Saris Bones Trunk Rack Review (Why This Top-Selling Bike Rack is So Popular!)

[@Mark-oy1wv]

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.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Well that’s quite an endorsement! Thanks for watching our channel!

[@Ande71]

Best review on this rack I've seen by far 👍👍

[@ranmangolf]

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.

[@alanmorgan1389]

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.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Well thanks for the nice words and taking the time to spread positivity online! We’re glad we could help you!

[@alexgill9853]

This is so much more informative than the videos by Sardis themselves . Thanks for putting it together

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Glad we can help! Good to know we’re doing our job well enough! 😄

[@j8kkb]

Best Video on racks I have seen on here Thank you from the UK

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Ah shucks! Thanks for the shout out!

[@ikbev]

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

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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?

[@raybob49]

I'm with Nigel, below.(also from UK) You couldn't explain the use better, Thank you!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Thanks for taking the time to give us a shout out!!

[@nigelbullock9039]

Hello from the UK. That was an amazingly informative, really well made video that covered all questions i had. Thanks very much.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

We’re so happy it was helpful!

[@MarkAKathurima]

What a brilliant review! Thanks for the detailed walk-through.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MarkAKathurima]

@@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 :)

[@angeloherrera3615]

Great video! I had many questions in my head before watching and all were answered by the end of your video!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you enjoy your rides!

[@TheGarandGuy]

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

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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!

[@TheGarandGuy]

@@Twowheelingtotsbikes Thanks for your response

[@AndreasDrbal]

Fantastic review, thank you!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

So glad it was helpful to you!

[@CJSGMQS]

Your video was super helpful, thank you! It was better than Saris’s video and you explained everything in depth and thoroughly.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Hahaha, that's quite the compliment! Thank you!

[@h1orxrah]

Thank you so much for the great review!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Happy to help!

[@ryandurdella262]

Wow!! Absolutely amazing review!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Thank you for the positive feedback!!

[@andyd2837]

Great video, thank you

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Glad we could be helpful! Thank you for the kudos!

[@vijayrams21]

Hi, Can you please give the specification of the adaptor you are using for kids bike

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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

[@ral72]

Thanks for making a useful and informative video!! Saris should hire you to make their videos!!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Hahaha, that's so nice of you!

[@gorongo4202]

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.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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.

[@zakazm19]

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?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Hey Ali - we recommend checking Saris' rack fit finder for questions about fit.

[@SanguinaryStrife]

Beautiful. Thanks so much

[@D19944]

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?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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!

[@pixiroll]

Very helpful review, thank you! Answered some questions I had!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Always happy to hear! Thanks for the feedback!

[@GeorgeFalconer]

Excellent, very detailed and informative.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

We’re glad we could help!!

[@lynnebruce6186]

Can this rack be used with the rear wiper arm in operation? Thanks

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

No it cannot!

[@nancycosgrove4005]

Very helpful thanks

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

So happy it was helpful to you!

[@MrMars121]

Great review

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@elainenghiem]

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

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Perhaps. It will depend on your bikes and your vehicle. Saris does sell pads for the pedals if you need a buffer.

[@benjithedog]

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.

[@raicebannon1936]

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.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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/

[@misshelbywelby]

What burley adaptor do I need for the priority classic bike to work with the trailer?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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.

[@misshelbywelby]

@@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?

[@bjaymendoza46]

What is the best hatch bike rack for honda odyssey?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

To clarify, you don’t have a hitch, correct?

[@mariaolivasmccargar8747]

That was super helpful!!!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

We're so glad it helped! The right bike rack is life changing!

[@murselincelik4944]

Pedal bagaj kapısını çiziyor mu ?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

That is a potential issue. Many people cover the pedal of the bike closest to the car with foam or a thick fabric.

[@bakerlady611]

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.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Per Saris, they should be perpendicular with the ground (as much as possible considering they are curved).

[@barrymacpherson]

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

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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?

[@raicebannon1936]

Buy a rack that is not made for a trunk like this one.

[@barrymacpherson]

@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

[@MrScarrface13]

Excellent product

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

We agree!

[@barrydavidweckstein5414]

Extremely helpful, Thank you!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Thanks for the great feedback!

[@nghodekar]

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?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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.

[@ronfu3916]

This is a very informative indeed!

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

We’re so glad it was helpful!

[@carlosauxteroiii4684]

Is it safe for the spoiler?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

This rack was made to accommodate for spoilers, but you should check your specific car model with Saris’ fit guide.

[@antonfernando8409]

can I use this on a 2020 honda civic (touring) ? to carry just 1 road bike.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Check their fit guide to be sure! www.saris.com/support/findmyfit

[@devonpeters9458]

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?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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.

[@devonpeters9458]

@@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.

[@raicebannon1936]

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.

[@RahulGupta-zw6mu]

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...

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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!

[@kayepatrick5809]

Where did you purchase the top tube adopter? :)

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

From Saris. But any top tube adaptor from any brand will work.

[@cooperrackley7399]

Would you think this would fit on an Audi Q7?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

It’s best to check the Saris rack fit guide.

[@olliebodman9771]

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

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

The license plate is an issue for a lot of people. Glad that a roof rack is working out for you though!

[@JamesWilson-vf1mf]

Thanks a lot

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Happy to help

[@DublinDapper]

Eh perfect video...thanks

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

We're glad it helped you!

[@aliciawaller8095]

I was very nervous putting my brand new beach cruiser on this rack. kzbin.infoUgkxG6JIgwJhur8_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...

[@clashwithmoi8926]

My main issue with these is, someone can unstrap the whole rack and walk away

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Absolutely true. We don't recommend leaving these on your car and walking away without keeping your car in sight.

[@secordman]

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.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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.

[@raicebannon1936]

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.

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

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.

[@matimumarcusmanganyi0523]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@michaelknibbs8122]

Hey u single?

[@Twowheelingtotsbikes]

Nope. Bummer, right?