advice on bike racks????

[solorider]

Hi all-
I'm new to this site, but my first perusal of it makes me think this is one of the best resources i've seen yet for women and cycling.

I am looking to start driving out to further destinations to cycle and take my bike on vacation with me this summer and will need to get a bike rack- as I can't fit my bike in my trunk with the rest of the luggage.

I drive a VW passat, (no hitch...) and it seems like I could either get a roof rack installed, or buy a trunk rack-

anyone have any experience with either, or any advice on what to buy?

the roof racks seem like they'd be a pain to get the bike up there....but the trunk racks worry me as I'm not so sure they are as sturdy and wonder if they'll damage the car?

thanks for the help!

[Zen]

The various bike shops who provided support for my Habitat ride used Saris, they look nice although I have no personal experience.
http://www.orsracksdirect.com/saris-...ack-3-801.html

[DarcyInOregon]

I own Saris, two of them, one for the mud car and one for the fancy sedan. The racks have not damaged the cars. They hold the bike(s) tightly with no problems. I've carried more than one bike when going to bike events with a bike buddy. They are good with all carbon or partly carbon bikes. I've gone on the interstate with two bikes at 65-70 mph, and no problems. The bikes can be loaded and unloaded quickly. I've used the Saris trunk racks for over a year, consistently, about 4-6 days per week.

The cost is $150 to $200.

Darcy

[Thorn]

Trunk racks have come a long way in the last 10 years. Very stable. We also own a Saris trunk rack. No problems at high speed. Never had a slippage problem (an older rack did). Freeway with winds. No damage to the finish.

I'd recommend it (and not just 'cause they're made in Wisconsin, either )

[Tuckervill]

When I had a New Beetle I had a hitch put on just so I could carry a rack. They make hitches for the Passat, too. (I used etrailer.com to find my hitch.)

The Beetle couldn't use a trunk rack because of the slope, and I couldn't reach the top of the car, so a hitch was my best option. However, with a trunk rack, you're not able to get in the trunk just any old time. I'm sure your car has split fold down rear seats that give access to the trunk, but that seem inconvenient.

Karen

[Tri Girl]

I haver a Saris Bones, and I like it. I put a sock over the part that sits on the trunk top so it won't damage the paint (stole that idea from a BMW that had a bike rack on the trunk). I like it. We've taken our bikes on thousand mile road trips and have had no problems. When the wind is gusty, the bikes move around a little on the back (they sway a little on the highway, but we lock them on with a long bike lock so they're on there tight).
The way the Saris sits, you can have access to the trunk at all times. I keep mine on there all the time- just makes the trunk heavier (and be careful or you'll hit your head with the rack when lowering the trunk lid if you forget it's on there ).
Roof racks are too tall for me, and I refuse to carry a footstool to get my bike down (far too much trouble). Trailer hitch just wasn't a consideration either. The trunk rack works great for us!