Description:From space age design to functional features, this rack has it all. It adapts easily to sedans, hatchbacks, mini vans and sport utility vehicles. It securely holds up to three bikes with individual anti-sway bike hold-downs. Six web straps with vinyl-coated hooks provide unmatched stability. Non-marring thermoplastic rubber foot pads.
Submitted by
kclow
a Weekend Warrior
from Bangkok, Thailand Date Reviewed: July 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very easy and quick to install on car. Took me at most 1-2 minutes.
Very stable when fully loaded with 3 MTBs, at least 40kg in total weight. I drove almost 400km at speeds of 110-120km/h with no problems whatsoever.
More secure than any rear mount bike rackes I have ever used.
Weaknesses:
Plastic locks not very confidence inspiring.
Stickers peeling off. Not that I mind much as they only serve to advertise for the product.
Expensive compared to other rear mounted products, but certainly good value for its strengths.
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bottom Line:
I was initially looking for either the Saris Bones 3, or a roof mounted solution. However the LBS I went to had both the normal bones and the RS. After I tried to install the RS on my car, I was sold immediatedly! Say goodbye to the ugly and often less effective straps in conventional designs. You will not regret the decision!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Redball409
a Weekend Warrior
from Stafford, Va. USA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Revolutions - Staffo
Strengths:
I bought this rack to fit one of three vehicles. One sedan, one hatchback, and 1 SUV. With a little adjustment, this rack fits all of them. Sturdy and stable. Folds up nicely.
Weaknesses:
Product takes a few minutes to understand how strap and lock mechanisms work but the instructions are valuable and once read, set up is no problem. Plastic locks seem cheap. Bottom of rack has hooks to fit under the trunk lid. These appear to be susceptable to marring vehicle if not fitted properly when installing the rack.
Similar Products Used:
Class III hitch racks, inexpensive trunk racks.
Bike Setup:
MTB and Road.
Bottom Line:
Good rack. A little expensive and a little heavy but this rack looks like it will last. Looking forward to using it for many years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a
from Poway, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Quick and easy to install Loading bikes just as easy well built (better be since it has a lifetime warranty which I am not afraid to use)
Weaknesses:
Stickers where coming off when I unpacked it. Curling up like tacos. The locking mechanism is made of plastic. It would take about 5 seconds to cut through it with a hack saw. Should have been made of metal, ideally stainless steel.
Bottom Line:
The bones RS rack is great, much better then the older Bones racks in terms of installing on the car but the same as the older racks when attaching bikes. I just wish they would have made the locks out of metal so that it would take the perp at least a minute to hack through them instead of 10 seconds. Also, Although this is a nit-picky thing, I wish they would have used a better adhesive on the labels so they wouldn't peel off. At this price stickers should not be peeling off. Also, after contacting them for replacement stickers, they said they don't have any and we should check back later (they should at least be able to contact me when they are available).
I give it a 4 chili's on the value rating because of the cheap lock which was a selling point for me. I like the idea of leaving the rack on my car and not having to worry about someone stealing it. But with the plastic lock it would be simple to steal, so I still have to remove it and put it in my trunk during my rides.
I gave it a 4 chili's overall due to weak customer service and cheaping out on stickers.
But in terms of meeting its minimum goal as a bike rack it has exceeded my expectations, simply due to the ease of installation and rigidity once installed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa CA USA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Annadel State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
rackoutfitters.com
Strengths:
Very sturdy and beautifully constructed. Attaches solidly to the vehicle. No flimsy straps. It's a BETTER alternative to permanently mounted roof racks. Looks great too!
Weaknesses:
Heavier than I expected.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima Super Joe 3
Bike Setup:
Road bikes and full-squish mountain bikes
Bottom Line:
I have a Honda Civic and wanted a better solution to carrying my bikes. I have been using the Yakima Super Joe 3 and although it is well made I always worried about not if, but when, my bikes would pop off and go under the wheels of the car behind me. The straps always made it a flexy and temporary solution.
I took a chance and ordered the Saris Bones RS 3 bike trunk mounted carrier. It's not cheap at $260 but when mounted it becomes one with the vehicle. It feels as solid as a permanently mounted roof rack but infinitely more convenient. It is very well made... constructed of steel and thermoplastic. It looks good and even key locks to the car so you don't need to always pop it on and off. It is stiff and doesn't flex so much as a millimeter. The arms are stowable when not in use and there are anti-swing attachments for the bikes. Best of all... NO STRAPS! Just a pair of ratcheted rubber coated steel bands that securely grip the car for a third the cost of a roof system. I give it the highest rating.
$
Overall Rating:
