Injection-molded arms and legs are the strongest on the market. Built with 100% recyclable, non-rusting materials. Ratcheting anti-sway straps secure and stabilize bikes. Arc-based design fits over most spoilers,and separates bikes on different levels.
Submitted by
jah1545
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria Date Reviewed: May 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Accotink
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Strengths!?! Your kidding right?
Weaknesses:
Where do I begin? My comments are in the bottom line portion.
Similar Products Used:
A 15 year old Thule that I will continue to use. Now thats a good product!
Bottom Line:
Saris employees must be up here posting the good reviews.
I bought this thing at Performance without any recommendations or any research. Won't do that again! Adjusting this thing to get it on the vehicle is not a quick or easy process. The footpads will damage your paint and the bumper if used for any period of time. It is not designed for cars with plastic bumpers, which includes almost all of todays vehicles. The thumbscrews that tighten the legs/arms are extremely cheap plastic and can EASILY be stripped out on the first try. The straps that attach to the seat tube and top tube feel cheap and the buckles are also very cheap plastic. The arms wobble even after being tighten with the ridiculous plastic screws. There is no way this POS would last, it is cheaply made and poorly designed. I felt like I had been ripped off as soon as I attached it to my vehicle. Thankfully, Performance refunded my money with no hassle at all. Seriously, save your money, there are much better racks out there. This POS is all looks and no substance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AGG-Austin
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Buck's Bikes
Strengths:
Very sturdy mounting. Does not move with 1-2 light bikes on it. Wide flat pads. Wide strap clamps protect your trunk/gate lip.
Weaknesses:
The worst thing about this rack is that if you have a full suspension bike, forget it, it is not worth the hassle. Not even one of those adapter bars that go from seatpost to stem will help you since the size of the arms and strap mounts are too big to fit between the adapter and the top tube.
The lock screws are extremely cheap(plastic, flimsy feel).
The vertical strap (the strap that attaches to the seat tube that keeps the bike from swinging) is in the wrong spot for just about every frame. Also, the strap mounts are too big and get in the way. Bottle cages are a problem on small frames. Putting the first bike into the innermost mount is a pain.
The rubber coating on straps is a bad idea. Plastic like Thule racks have is good enough and they don't bind when trying to pull tight or loosen.
Big fat aluminum tube is right in the field of vision when looking through the rear view mirror.
It's a pain to fold down the arms when not using.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima Super Joe
Thule Criterium
Bike Setup:
BMC Fourstroke03
Giant OCR1
Kestrel CS-X Single Speed
Trek 1500
Bottom Line:
All the style in the world doesn't do anything for functionality in this case. There are better trunk racks out there for less money that will do the job as well or better.
If you carry one road bike or mountain bike (medium+ size frame) and you can't handle seeing movement in your rear view mirror, then maybe the Saris Bones is for you. If you want to carry 3 heavy mountain bikes, look elsewhere. If you want to carry a full suspension bike, you shouldn't have even read this far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Razorback_XCer
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, AR Date Reviewed: January 16, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Riders Ready
Strengths:
Easy to use, durability, lightweight, materials do not degrade
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Prophet
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike rack. I never worry about taking it on the interstate; it is just as solid at 70+ mph as it is at a stop sign. I routinely take it on 3 hour interstate trips between college and my hometown with no issues.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
edmond.menzies
a Weekend Warrior
from Dubai, UAE Date Reviewed: September 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Easy to fit most sedan or suv's. Even with the frame config. of my full suspension GT, it slides on & off easily in seconds. Am full confident of its mounting.
Weaknesses:
Plastic screws? doff! With hindsight I realised that the screws did not need to be tightened, but rather lightly screwed, but none-the-less Saris need to spend the extra dollar and change on further models. Logic tells me that there will be wear & tear on the paintwork of the car body if it is not regularly checked/cleaned. Easy way around it to fix mounting properly with protective pads between strap hooks & body paint.
