Saris Bones Trunk Rack Review (Why This Top-Selling Bike Rack is So Popular!)
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- The Saris Bones has been not only Saris's top selling TRUNK rack, but it's top selling bike rack for years.
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This bike trunk rack review will show you seven things you need to know about the Bones.
0:20 Saris Bones Vs Saris Bones EX
0:49 Mounting System
1:34 Loading Bikes
3:30 Top Tube Adaptors
4:49 Car Compatability
5:48 Easy to Fold BUT No Rear Car Access
6:36 Bottom Line
The Saris Bones vs Saris Bones EX
Saris recently added the Saris Bones EX to its line-up. Both the original Bones and the newer Bones EX are available in 2 or 3 bike capacity.
The Saris Bones is a trunk rack. This means that it attaches to your vehicle via a strap system, rather than with a hitch receiver. Trunk racks are designed to mount to vehicles that don’t have a hitch.
To tightly secure the Saris Bones to your vehicle, three sets of straps anchor the rack in place. These straps originate from the center cylinder of the rack and hook to upper, lower, and side panel gaps on your vehicle. The hooks are coated in vinyl to protect your vehicle from damage.
The Saris Bones is a hanging rack, as are almost all trunk racks.
Each bike also has a third cradle and ratcheting strap that goes around the seat post of your bike.
All hanging racks are more difficult to load than platform racks in part because the bikes are spaced more closely to one another. While our favorite Saris platform hitch rack, the Superclamp EX-4, has about 9 inches between each bike, the Saris Bones EX-3 has only 6.5 inches between bikes.
The Saris Bones mounting arms are arced, instead of being perfectly straight and perpendicular to your vehicle like many other hanging racks. The arc allows the mounted bikes to have staggered heights, which results in less handlebar/saddle interference.
We were easily able to load up several different configurations of bikes (including three mountain bikes!) very quickly, with minimal re-positioning. The Bones was significantly easier to load than other hanging racks we’ve tested.
Like most hanging racks, the Saris Bones can pretty easily accommodate 20″ kids bikes to adult bikes, and even some 16” kids bikes.
It is always easier to hang bikes with flat top tubes. Unfortunately, most women’s and kids bikes have slanting top tubes and may need a top tube adapter to mimic a flat top tube.
Saris’ top tube adapter is called a Bike Beam, although an adapter from any brand will work.
As an FYI, you can carry some bikes with sloping top tubes without a Bike Beam. Doing so just causes the bikes to be angled very awkwardly on the rack.
Trunk rack compatibility can be tricky. With hitch racks, if you have the right-size hitch, pretty much any hitch rack will fit your car. This is not the case with trunk racks.
Because the mounting arms of the rack rest on the bumper, trunk, windows, etc, the shape of your car will affect compatibility. Rear spoilers and car panel gap placement can also be problematic.
While the original Bones models may certainly fit your car, the newer Saris Bones EX (shown throughout this review) was designed to fit 20% more vehicles than the original.
Whether you’re interested in the original Bones or think you need the more versatile Bones EX, you 100% need to check compatibility with your specific vehicle before purchase.
Trunk racks are at a disadvantage to hitch racks because you cannot open your trunk or hatch while the rack is installed. Many hitch racks can tilt away from the hatch or trunk.
The rack arms on the Saris Bones have a unique mechanism for folding down. You un-tighten the large black plastic screw on the arm, slide the arm to the center of the silver cylinder, and fold it down. You then slide it back to the side and re-tighten the screw. Each arm moves independently of the others.
Be aware that the Bones and Bones EX do NOT lock to your car in any way. As a result, the rack could easily be stolen if your car is parked outside.
Reviewer: Carrie Wren
Videography & Production: Fressia Eames
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Another option for the top tube adaptor is to get a PVC pipe, cut it to the length of the desired tube, and run 1 inch webbing with through it, and ratchet down on the seat post and just below the handle bars. Cheap, easy, and you may already have those parts laying around your house.
