Review on Saris Bones 805 2 Bike Trunk by Ian Bates

This bike rack is well designed and I particularly like how the straps go through the hollow center so when the straps are tightened opposing forces are used to secure the rack to the car. This rack also received excellent reviews across the board, but after experimenting with fitting it to my car (Toyota Matrix 2010) it didn't work for me. With 5 moving legs, 6 straps and poor instructions that kept me wondering if it would fit properly in my car, I found it very difficult to work in practice. Except that it was terribly finicky. Fit, special problems: polyester straps stretch, become too long and flap; 6 metal hooks to attach the belts to the car. The side straps were particularly difficult to attach at the correct angle; all hooks also seem ready for stripping, especially if/when straps are lost mid-ride; 6 metal buckles (which worked well and were easy to adjust) but needed to be adjusted/balanced relative to each other to avoid hitting or scratching bodywork or rear window; cheap plastic threaded fittings to adjust the landing angle of each of the 3 moveable legs and 2 handles. After the trunk was adjusted to the size of the car and there was no rubbing or rattling, I also realized that the trunk couldn't be secured to the car and the bikes couldn't actually be mounted on a luggage rack. The thought of having to attach and detach this rack to the car every time I use it, and the thought of not being able to secure the bikes while riding (remember stopping at a restaurant after a ride) seemed like something to me to tip the scales. I decided to send it back and bought another brand that has the same basic concept but uses braided cable instead of poly (no stretch); adjustable with lockable elbows (no dangling plastic or metal fasteners) and features an integrated bike lock.