Photos of trunk mounted bike rack

It seems like a nice rack and fits well on your Prius. I was wondering how a trunk mount would work with the slope of the hatch. It looks okay! Thanks for posting the pictures.

 

Can I ask how is it on the finish of the car? Can it be put on and removed without scratching risk? etc

 

I've collected three bike racks over the years and the ones that mount on the trunk are a pain to deal with. They take time to put on and they can get in the way of opening the trunk. The final bike rack that I got and makes the most sense for me is the trailer hitch design. It takes maybe a minute to install and is the least obstructive when having to open the trunk (or hatch). I haven't gotten 'round to getting a trailer hitch on my Prius yet but it's on my to-do list before the warm weather comes along

 

I use the Saris for three bikes on an S500. It is amazingly easy to put on and stow in the trunk while riding your bikes. It takes me a minute to put on and take off.

I have noticed scuff marks on the trunk lid of the car that do not completely buff out. Keep in mind that I carry three heavy bikes and the car color is black which adds to the issue.

 

Can the Saris Bones 3 handle small kids bikes too, i.e. , a small one with training wheels?

 

Their cartop rack is pretty nice as well, for those of us who can't get by with the trunk or hitch models (I sometimes transport a tandem, which is simply too large). I posted some pictures and information in this thread, if anyone's interested.

 

So I ordered a Saris Bones 3 from Amazon. Amazon has these on sale for $105, I have that prime 'free' shipping subscription with them, so $105 net to me, should be here Wednesday. Got a blue one to match my pri.

Was out shopping for new bike for 9 year old, while there they had a retro looking Schwinn cruiser, good enough for me to cruise around with the youngsters in the neighborhood, parks or greenways near us.... Picked it up as well.

 

I have own that that very same Saris rack and used it on my Honda Civic (pre-Prius ownership) and on my Toyota Camry.

It is a great bike rack. I have had as many as 3 adult bikes on lt.

Yes, I did experience some rubbing on the Civic, but it certainly was no big deal.

It is an easy bike rack to use, easy to store in the vehcile when you are riding, and easy to store for the winter.

I will be trying it soon on the Prius.

 

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...

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.