Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2009 Pontiac Vibe  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I checked with Thule and the Gateway Pro 2 Trunk Mounted Bike Carrier # TH88VR that you referenced is confirmed to fit your 2009 Pontiac Vibe. I have linked you to a demonstration video featuring the Gateway bike rack.

The best way to prevent theft of a trunk mounted bike rack is to have it installed only when you are transporting bikes and then remove it when you are parked and are away from your vehicle. Any time an accessory like a bike rack is in direct contact with a painted portion of the vehicle, the potential for scratching the finish can exist. This risk can be minimized to a large degree by ensuring that the portions of the rack and vehicle that touch each other are perfectly clean and free of grit.

Although the Gateway is fairly easy to install, the Thule OutWay, part # TH45JV would be much easier to install and remove. The OutWay uses only 2 rubber coated straps to install to the vehicle, instead of the 6 straps used by other racks. It also includes locks for both the rack and the bikes. The locks will indeed deter theft, but keep in mind a determined thief can defeat just about any lock.

To completely remove the risk of scratching, installing a receiver hitch and using a hitch mounted bike rack would be your best bet. For a hitch I would recommend the Curt Hitch # 12228 if you do not have a GT Vibe or a Curt Hitch # 12221 if you do have a GT model. I attached installation instructions for both hitches for you to examine.

For a bike rack I attached a link to all of the different racks that would work for you. Check out the Thule Helium Aero Pro Aluminum 2 Bike Carrier # TH9042PRO, which has a locking hitch pin as well as a locking cable that secures the bikes to the rack to help deter theft. I attached a review video for this rack also.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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