Is the Saris Bones still the best rack?

[Dr Bob]

As per the title really, I did have a towbar mounted Thule jobby, but since changing cars I need something that will hold the bikes securely so as not to damage either car they may be mounted on (Jaguar S-Type or Ford Focus).

Also, has anyone actually loaded one with 3 bikes - is it as good as claimed?

Thanks, CH

[anonymous-user]

best Racks eh? i'm a big fan of Gemma Atkinson myself....

but the Saris Bones is excellent and does a far better job of transporting bikes on the car...

[esuuv]

I have the two bike version - goes on my MINI just great - did a couple of thousand miles to South of france and back in June with it with no problems at all..............

[Dr Bob]

Good to hear, the Jag's new enough (to me) to be really paranoid about being gouged by a poorly secured pedal, and my wife'll kill me if I scratch her focus to transport MY bike!

CH

[deckster]

Can't fault mine although you do need to check it fits OK. It was fine on the Fiat Coupe and the RX300, but for some reason just doesn't sit right on either the XC90 or RX8.

[John D9395]

I have an S Type, and use a Thule roof bar set up that holds 4 bikes.

The good - you can get in the boot with the bikes on the roof.

The bad - On a recent trip to France, the mpg dropped from 36mpg to 25mpg.

I would assume having the bikes hanging over the boot or on a tow bar would not effect the mpg so much, but would increase the risk of a ding or scratch on the boot.

[Chris71]

I presume you're carrying a lot of people or luggage, but if not, have you thought about putting the bikes in the car? No need to errect a rack (ooh err), doesn't have to be messy if you put an old sheet down and it won't affect the economy or the dynamics.

[John D9395]

I have on one occasion had my bike in the back of the S Type with the rear seats down, seat off, and front wheel off. I think at a push with the bike in the right position, you might be able to use the single rear seat.

[Dr Bob]

Yes, because I'd have the family in, in the car is a no-no. I hadn't thought about roof bars... I think I told my wife you couldn't get them for the S Type (I'd be scared about the drop in fuel economy too!)... the main idea behind the saris rack was that it'll fit either car, so it gives us a bit more option about which car to take. Thanks for the feedback guys, CH