# 1
Saris Solo Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount - Fixed Arms
I bought this carrier for a 2014 Nissan Maxima. The price, recycled plastic and design all appealed to me. I gave it only 3 stars because I learned - too late for my first ride - that the button on the buckle that the cradle straps pass through does not have enough clearance to release the straps. The button makes contact with the frame of the cradle without releasing the straps. On the video there is much more clearance to depress the button than on my unit. When I got home I used a flat head screwdriver inserted into the back of the buckle to pry up the buckle so the strap could slide. Not ideal but better than having the carrier take my bike hostage.
Happy with this product. Super fast delivery. The carrier fit my 2017 VW Altrack and was easy to install. My bike stayed secure through an 11 hour drive There is no way to lock the bike on the carrier so you will need to remove it if you stay at a hotel or camp ground overnight. It’s very easy to remove and reinstall on the carrier. I did need to wrap one of the pedals to keep it from scratching my car. The pedal could also be removed but I found it easier to add protective padding. I definitely will use this carrier again, for local trails and for further trips.
# 2
Saris Bones EX 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
Truly a great product! The bike rack is a huge improvement over the one it replaces. I had lost confidence in it, as it was always loose and sloppy when in use for long distances. The materials are high-quality, with very dense plastic arms, a metal main tube, and strapping that can be pulled quite tight. Overall a very solid piece of equipment. Each bike has three points of attachment, which keeps them very stable. The ratchet mechanism is much easier to manipulate when compared to web straps, which always seem to work loose, but are difficult to work with when removing a bike. The feet, which get placed on the glass and in the license plate well on my Subaru, are flexible and substantial. When placed according to the online fitment guide, I can still use my backup camera, at least when no bikes are on. I can also drop the arms easily when not carry bikes, and storage off of the car will be very easy. For my wife's step-through frame, I acquired the Saris Bike Beam, which makes placement on the arms very easy, and seems to be very stable. These products are clearly well engineered and manufactured. Great customer service and fast shipping from Etrailer combine for a great purchasing experience. I highly recommend this item!
Great product so far! Easy to install and adjust. A little tricky to load 2 large handlebar mountain bikes and a third smaller bike, but we just turned them sideways with the front wheels taken off. We had racks on bikes which were probably the impediment. We got them on though! Love how it folds up easy for quick storage. Works great on 2014 Subaru Outback.
What our customers are saying:
"Loved the hitch 5-bike bike rack. Came quickly and is as advertised."