Choosing the right bike rack for your hatchback can be trickier than it seems. Many cyclists opt for the convenience of a Hatchback Bike Rack, but it’s essential to ensure a good fit for both your car and your bikes. One popular option, the Saris Bones 2 bike rack, promises ease of use and versatility. However, real-world experiences can reveal potential drawbacks, especially when it comes to specific car models. This review dives into a user’s experience with the Saris Bones 2 on a Mazda 3 hatchback, highlighting the pros and cons and offering insights for hatchback owners considering this rack.
When it comes to transporting bikes with a hatchback car, a trunk-mounted rack like the Saris Bones 2 is often seen as a budget-friendly and easily storable solution. These racks utilize straps to secure themselves to the trunk or rear door of the vehicle. The appeal lies in their simplicity – no need for a hitch or roof rack system. However, the universal design of some hatchback bike racks can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with certain car models, as one user discovered.
The user decided to try the Saris Bones 2 for transporting two bikes on their 2011 Mazda 3 hatchback for a long road trip. While the rack did function and successfully carried the bikes over an 8-hour drive each way, it wasn’t without its concerns. The primary issue arose from the rack’s design and its interaction with the Mazda 3’s specific features, namely the spoiler and bumper.
Saris Bones 2 bike rack installed on a Mazda 3 hatchback, highlighting the top straps and potential spoiler pressure.
The top straps of the Saris Bones 2, designed to secure the rack to the upper part of the hatchback door, exerted pressure directly onto the car’s spoiler. Although no immediate damage occurred during this trip, the user expressed concern about the long-term effects of this pressure. For hatchback cars with more delicate or protruding spoilers, this could be a significant risk factor to consider before choosing this type of rack. It’s a crucial point for potential buyers to assess: will the straps of a hatchback bike rack put undue stress on vulnerable parts of their vehicle?
Furthermore, an unexpected issue surfaced with the lower part of the rack. The weight of the rack and bikes combined put enough pressure on the plastic bumper to cause denting. This was an unanticipated consequence and a clear indication of a less-than-ideal fit for the Mazda 3 hatchback.
Close-up of Saris Bones 2 hatchback bike rack straps and potential pressure points on the Mazda 3 spoiler.
While the user acknowledged they could “live with” the bumper dent, it solidified the Saris Bones 2 as a less-than-perfect, and certainly not a permanent, solution for their Mazda 3. This experience underscores the importance of considering not just the general compatibility of a hatchback bike rack, but the specific contours and materials of your car’s rear door and bumper.
Image showing the dented plastic bumper of the Mazda 3 caused by the Saris Bones 2 hatchback bike rack pressure.
However, it’s not all negative. Assessing the Saris Bones 2 as a standalone bike rack, independent of the Mazda 3 fit issues, the user found it to be “pretty good.” It worked well with a standard hybrid bike right out of the box. For carrying two hybrid bikes, it seemed capable without needing extra adjustments, aside from basic Velcro straps to stabilize the front tires – a common practice with many bike racks to prevent wheel spin during transport.
Bike compatibility is another important aspect of hatchback bike racks. For bikes with step-through frames, like many women’s bikes or some mountain bikes, an adapter bar is typically needed. This top tube adapter creates a horizontal bar for the rack to secure onto. The user utilized such an adapter for a mountain bike and found it functional, though not perfectly ideal. The adapter altered the bike’s position on the rack, preventing the most secure and intended fit, but still providing adequate support. This highlights a common compromise with trunk-mounted racks and non-standard bike frames.
Key Takeaways for Hatchback Bike Rack Buyers:
- Car Compatibility is Crucial: Don’t assume universal fit. Research user reviews specific to your car model and hatchback bike rack combination. Pay close attention to potential spoiler and bumper contact.
- Spoiler Sensitivity: If your hatchback has a spoiler, especially a prominent or delicate one, carefully evaluate how a trunk rack’s straps will interact with it. Consider alternatives if there’s a risk of pressure or damage.
- Bumper Material: Be mindful of plastic bumpers. Even well-distributed weight from a bike rack can cause dents or impressions on softer materials over time.
- Bike Frame Type: Factor in the types of bikes you’ll be carrying. Step-through frames will likely require a top tube adapter, which can slightly alter the bike’s positioning and stability on the rack.
- Consider Alternatives: If you anticipate frequent bike transport or are concerned about car damage, explore other bike rack options like hitch-mounted racks (if your car is compatible) or roof racks.
Conclusion:
The Saris Bones 2 hatchback bike rack can be a viable option for cyclists looking for a trunk-mounted solution, particularly for standard frame bikes. However, this user’s experience with a Mazda 3 hatchback serves as a cautionary tale. Hatchback owners must meticulously check for car compatibility, paying close attention to spoilers and bumper materials. While the Saris Bones 2 may work in a pinch, a thorough assessment of your car and biking needs is essential to determine if it’s the right long-term solution or if exploring alternative hatchback bike rack styles would be more suitable.
