Anyone have a Saris Bones?

[singletrackmind]

We have a Bones as well and liked it well for the Volkswagen Jetta. It dented the 65 Volvo 544 (rounded back end, kind of like a VW bug). It does NOT fit my 4 runner high enough to clear the hitch rack. All that said, it's a much nicer rack than the generic one we had previous, and we've had 3 bikes on it multiple times without a problem.

If you do get it make sure to watch for the tire getting too close to the exhaust as that tailpipe and its issuance is quite hot.

A hitch rack is nice to have if that's an option.

[SJCzar]

I also have a Saris Bones 3 rack. I used it on my Mini, as that was the only rear rack I could find that would fit on it. It worked great. It never slipped around, like the rack I had on a previous vehicle.

Since I liked the Bones so much, I ended up putting a Saris roof rack on my Civic. I love that one as well.

[RoseC]

A hitch rack is nice to have if that's an option.

Unfortunately my van doesn't have a hitch. I understand you can get after market ones welded on, but I think it's more than I'd be willing to spend, especially on a ten year old vehicle with relatively high milage.

I do think I'll consider bike friendliness with my next vehicle, though I hope that day is a long way off!

Well...I e-mailed the seller. I'd like this to work out, but there are more racks int the sea. So to speak. Maybe I'll trek up to Tacoma and locate the REI or Performance there if I don't find a rack otherwise.

[thewump]

I have had the two bike version for years. What I like the most about it is that you can adjust it to fit a number of vehicles and also adjust it to store compactly when you're not using it. It's also solidly built. This way, I was able to send the rack down as luggage during a supported ride and then used it on a rented car back to the starting point.

It's secure on long car rides, but in my experience you have to double knot the straps in place to make sure there isn't any slippage. I guess that's the only problem I can think of.

[singletrackmind]

Unfortunately my van doesn't have a hitch. I understand you can get after market ones welded on, but I think it's more than I'd be willing to spend, especially on a ten year old vehicle with relatively high milage.

There are several aftermarket hitches (draw-tite, hidden hitch, perhaps reese) that bolt on using pre-existing holes, no drilling, no welding and since you're not towing, no wiring. Still, if you don't have a hitch already it's a bit of a spendy way to go so I see your point.

Hope the bones deal works out for you, it's a nice rack.

[RoseC]

Well, I bought it! Picked it up tonight. Now I have to figure out how to get the thing mounted! I'll work on that tomorrow. Once it's done, it'll make life soooo much easier!

The woman I bought it from was super nice, too - told me about some websites to check for other Tacoma/Olympia area rides and events.

Another exciting chapter in my cycling life - for me, anyhow!