Re: SARIS Solo single bike car rack Quote:
Originally Posted by SCORPION Anyway, one day I happened to pass by the Firefox showroom in Coimbatore. (Just buy Cycles are the dealers) and saw the SARIS bike rack there. It was a bit expensive at over Rs.4140 for a single bike carrier. I have only one bike but I wasnt ready to spend so much. Still, I wanted to try it out and told them to give me a demo on my car, which they willingly did. They even put one of their cycles on it and asked me to take a test drive since I wasnt very convinced about the mountings. It was only held in place by straps and rubber mountings.
Later I asked them if they had a cheaper option. They said they would order a BnB twin bike rack. This was slightly cheaper and I thought why not 2 for the price of one if I do end up with 2 bikes some time? So I waited.
As soon as the piece arrived at the showroom, they called me and I went there promptly. Now this one was much more complicted than the SARIS one. It was quite heavy and I felt it was too cumbersome to fix. It would never fit into the boot either, just in case I need to put it into the boot. Somehow, it felt too heavy and with two bikes, I felt it would put too much load on the boot lid. |
I picked up the twin bike rack (without cradle) from Firefox. Like you said I wasn't convinced about how secure it is until they demonstrated it on my car.
The Saris one was also available, but bought the other model since it gave more clearance between the bike and car body. At Rs 3810, it was slightly cheaper than the Saris single bike model.
It looks like too much of work setting it up and fixing the straps, but once the Firefox guys set it up for me, it is very easy to fix and remove. It goes into my Fabia boot too without a problem.
I used it for a test drive of about 70 kms today and it held up well even in bad roads and speeds up to 80kmph.
It looks and feels a bit flimsy compared to roof mounted / Thule models, but is a cheaper and more convenient option.
A few pix to explain the fixture:
This is the carrier. It is fixed to the vehicle with the help of six straps. Two each at the top and side of side of hatch and two more to the tow hook at the bottom.
These soft rubber mounts remain fixed to the glass and provide cushioning.
The bike is placed onto the two handles and tied with the loose end of straps. Both wheels are also tied to prevent rotation
The bike remains well clear of the vehicle preventing any damage to either bike or car.
The two handles slant upward preventing bike from shifting back. The handles are well padded.
The entire bike carrier can go into the boot without dismantling
The carrier can take max 45 kg weight. Although it is sold as a two bike carrier, I doubt if it can carry more than one since no cradle is provided and separating the two bikes seem impossible. |