Quality 'strap-on' bike rack

[BGarside]

Since changing my car I can't use my old tow bar bike rack any more and a new tow bar seems to cost about £250 (and usually involves hacking the rear bumper), so was just wondering if I could get a decent quality bike rack to attach to the back of the car, which is a BMW E36 coupe rather than a hatchback.

I've borrowed some cheap strap-on racks before but don't have much confidence in some of them with the stretchy, flimsy webbing straps and reliance on frictions between sponge pads and the car body to prevent laterla movement. I did use a rack with strip steel straps a couple of years ago though which was rock solid.

Can anyone recommend a solid, quality rack that will take 2 bikes?

[Composite Guru]

I have a Saris Bones, its pretty easy to fit and rigid once its been tightend.

[Jorrocks]

I have a Saris Gran Fondo. Reaally neat, stable design.

http://www.saris.com/product/gran-fondo

[ukbabz]

I've got a Thule BackPac, after a mate upgraded his car and didnt need it.

Quite bulky and a fiddly to get adjusted first time. But keeps the bike secure and fits solidly the tailgate

[BGarside]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look at those racks later when I'm at home.

[tjdixon911]

I'd recommend the Saris Bones too, I think Thule do a similar one now also. I've sold mine now and gone for the tow bar option on my new car.

I protected contact points to paint with a bit of Clear Chip Protection tape to avoid damage to the body work. Where it rested on the window (Hatchback) it has scratched the glass so imagine it would have done the same to the paint.

[BGarside]

I borrowed a tailgate rack a few years ago for a trip to Scotland and that removed paint where the strap hooks fitted around the tailgate. I think I'd use gaffer tape if fitting a 'strap-on' rack again...