What a brilliant review - informative, clear and concise - thank you for taking the time for this vid which is a great example of how reviews should be put together.
Well thanks for the nice words and taking the time to spread positivity online! We’re glad we could help you!
I’ve been using a Saris rack for 20 years and it’s great. Doesn’t scratch the paint of your car if used correctly and it’s so easy to use. I recommend their racks.
Well that’s quite an endorsement! Thanks for watching our channel!
What a brilliant review! Thanks for the detailed walk-through.
Glad it was helpful!
@@Twowheelingtotsbikes very helpful. I picked up a Bones 3 yesterday. I installed it easilt...I will put it through its paces this weekend with a couple fo bikes :)
Hello from the UK. That was an amazingly informative, really well made video that covered all questions i had. Thanks very much.
We’re so happy it was helpful!
Very helpful review, thank you! Answered some questions I had!
Always happy to hear! Thanks for the feedback!
This is so much more informative than the videos by Sardis themselves . Thanks for putting it together
Glad we can help! Good to know we’re doing our job well enough! 😄
Wow!! Absolutely amazing review!
Thank you for the positive feedback!!
Great video! I had many questions in my head before watching and all were answered by the end of your video!
Glad it was helpful! Hope you enjoy your rides!
Thank you so much for the great review!
Happy to help!
Best Video on racks I have seen on here Thank you from the UK
Ah shucks! Thanks for the shout out!
Your video was super helpful, thank you! It was better than Saris’s video and you explained everything in depth and thoroughly.
Hahaha, that's quite the compliment! Thank you!
Excellent, very detailed and informative.
We’re glad we could help!!
Extremely helpful, Thank you!
Thanks for the great feedback!
Beautiful. Thanks so much
Fantastic review, thank you!
So glad it was helpful to you!
This was a thorough review.
We’re glad you liked it!
This is a very informative indeed!
We’re so glad it was helpful!
Very helpful thanks
So happy it was helpful to you!
I'm with Nigel, below.(also from UK) You couldn't explain the use better, Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to give us a shout out!!
Great review
Thanks for the positive feedback!
Thanks for making a useful and informative video!! Saris should hire you to make their videos!!
Hahaha, that's so nice of you!
That was super helpful!!!
We're so glad it helped! The right bike rack is life changing!
Excellent product
We agree!
Thanks a lot
Happy to help
Hey, thanks for the thorough review! When you're loading your bike, do you need to secure your front wheel from moving/ hitting other bikes/ your car or does it not move as much? My old bike rack with sedan had that issue, but had extra straps to secure the front wheels
Perhaps. It will depend on your bikes and your vehicle. Saris does sell pads for the pedals if you need a buffer.
Eh perfect video...thanks
We're glad it helped you!
thank you for very informative video. I tried to see if my 2018 range rover sport fits, doesn't show up on their website but looking a this video i don't see why it wouldn't. wont be able to use the rear wiper though
The rear wiper is a problem for everyone… So you definitely have to weigh that issue. Have you tried contacting customer service to verify your car model?
Nice and very informative video!! Just bought the Saris Bones 2 and was a little confused about arranging the bikes. You should be the official Saris reviewer! :o)
I know it's just my fear since I am using the trunk rack for the first time.. but do they ever break or bikes fall off them on? Am planning a camping trip soon. I do make sure that everything is well tied...
We’re so glad this helped! Thanks for your kind words.
We can understand your concerns! Although we’ve read about bikes falling off, it’s never happened to us. Also, the Saris Bones has been around for decades, so you should feel better knowing many many people have safely used this rack for many years!
Thanks for the review. Is this the best bicycle trunk rack? We also have an SUV w/o hitch, so trying to avoid expense of adding a hitch.
Add a hitch. Your bikes will not bang around on the back of your window and tailgate door scratching your vehicle and also scratching your bikes. I would only use this type of hitch on a vehicle with a trunk.
Hey Benjamin!
Yes, it's our favorite trunk rack that we've tested so far, and has been incredibly popular for many many years.
