Hey Cyclists...

[chasem]

So I've started riding a bicycle more for exercise. Well, I did when it was warm, and I want to be able to do so more often when it warms up a bit more. In order to do so, I need to be able to transport my bike with my little Cavalier, which has a small spoiler on the trunk.

My question is, might any of you know of a decent bicycle trunk rack for a decent price? (Read: anything that will get the job done without putting stress on the spoiler, for as little change as possible).

I've looked around a bit, and everything I've seen that looks like it will accommodate a spoiler is in the $75+ range. Anything lower than that?

[cavscout]

You might try target or Walmart. I bought my first rack there for a less than $75 I think.

or

http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?c...%20Car%20Racks

or

Performance bikes but I didn't see any cheaper than Nashbar

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_id=4412

[JackK]

I'd go with a good(ish) receiver type trailer hitch rack, they are much more stable. If you can get at least a class 2 hitch installed, if not then I think I would find a decend roof rack. I've never been very keen on the strap-on truck mounts, just never wanted to hear the sound of my bike flopping on the highway.

Jack

[Chef]

I'd go with a good(ish) receiver type trailer hitch rack, they are much more stable. If you can get at least a class 2 hitch installed, if not then I think I would find a decend roof rack. I've never been very keen on the strap-on truck mounts, just never wanted to hear the sound of my bike flopping on the highway.

Jack

I'd agree here, but if you don't expect to do any towing nor carry more than a couple of bikes you can go with a 1 1/4" receiver. The hitch will be much less expensive (it's not as heavy duty) and it is still more than strong enough for a bike rack.

If you don't want to go the hitch method, then I second the roof rack. I just don't like trunk racks, plus you can't use the trunk easily.

[Kilted_John]

A Yakima roof rack is what I'd go with. The straps can foul up the alignment of the trunk lid, especially if they are made out of a fairly thick metal.

-J

[Raphael]

Given the $75 Budget, I would look at something used. I was never a big fan of trunk mount until two years ago. I got a good one from Serais. It was a pretty good one. Like most peolpe have mentioned, you loose access to your trunk, but you can always store your gear inside the car.

One caution on the hitch mount carrier: make sure the tire is out of the way of the tail pipe.

[cavscout]

Yep, the budget is the determining factor, given what we know.

on a small car, I'd opt for a roof rack as well but it will quickly exceed a few hundred dollars depending on whether your car already has a luggage rack on top or not and how you want to mount the bike (wheel on or off).

I used a trunk rack for several years and it worked fine on a car with a spoiler. It was a huge pain though when I did need to get to the trunk. For small items I was able to access the trunk through the back seat so I could work around some issues.

The next car I bought, I specifically bought because it had a roof rack that I could mount Yakima Raptor rails to. This rig allows me to put the bike on the roof without taking the front wheel off and holds it very securely.

The catch to this method is that Yakima will only approve of no more than 2 rails on a manufacturers rack. If you plan to put more than 2 bikes on the roof, you have to invest in their towers and cross bars to mount the raptor rails to. Brand new this rig could cost you well over $400 bucks.

Depending on your car, putting a trailer hitch on could be a lot of expense and the only thing you could ever do with it is carry bikes. You could kill a small car by expecting to haul a trailer that is too heavy just because you "have a hitch".

While not the best, for light recreational purposes, a trunk rack is definitely the most economical.

[SoldierSpike]

I'll bite the bullet and ask the inevitable question:
Do you bike kilted?
If so, how?

Marc

[ccga3359]

I agree with cavscout. For my kayak I went with a roof rack (yakima) and managed to spend $800. I went the less expensive route and had to drill holes in my roof for the landing shoes (I now have four 4"x1" plastic lumps on my roof) otherwise it would have cost an additional $150 for roof extenders I have a two door). But my rack is installed in seconds, rock solid and can carry two kayaks at 60 mph no problems. Another alternative from Yakima and I believe Thule is a hitch mounted bike rack if you have a hitch receiver installed. More solid than a trunk mounted and holds the bikes a little further away from the paint.

[chasem]

haha no, I sure don't. There have, however, been other members here who have mentioned doing so.