Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2011 Chevy Malibu

Question:

I have a Saris Bones 3 Model #801. The trunk on my new 2011 Malibu is so airtight that I can’t get the lower and side straps hooks into the trunk hinge line. It doesn’t work even if I put the straps inside the trunk. Can you recommend a rack that will work with the 2011 Malibu?

asked by: Stan

Expert Reply:

I checked out your Bones rack online, and the trunk lip hooks look to be similar to the hooks on all of the trunk mounted racks that we carry, so I imagine you would have trouble with any trunk mounted rack. I checked with Yakima, and the technical representative there said there should not be a problem, so it is most likely an issue with your individual vehicle, and not the rack.

The Thule Helium Aero Aluminum 2 Bike Carrier, # TH9042PRO, that you referred to would be a great choice for your Malibu and the Curt Trailer Hitch, # C12051, would work well with this rack. An advantage to having a hitch mounted bike rack is that you will still have access to the trunk and will not have to worry about damage to the vehicle finish.

expert reply by: Robert G