M135i & Saris Solo bike rack

[Robberto]

I’ve recently got into biking for the first time since I was a lad. When I got the bike I managed to just get it into the car with the front wheel off but I don’t want to be loading it in after a ride and potentially muddying/scratching anything in the car. Since I’m not sure how much and how often I’ll be using it I don’t want to blow a wedge of cash at the moment so was thinking of one of these in the short term to see how much I need/use it.

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-racks/bike-r...

My concern really is around the spoiler on the car. Could I damage it by having the strapping running over it? Or am I worrying about nothing? Anyone have one of these or similar?

[MarkJS]

I wouldn't want anything with straps attached to the car/rubbing on the paintwork - plus the feet of the Saris resting on the bodywork as per your link.

I've tried all different ways to transport my bike and I'm afraid the only effective way is to spend some money - get some Thule bars and a bike carrier. If you decide biking isn't for you, you'll get a fair chunk of your money back selling the kit on. Don't get me wrong, I dislike seeing the bars on the car, but they are quick to remove/re-install after the first time.

I have also had a Seasucker which was great but still a compromise (in comparison to bars) and I actually sold that for more than I paid for it.

[MarkM2]

Seasucker is good. Saris will scratch your car to hell - I even put some thick socks around the 'feet' of the unit and without even driving the car off the drive, it'd scratched up a little (car was black mind you).

Solid units mind you for the money, and had 3 mtbs years ago on the back of an M135 - no wobble at all, just a buff-fest when I got back from centerparcs