: | This well-made bike rack is the last one I'll need. The folks at Saris obviously have some good mechanical/design engineers, because this rack is solid and easy to set-up/take down, w/o sacrificing strength.
Got the model that holds 3 bikes. At 80+ MPH on a fairly windy day, I hauled 3 bikes over 200 miles without a worry.
I'm into instant gratification and this thing delivers. Basically ready to go out-of-the box, except that you'll need to adjust the legs for your car model.
With the 6 support straps and large rubber feet, once this thing is on and fastened, it's not budging. I can shake my whole car (Jetta) by pushing the bike rack. I almost feel like I could hang off the back of my car from this thing!
Make sure you re-tighten the straps after adding bike(s) to ensure tightest fit. It's true that you have to be careful about your paint, if the rack's rubber feet or your car surface haven't been wiped clean, but that's not the fault of the rack.
Another nice thing is that the rack holds the bikes very still, with 3 rubber straps that tighten at key points to stabilize the bike(s).
The rack works on both my vehicles (VW Jetta and Jeep Cherokee) which is a big plus.
I've seen these things go on Ebay for around $80 new-in-box. I paid more and don't regret it, but check around, you might get a deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Milligan
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | My backyard. :0) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bikeshop | | Strengths: | Easy to set up. Looks good on the car. Bikes are very secure on the rack | | Weaknesses: | Tears up the paint on my trunk, one strap always seems to come undone during a drive | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear, Thule | | Bike Setup: | 3 Mountain Bikes, 2 Road bikes | | Bottom Line: | Good rack, but kind of pricey. I don't like the fact that it tears up the paint on my trunk. The feet are a little rough on the paint. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Tehachapi CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Still looking... | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Las Vegas Pro Cyclery | | Strengths: | Adjustability
Ease of installation
Rock solid at speed... | | Weaknesses: | None so far... | | Similar Products Used: | Disassembling the bike every week... :( | | Bike Setup: | KHS Pro ST (Yes, it's been upgraded!) | | Bottom Line: | This is one solid rack! I was a little unsure of the leg spacing at first but one 280 mi blast home (I work in Las Vegas and live in Tehachapi CA on weekends) sold me. My LBS did their level best to sell me this rack the first time I set foot in the shop, but I did a little looking around at the "other" brands, read a few reviews on MTBR.com and finally went back. I haven't regretted it! I run between CA and Las Vegas every weekend and no amount of rough road or headwind has ever caused me to believe I was going to lose my bike. If you're looking for a quality product that will give you years of use on several different vehicles (my plan) this is your rack! 5 flamers across the board!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob S
a Racer
from Covington, LA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any road with little traffic | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zone, Covington, LA | | Strengths: | ease of use and security | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | old trunk rack | | Bike Setup: | road bike | | Bottom Line: | It is easy to setup with good directions and fits both my cars easily. Drove to a triathlon 3 1/2 hours away over interstate and local roads and bike did not move. Setup and takedown easy and fast. Quite a few people at triathlon were imperessed and inquired by the Bones rack. Would recommend it to anyone. Could have saved $20 on the internet but bought from a local bike shop instead. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob G
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston TX
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Buffalo Bayou | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$85.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | " Infinitely " adjustable design will fit almost any beast of burden, physical strength, large rubber pads on feet | | Weaknesses: | none I can find | | Similar Products Used: | 70's style metal tube rack | | Bike Setup: | Giant Rainier SE | | Bottom Line: | I thought I'd have trouble finding a trunk rack to fit over my car's whale tail, but the Bones does it. Adjustable to fit almost any vehicle (see their website for fit guide). Rock solid under load and looks like it's built to last. I believe the only reason I'd buy another rack is if I needed to carry more than two bikes, and I'd go back to Saris to see what they were offering.
Great rack, but I've got to wonder about the price. My bike shop wanted top end of the suggested list ($ 129). Go to eBay ... there's a bike shop in Michigan selling the 805s for $ 77.00 plus shipping.
I'm going to leave four chilis because of the $$$$$. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stu Pidasso
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Her Happy Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | used from a friend | | Strengths: | Indestructible. Steady as a rock at 80+ mph with 2 mountain bikes on it. Big plus here: The hollow aluminum tube allows you to put a security cable through it and lock the other end inside your trunk, hitch, under the bumper, wherever. No one can steal your bike OR the rack. | | Weaknesses: | If you don't tighten the straps very tight and tuck away the slack, they hum in the wind. This can lead to insanity. Easy to fix, though. | | Similar Products Used: | Old 1970s sorry excuse for a bike rack. Also some Wally World thing that had no straps for the bike.(!?) | | Bike Setup: | A couple of C-Dale rocketships. | | Bottom Line: | Buy it. It puts every other trunk rack out there to shame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donal
a Weekend Warrior
from Jax,FL 2 feet from the sun
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any without excess gravitional pull | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | Easy to install/remove
XTREMELY secure
Solid build quality | | Weaknesses: | ummmm...wasn't free? | | Similar Products Used: | el cheapo' racks | | Bike Setup: | Hopefully still on the trunk | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for the best trunk rack out there, this is it. I got mine cheap from a friend, but would easily spend the $89.00 to get one new. The rack has six straps to secure the rack to the trunk (as most do), but it also has a recessed area that, in itself, would keep the bike on the rack. However Saris went a step further, and designed three ratchet type locking mechanisms (two 4 the top tube, and one 4 the seat tube). Also the rack is fully adjustable (all 5 legs can be placed in ANY direction and lock in place. I use this rack daily, and run 80+ mph down the highway and never look back (except if there's a cop). Bottom line----get this rack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Mundelein
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Devil's Head | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Arlingto Bicycle Co | | Strengths: | Works on almost any car, easy to hook up | | Weaknesses: | No | | Similar Products Used: | The trunk of my car | | Bike Setup: | No, this is a rack | | Bottom Line: | This is a great rack for the money and it works on any of our cars and with the "hatch huggers" you can put it on a hatchback | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from East Troy, WI
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Spring Bike Expo | | Strengths: | Adapatability to different vehicles, very sturdy construction, folds down easily for stowing, quick set up and take down. | | Weaknesses: | None yet discovered, but I think it might be tricky to actually get three bikes on the rack. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4500. | | Bottom Line: | This is a awesome product! What you get for the price makes me think it would be tough to find a comparable value. If you are looking for an alternative to what seem to be much more expensive roof systems, and are only looking to haul bikes, this is definitely worth checking out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sarah Francisco
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Strengths: | Durable, soft on car. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Graber, Thule, and Yakima | | Bike Setup: | Easy | | Bottom Line: | Best rack I've ever seen! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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