After purchasing a "Bell" bicycle rack (the kind that fits on the rear of the car) I got some major issues!
1) The bike almost flew off!
2) It did not hold stable on any turns or hard bumps.
3) It rested on my rear bumper and pretty much DENTED it!
So, where can I buy something to transport my bike around on my tC? Does anyone have any better suggestions, or a bicycle rack that actually works for our cars?

Thank you!

 

I don't think I would try a rear rack on our hatch.

If you want to go the roof rack route:

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...ighlight=saris

 

no roof racks people, please...

 

there are several sites to buy "trailer hitch" type bike racks. you'll need to install a hitch then there are several brands of removable racks that will hold up to five bikes and keep them off the car. if you are going for "not noticeable", this is the way to go. they go from like $80.00 to over $350.00. i've referenced a couple here from yakima but there are many more out there. google.

here's a couple of hitch examples.

 

I don't get some people. If you don't like the roof rack, then don't get it. Personally, half the stuff i see people doing to their cars look ridiculous, but that's why I choose not to do it to mine. Simple as that. Or, I guess some people just like to

Anyway, listen up, *if* you want the usefulness of a roof rack, but don't like the look, then DEFINITELY get the Saris. No joke, you could put the rack on or take it off the car in about 90 seconds flat. The Yakima, I think, would be much much more difficult, so you'd be stuck with it.

BTW, my roof rack is on my car about .5% of the time, but not cause i don't like the look - it's cause I'd rather have my sunroof open while driving.

 

I have the Yakima rack from Scion. Its really nice, very easy to use, and comes on and off with ease. The factory piece is just rails, I use them for skis personally. But the bicycle attachment is relatively inexpensive at most sporting good stores and holds very securely. If it does damage your car in any way you certainly have a warranty-able claim too as it is a Scion Approved Accessory bought from the dealership.

 

dan do you have any pics of yours installed?

 

No, no pics. I am in the middle of moving to a new apartment, but if you remind me after the weekend i will put it on and post some!!

 

Is it safe to put a roof rack on a car with an all glass roof?

 

would scion come out with one if it wasnt?

 

I personally use the Bones rack from Saris. It's around $150 and it works great. I have not experienced denting even when it's fully loaded with 3 bikes over 800 miles. This rack is fully adjustable. I have the pedistal spoiler and it fits over that too.

Just my 2 cents

 

Bones rack it is, please send me a link so I can buy it! Thank you!

 

You can view it at:

www.saris.com

under the rear rack section. The notes say that it will not work with the pedistal spoiler but I purchased thier "hatch hugger" straps (xtra $15, so that the top straps will fit in the hatch glass at the top of the hatch) and it works great. All of the legs and arms on the rack are fully adjustable. You can find this rack at about 85% of local bike shops (save on shipping). Plus If you just want to see how the rack will fit or look on your car, simply go to a local shop that has one and they will show you how the rack will fit and adjust without even having to purchase it. This rack is the most versitle rack on the market and has been for close to 10 years. I've had mine for 8 years and it has fit everything from my 73' Plymouth to my 91 Saturn. Go check it out in person, the site info doesn't give you a real feel for it. You can also choose a 2 or a 3 bike model depending on your needs.

Hope that's enough info.

 

my friend has a rack on his 2 door civic and i know he paid alot of money for his, it also has scratched the crap out of his car and put very small dents in his panels. has anyone else seen this happen on their TC's?

 

Scratches from rack, I think, are mostly caused by not properly cleaning dirt from the pads of the rack before installing on the car. Before I install my rack, I always:

1) Wash down real good any parts of the rack that are going to come in contact with the car.
2) Make sure the parts of car coming in contact with the rack are washed and waxed.
3) Make sure the rack is installed properly so that no dirt can sneak it's way under the pads to scratch your paint.

Dents from racks are probably caused by improper installation, such as overtightening.

 

thanks for answering my questions bro, i appreciate it

 

Sorry to bring back a thread that is a year old...

But I'm concerned about using the saris bones rack...

Are you actually hooking this to the glass of the hatch at the roof?

Isn't that a risk?

Please enlighten me!

Thanks.

 

I just got this bike rack a few days ago and i'm also wondering how other people have theirs hooked up

I did put my upper straps above the hatch glass just to test it out, it seemed pretty secure with the frame behind it but I want to see if there's an easier way

 

I PM'd mjfefe so hopefully he can speak more to the success of the rack...

I notice that Saris sells "hatch huggers", which are special straps that can go in between the top of the hatch.

The thing I'm confused about is I'd assume we need that for our cars, but their fit guide/wizard does not specifically call it out...

Are the default hooks able to hook on the glass?

Are they rubber or something so they wouldn't scratch?

That's my biggest concern I guess...

Do the rubber feet of the rack have to touch the back window, or can you get it on the car itself?

 

yes the default hooks can hook to the top of the glass and they do have a rubber coating, you can adjust the feet so it's not on the glass but it doesn't seem very sturdy that way