Photos of trunk mounted bike rack

[SluggoLovesNancy]

The Bones 3 came this week, my quick review.

Easy installation, the dangling cords can be pushed back into the tubes.

The clips for the upper straps come precariously close to the spoiler, I put tape on the underside and on the strap that contacts the spoiler.

Works perfectly with adult bikes. Does not hold kids bikes well, only the outermost slot can be used for a kids bike. With 2 kids, the small bike with training wheels still needs to go into the trunk.

The weight of the bikes seemed to pull the upper legs off the glass while driving. Might try readjusting to stop this bouncing. I have mine adjusted to a perfect arc shape, maybe a slightly more V shape would lend better support.

Overall for me, I'm pretty pleased, I bought during Amazon's sale last weekend for $105. Unfortunately, I see that Amazon's price went back up to $149 over the past week though...

[SantaCruzDad]

I'm curious to know how much the fully loaded bike rack obscures the license plate and rear lights ? I'm in the UK and plan to go on a camping trip in France this summer. In both countries the police are quite strict about visibility of the license plate and rear lights (not to mention the safety aspect of having rear lights and stop lights visible to the traffic behind you !).

I'd be happy to add an electrical connector (as used for towing) and get a strap on lights/license plate attachment but it doesn't seem to be an option here in the UK (for some reason it is an option from Toyota in the Netherlands though - go figure).

Paul

[john1701a]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SantaCruzDad @ Jun 17 2006, 09:02 AM) [snapback]272647[/snapback]</div>

I'm curious to know how much the fully loaded bike rack obscures the license plate and rear lights?[/b]

Big photo here. The side brake lights are almost entirely visible. The back license pretty much disappears.

[McDonald]

I recently purchased the Saris Bones 3, and love it. Pictures can be found at I DRIVE A TOYOTA PRIUS

[Drifting thru]

I have a 2008 package 5. I just got my Bones 3 bike rack. Top straps were good, but I can't get the side straps installed. If I force them in , I am pushing on the light assembly and could scratch the paint on the hatch. Did you have to bend your metal brackets to fit under the hatch? I don't have much experience with bike racks...I just don't want to hurt my Pri. Thanks for any advice!

[rfruth]

Does a road bike fit in the back, front wheel removed (two bikes sans pedals) ?

[GCBloke]

I've a Thule rack that straps onto the back of the Prius; it takes a while to set up, and I have noticed that the bumper is slightly indented where the cushions sit and the weight of the bikes are applied. Any similar experience with the Bones 3?

[McDonald]

I've used the Saris Bones 3 for a couple months, and have had no problem like that. Plus, it takes about 30 seconds (not an exaggeration) to take off or put on, and it stows very small in the trunk. I think it is the bike rack out there for the Prius (at least trunk-wise).

[GCBloke]

Originally Posted by McDonald

I've used the Saris Bones 3 for a couple months, and have had no problem like that. Plus, it takes about 30 seconds (not an exaggeration) to take off or put on, and it stows very small in the trunk. I think it is the bike rack out there for the Prius (at least trunk-wise).

Thanks! It sounds like a good one, and looks a little sharper too.

[edselpdx]

I picked a used Saris Bones 3 up off of Craig's List for $50 and I LOOOOVE it. On and off easily. No scratching. Very solid, no shifting around at all once properly installed. I think it would be challenging to get a toddler bike onto (I had to buy a mounting bar for my women's frame bike, though my daughter's goes on fine). It's very adjustable and fold up when not in use if you don't want to remove it between trips. Of note, Saris officially doesn't recommend using it on the Prius, because the side straps/hooks go on that short bit of glass on the side of the hatch glass. I have had no problems, and most of the weight is on the top and bottom mounts, not the side straps. I've adjusted mine so it the mounts sit on either side of the license plate and on the rear hatch glass, spanning over the spoiler-- so no issues with weight on the plastic bumper cover.