Recommended Trunk Mounted Bike Rack for 2011 Ford Fiesta Hatchback

Question:

I just bought the 2011 Ford Fiesta. Which bike rack will work for my car? I would like to avoid roof racks because they are expensive and I live in an area of Jersey that a roof rack would not last 1 night without it walking. So I need something easy to install and uninstall. Thanks!

asked by: Ivan B

Expert Reply:

Since you are concerned about leaving a rack in place on the vehicle when it is not being used, I highly recommend the Thule OutWay, part # TH45JV. The rubber coated straps of the OutWay allow the rack to be installed or removed in a matter of seconds. The rack is lockable, to secure it to the vehicle and it also locks the bikes to the rack to help to deter theft.

The Yakima HangOut # Y02638 is also a quality rack. The rack uses 6 adjustable straps to attach to the vehicle, rather than the ratcheting system used by the Thule Raceway. This means that installing and removing the rack is a more involved and time consuming process. The HangOut will not lock to the vehicle nor does it include a cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack.

To carry women's bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # TH982XT is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike has greater ground clearance and is not carried at an angle.

expert reply by: Mike L