Bike Setup:
Full suspension carbon marathon GT
Bottom Line:
The alternative option was to fit a tow-hitch to my Cayenne and then buy a bike rack to fit. This option is way cheaper and with it being so adaptable to many different vehicle types it was a no-brainer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nickburton60
a Weekend Warrior
from shreveport, LA, USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
skooter's bike shop
Strengths:
fits great, very functional, easy to set up, doesn't hurt my paint, fits on cars with spoilers.
Weaknesses:
plastic screws are crap and i stripped them right when i got it, but i replaced them easily with some wing bolts from home depot ($1.25). no problem here
Similar Products Used:
some other piece of crap.
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Ogun, Fox float RL fork, "PUSHED" Fox float R rear shock, Vuelta freeride rims, Shimano XT derailers, Forte' disk brakes, Truvative Stylo 3.3 team GPX, thomson setback seatpost, WTB rocket v saddle, Forte carbon fiber flat bars.
Bottom Line:
I got the bones 3, and this rack is the best thing i could find, not to mention it looks awesome and fits great! Its the only thing that i could find to fit on my 2008 avenger with a spoiler. It fits my voodoo ogun (full suspention freeride bike) just fine. I've driven with it on for long road trips and it hasn't caused any damage to my car, i think these people complaining about their paint and bumpers didn't install it right, cause this thing can fit anything perfectly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
elcapi
a Downhiller
from Atlanta, Ga Date Reviewed: June 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
blanket creek
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
good product. very light
Weaknesses:
it wont work in downhill frames..if your frame is odd shape double suspension this rack is NOT for you. plus if you have a hatch back car this will lock your gate while is on.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima
Bike Setup:
iron horse, yakuza aniki, marzochi downhill fork, 5th element rear shock, avid 7 Hydro brakes, e-13 chain retainer,Odi grips, The saddle,
Bottom Line:
if u are a downhiller this rack wont fit ur back!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Bismarck, ND Date Reviewed: April 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Scheels all sport
Strengths:
Easily mountable, sturdy, keeps bikes separate, doesnt look like a lawn chair.
Weaknesses:
the little plastic screws that keep the arms in place are junk. No way to lock bikes to vehicle.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima lawn chair.
Bottom Line:
I enjoy this rack as a cheap alternative to a roof rack. I can go down the highway at 80 miles an hour with only a bit of movement in the rack. I have a three bike rack, and only haul 2, so i keep them pretty separate. I used 3M clear vinyl (can get it at any sign shop) under the contact points on the vehicle. Also, i strap the front and back tire to the frame to prevent movement. Works great, no scratches on anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dial Tone
a
from Duarte, CA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bonelli
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
Jax Bicycles
Strengths:
will fit most vehicles, different colors to match your vehicle, made from recyclable plastic, ease of use and adjustment, easy to mount, stable when done right
Weaknesses:
cannot be left on vehicle, bikes will hit each other, the heavier the load the more frequent checking of staps needed, could use heavy duty straps and buckles
Similar Products Used:
Thule T2
Bike Setup:
Trek 7100, Trek 4300 WSD, Fisher Hi Fi Plus
Bottom Line:
The Arms/legs will fit most vehicles from cars to vans to SUV as long as there is no spolier and there is enough surface for the legs to rest on the bumper.
Straps and buckles though secure, should have been made of mil-spec nylon straps and buckles. The heavier the load the more frequent checks to make sure the straps are still tight. Unfortunately pulling it tight against the sheetmetal and glass could dent or put unnecessary pressure.
When using a frame adapter the anti swing straps cannot fastened and the bikes hang low to the ground.
The Saris Bones should be only used a temporary carrier, perhaps best if carrying only 1 bike. If you plan to carry 2 or more bikes at longer distances, get a real carrier. Because it can be easily removed and stolen, take it off and stow it inside the vehicle before pedalling away.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Goodman
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: October 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Fantasy Island
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Performancebike
Strengths:
Durability, strength, ease of use, and style.
Weaknesses:
Lack of security and mounting issues.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Too many to list
Bottom Line:
I've owned two 3-bike Bones for years and logged thousands of miles on them. The cars they are used on are '02 Mitsubishi Galant (first), '06 Toyota Carolla (current), and an '08 Mitshubishi Lancer (current).
