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@EEI
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Any car owners fancy some sort of comparison between different bicycle carrier systems?
I've just change the car. My previous one had a roof railing. The new one has nothing, so I've decided to get a rear mounted rack.
I knew straight away that I need one of those high mounted ones or something different and sturdy.
There were few options like Halfords' own high mounted one, few from Saris and Thule one which unfortunately required and extra reg plate holder and lights (I have had no time to fit either tow bar or a socket).
I needed something which
The last point were very important. I often stay overnight in hotels in Germany or Belgium and would prefer to leave the rack assembled. Now, most of the ones secured by straps can be taken off the car without the need to open the boot and someone could steal it at night. Also, it would be nice to have access to the suitcases on the back on every stop.
I narrowed it down to either Saris Bones 2 or 3 (rather 3 - I don't need to transport so many bikes, but it has two top legs instead of one). They're fine and solid, but not lockable and you can't run the rear wiper!
Then I looked at the more expensive Saris RS. Nice but bit pricey. To be honest, I'm making so many thousands miles a year across Europe that it almost looked like a bargain (well, not really).
The thing is so easy to fit on. It took me maybe 5 minutes to adjust everything and chuck the bike on top. There are no straps - just a couple of rubberised steel belts with ratchets.
Needs some width adjustments and something to immobilise the wheels.