That said, if you can afford to add a hitch receiver to your car, we highly recommend it for several reasons:
1. Hitch racks have many more options to choose from - from hanging racks to platform racks
2. Hitch racks sit farther away from your vehicle and the bikes can't swing far enough to potentially hit your vehicle.
3. There is no contact with the rack and your vehicle, so the rack itself can't potentially scratch the car
4. Putting a hitch rack securely on your car is faster and easier (although heavier)
If you're interested in checking out hitch racks, we've tested a bunch of those and you can see our findings here:
www.twowheelingtots.com/best-bike-car-racks-for-families/
Hi there. Great review. At 4:43 you said bikes with sloping top tubes causes them to hang at an angle but at 6:25 you say that the arms move independently and I assume can therefore be angled differently on the splines to allow a sloped top tube bike to sit flat? Or would this not work? Many thanks
Ah, that's a great question, but unfortunately you can't do that. :-( The arms need to be parallel to the ground. We tried what you suggest and it doesn't work. Sorry!
@@Twowheelingtotsbikes Thanks for your response
Good review. Need to mention that weight is a critical consideration for a bike rack. Hitch racks are overbuilt and ridiculously heavy. The Bones is senior or strength challenged friendly. Also remember to wipe the rubber pads and contact surfaces on the car during install. Your auto detailer will thank you. Happy riding.
Important point! We keep our hitch racks on our cars most of the time because they are heavy and not convenient to take on and off… also harder to store because they are larger.
Will this fit nicely on a Lexus NX 300h and not block lights or number plate? Any suggestions please for this vehicle other than installation of a tow-bar or roof-rack?
Hey Ali - we recommend checking Saris' rack fit finder for questions about fit.
Hi, is it not illegal in the UK (and presumably anywhere else) to cover the rear lights and number plates with bikes as shown in this video?
We don't know about the UK, but in the US the laws vary by state. In general, you're ok as long as you're carrying bikes.
What burley adaptor do I need for the priority classic bike to work with the trailer?
We have never attached a trailer hitch to a Priority because of the internally geared hub. I would suggest contacting Priority’s customer service for an official answer.
@@Twowheelingtotsbikes oh hmm :/ is it not possible? Any idea what kind of axle it is? Is it a through axle? Also can you recommend another bike that would work with burley dlite x?
Can this rack be used with the rear wiper arm in operation? Thanks
No it cannot!
Hi, Can you please give the specification of the adaptor you are using for kids bike
This is the Yakima top tube adapter www.amazon.com/Yakima-TubeTop-Hitch-Mounted-Bike/dp/B00066YTGO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=yakima+top+tube+adapter&qid=1611088573&sr=8-6&linkCode=sl1&tag=aperpla-20&linkId=ee09d35538cc3d2f157dca65a0e92858&language=en_US
I'm confused on how to angle the bike arms. I've read to angle a bit more than horizontally but it seems some reviewers keep them horizontal.
Per Saris, they should be perpendicular with the ground (as much as possible considering they are curved).
How best to ensure it doesn't fall off? So nervous about causing callamtiy?
Do you drive slow also?
What about best rack for mercedes e class?
You can check Saris' website to verify vehicle compatibility. Trunk racks are quite popular and all brands attach basically the same way. As long as you have the rack and bikes securely attached, you should be fine! Although as with any bike rack, you should probably drive a bit more cautiously than usual with that extra load on the back!
can I use this on a 2020 honda civic (touring) ? to carry just 1 road bike.
Check their fit guide to be sure!
www.saris.com/support/findmyfit
What is the best hatch bike rack for honda odyssey?
To clarify, you don’t have a hitch, correct?
Bought one
Fit it, realised it wasn’t for us took it back same day
Would t fit 3 adult bikes on not enough room, plus couldn’t see registration/ license plate or lights properly which is illegal in uk 🇬🇧 so have opted for roof cycle rack
The license plate is an issue for a lot of people. Glad that a roof rack is working out for you though!
Would you think this would fit on an Audi Q7?
It’s best to check the Saris rack fit guide.