I've experienced the same issues the other owners have encountered. All except the dimple sheet metal. Note to self: don't buy an Audi.
The best way to prevent paint damange on your vehicle is to adhere a Polyurethane Protection Tape (http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/8674.php) to the contact points. Although the "non-marring feet" may be gentle to your car, the sand and debris caught between them will ruin your paint.
Security- Be very vigilant of where your car and bikes are. The bikes can be secured to the rack, but the rack cannot be secured to the car. The thief will cut the nylon straps and make off with your valuables. I immobilize the bikes by using multiple locks. If they do take them, I have them registered with Boomerangit.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dbr9 Tifosi
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Monica, CA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
New at ebay
Strengths:
Looks good..That's it.
Weaknesses:
Destroys your paint/clear coat and bumpers!!!!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Giant 08' Trance 2
Bottom Line:
NO CHILLIS..HORRIBLE PRODUCT. It'll work great if the wall thickenss on your bumper is thick. If you have a German car..avoid like the black plague. I just used it today for the first time on my 2002 Audi A4 and it left two very visible craters on my bumper and also left 2 cracks where the "rubber" feet interacts with the bumper. I was PISSED!!!! Saris should stress that it's a bumper rack. My friend also bought a Bones 2 and he was cussing up a storm like I was. THIS PRODUCT IS RUBBISH!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Evans
a Weekend Warrior
from Glenolden, Pa. USA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Extremely well built. Very Sturdy
Weaknesses:
Pricey. Would have preferred "teeth" on strap buckles instead of "nubs".
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek 1000
Bottom Line:
I did extensive research on racks and although I really liked the looks and construction of the Bones, I was concerned about the reviews regarding paint wear on autos from the hard rubber feet. I cherish my car and paint wear is the last thing I want. I was going to get the 2bike but opted for the 3 (I will only carry two) so as to keep the two bikes separated a little bit more. The rack is very sturdy and well built and during my first trip (10 miles)I was absolutely confident about the bikes security. The rack didn't move an inch. What really impressed me was the many ways you can configure the rack FOR THE SAME CAR. The dealer set the rack up initially and I noticed that the bike's (on the inside cradle) pedal was hitting my trunk. But the rack was able to be adjusted (in increments )to clear this problem. I was also concerned about the bottom feet against my fiberglass bumber. You can easily push the bumper in with you thumb. I was able to adjust those legs to have them push against the bottom of my trunk (metal). I will post another review after using it for awhile. But overall I am very pleased.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh
a Cross Country Rider
from lorain oh Date Reviewed: August 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
vultures west branch
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
great versatility, looks and ease of use. get a 6 or 8 foot cable lock and it locks all the bikes to the rack great customer service has lasted for years
Weaknesses:
when switching fro vechile to vehicle it is just a bit annoying to change the adjustment angle.
Similar Products Used:
thule roof racks all of them
Bottom Line:
prob. the best trunk rack out there and that the bottom line!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Sherman Oaks, CA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Santa Monica mountains
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Strengths:
Beefy, holds 3 bikes easily. Fits well on my A3. Easy to install. Been complimented on the looks.
Weaknesses:
Rack can be removed easily, no built in lock system for bikes on the rack. Potential for scratches on bumper, strap points.
Bottom Line:
When I went to my LBS to look for a bike rack, I had a choice between Saris and Hollywood. I picked up the Saris since it looked a lot more sturdier than the Hollywood bike rack. I also went with the 3 bike rack since I wanted the option to carry more bikes if necessary. I've tested the rack carrying bikes (hardtails and full suspension) in different positions and they've always been held stable. I haven't experienced noise from the straps at high speeds on the highway since my car is a hatchback.
If you plan to leave the bike on the rack for an extended period of time, I'd get a bike lock. It won't stop a thief from removing the bike and rack together from the car, but at least they can't ride away with your bike.
So far, I've been very pleased with the bike rack. As long as you keep your car clean, you'll keep scratches to a minimum. I've only had this for about 3 to 4 months, so I haven't experienced scratches on the bumper yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
