Choosing Between Saris Bones # SA805 and Thule Gateway # TH88VR on 2014 Chevy Malibu

Question:

What is your opinion on a 2 bike rack for 2014 Malibu? I have been looking at Thule Gateway XT 2-Bike Rack and Saris. Do you have a preference of one over the other?

asked by: Joyce C

Expert Reply:

If I personally had to choose between the two, I'd go with the Thule # TH88VR Gateway. I actually prefer the looks of the # SA805BL Saris Bones, but I don't care for the way that the weight of the bikes and the rack rest on feet that small. Spreading the weight over a larger area like the Archway does lessens the chances that the vehicle will be damaged, and makes the whole unit more stable. Both rack manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty, so you really can't go wrong either way.

When you're using a trunk mounted bike rack, it's very important that you make sure the surfaces of the rack and vehicle that will touch each other are perfectly clean and free of grit. Be sure to remove the rack when not in use, not to overload the weight capacity of the rack and to follow the install instructions.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance.

expert reply by: Mike L