What can be done regarding the lights and number plate being unreadable when this has bikes on it in have a ford kuga (escape) and it hides them so I'll get a ticket if I use the rack
It depends on what state you live in. For example, in Texas the law against "obstructing" the license plate specifically states that it is not meant to include bicycle racks. (So using a rack doesn't violate that law.) Have you asked about the specific transportation code in your state?
Buy a rack that is not made for a trunk like this one.
@Two Wheeling Tots yeah I live in Scotland and bought this rack, and like in the video it obstructed the plate only slightly but it’s not allowed here so I had to return the rack. I’d have had to buy a light board etc which isn’t worth the hassle so I’m hoping to get a roof rack in the future
I would eventually like to add a hitch to my sedan, but it’s pretty expensive initially. I’m looking at this to use while I save up.
My biggest concern is it causing damage to finish on the car, especially where it attaches. Have you noticed this at all? Any “long-term” updates to the effects it has on your paint or connection points?
The hooks are vinyl coated for this reason. The rubber feet do have potential to scratch the paint if you don't clean them off before setting them on the car - dirt particles, etc could end up scratching the paint. On my car, the feet sat on the window and against my license plate, so it's not a problem. This is an issue with basically ALL trunk racks though.
@@Twowheelingtotsbikes for sure. That makes sense. I appreciate the feedback and am hoping this one may be the least damaging given the reputation and cost. I’ve found a used one for $50 that I think I’ll buy for the interim while I save for the hitch. Good to know it hasn’t cause any damage for you! Thanks again for the review.
Please buy a rack made for you vehicle, not a trunk mount unit. A hitch mounted rack is much easier to work with, more secure, wont damage your car and wont fly off driving over a windy bridge.
Where did you purchase the top tube adopter? :)
From Saris. But any top tube adaptor from any brand will work.
I was very nervous putting my brand new beach cruiser on this rack. czcams.com/users/postUgkxG6JIgwJhur8_Rg8UeQ3EmePzi_wSncL8 But after reading many reviews I decided to get this one and take a chance. When arrived it was very simple to adjust and put together. I also added spike tape over the metal hooks before securing and tightening the straps, and no scratches. I also purchased the top bar made by the same company so that my cruiser sits straight on the rack without having to turn upside down. Extra bungee cords are used to secure the front wheel from flapping and even piece of mind knowing your bike is secure. Definitely recommend...
Pedal bagaj kapısını çiziyor mu ?
That is a potential issue. Many people cover the pedal of the bike closest to the car with foam or a thick fabric.
Is it safe for the spoiler?
This rack was made to accommodate for spoilers, but you should check your specific car model with Saris’ fit guide.
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
No good for my SUV, it blocks the rear wiper. Need to install a hitch. The Bones 2 was great for my car, very secure, no pedals in spokes etc. Good product, just not compatible with many SUVs.
Did the "Find My Fit" tool say that it fit with your SUV? You can't use the rear wiper with any car when this rack is installed.
My main issue with these is, someone can unstrap the whole rack and walk away
Absolutely true. We don't recommend leaving these on your car and walking away without keeping your car in sight.
This is a trunk rack. As you know your vehicle does not have a trunk. Saris and others make better racks for SUVs. You should consider getting a rack that mounts to your hitch. It is easier to install every time. It keeps your bikes away from your cars paint job and windows, and you can open your back door and window. Be careful on windy days with that set up. Remember if your bike flies off while driving, Saris is not going to pay the damage to another driver's vehicle.
Some trunk racks are also designed to fit on SUVs, vans, hatchbacks, etc... all vehicles without traditional trunks.
For people who do not want to pay to add a hitch receiver to their car, this rack is the perfect alternative. Additionally, some larger cars that don't have "trunks", like many vans, don't even have a way to add a hitch receiver.
Although we definitely agree that hitch car racks are better, not everyone has a hitch receiver or can afford to add one.
Size of her house 🏠.
Hahahaha
Huge
Hey u single?
Nope. Bummer, right?