Best Trunk Bike Rack for 2014 Audi Q5 with Spoiler

Question:

These are very basic questions since I never owned a hatchback car before. It appears that the Over the top HRF2 and HRF2-3 are your recommended bike racks for my 2014 Audi Q5 - correct? Any other choices? I am not interested in installing a trailer hitch When I attach either the Over the top HRF2 or HRF2-3 to the back of the hatch and remove the bikes, can I still open the hatch with the bike rack still in place? assuming I fold down the extension arm Will the answer depend on which type of connection I make over the top... to the side-rail or under the spoiler with the rollers? thanks, Bill

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

For your 2014 Audi Q5, there are a few options for a trunk mounted bike rack. As you mentioned, Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top Rack comes with either a 2-bike, # HRF2, or a 3-bike option, # HRF2-3. Both of these racks have adjustable arms that can be folded down against your vehicle and the rack can be folded flat when removed for storage. As a general rule, you cannot access the cargo area with a trunk mounted rack, but I contacted the manufacturer to double-check. They confirmed that with this rack you would unfortunately have to remove the rack to access your cargo area.

I would also recommend with a trunk rack the Thule Passive Security Strap # TH533 to secure the rack to your locked hatch and a cable lock like # e98891 to secure the bikes to the rack.

You may also want to consider a Frame Adapter, # HRBA-PRO, for step through frames or alternative frames without a straight top frame rail. The adapter attaches below the handle bars and under the seat to create a top rail. This will allow for a more secure and level transport on a hanging bike frame.

expert reply by: Jason S