Bike rack for car with spoiler?

[SEKTER13]

Recently got a new car (Pontiac G6 sedan). And my old Saris Bones 2 rack won't fit. I'm looking at the Saris Bones RS, the online fit guide claims it will fit, but does it take the small spoiler into account? Basically I'm wondering if anybody has used the Bones RS rack on a car with a rear spoiler and had good results.

http://www.saris.com/p-301-bones-rs.aspx

[Tonestar]

Yakima King Joe will fit over the spoiler, it comes in a 2 or 3 bike version.

[Jeff M]

I don't know about your particular situation (though it seems likely they didn't take the spoiler into account), but personally I wouldn't use that style of rack with either a bike or a car that I cared much about.

IMO, Get a roof rack or a hitch rack.

[Flames]

I had one of the Saris Bones 3 Bike racks for my Cavalier. It ended up putting two small dimples in the trunk lid from carrying no more than 2 bikes, and usually only 1 at a time. Yes, the bumper took most of the load, but it did dimple the trunk over time.

If your going to spend the money, spend the extra few hundy on a hitch or roof mount. You'll never regret it, and they are pretty friendly on your car's body.

[sk8r]

If you go with a hitch, go to Burnaby Hitch -- great place, and way less cost I found when shopping around, they will also help you install your self if your car has the option.

Love roof racks, but way too expensive for me, and not Ferry friendly to the Island with bikes, and I don't tote skis/snow boards or windsurfer on my little car so costed out.

Having said that I have a Swagman Verona/Firenze Rack from Mec (cost $49 a few years back, $73 now) -- and Mec has a great return policy.

It sits one bike angled up over my spoiler, two in a pinch...you can't use the mount nearest the trunk.

I went to Home Depot bought some of that grey foam sleeve stuff for insulting cooper pipes, and padded all the places it might pump into my spoiler or car.

I vikemed (red dip stuff for tools) all the bits that might scratch the paint, like the little hooks (probably not necessary, but I had some around).

And made a little padded velcro sock (I'm patenting this) for my pedal nearest the car, so it won't scratch the spoiler if it sits high.

I marked the tightening clamps so I know exactly where to fold and tighten it (different setting for a car without a spoiler), and it takes minutes to pop on and off -- through it in the trunk, switch cars...and if your friends are going up the hill for a picinc/walk etc. they can give you lift.

My only complaint is there is no lock, so if you leave your bike unattended..., with hitches and roof racks you can get locking clamps.

Ow, and you can't access your trunk with a bike on the back, but I seldom make a Costco run on the way to the hill.

Next car I get I will probably opt for a hidden hitch though, growing family, and the kids's bikes just don't fit on the trunk mount nor roof racks.

Also consider where you park -- some hitches might not fit a garage (to long), same with roof racks (too tall -- remove bike before driving in...) :(

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/CarRacks/4016539s_v1_m56577569830578447.jpg



P.S. Personally I'm dying to see some one with a big ol' downhill bike mounted to his/her Smart Car ;)

[Krusty Rider]

I'd also recommend a hitch for any GM product. I've got a Malibu and a Sunfire and the strap on racks pulled the trunklid on both cars. The Bones RS doesn't look like it will fit anyways with the spoiler unless the sit pads fit under the spoiler. IIRC the G6 spoiler is fairly close to the trunk lid so I don't think the pads will fit under.