Good Bike Rack Needed to Carry 2 Expensive Bikes with a 2015 Audi A3
Question:
Hi I have a 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet and need a really good bike rack. I read that you recommended at Saris Bones trunk mount to others with the same car. Is it sturdy? Will it rub and leave marks on the paint? Also are there any locks you recommend? I have expensive bikes road and mountain and need to lock them. Thank you for your help.
asked by: Kelli M
Expert Reply:
The Saris Bones bike racks, like part # SA805BL, are confirmed to fit your 2015 Audi A3 and are decent bike racks if you are looking for something affordable. If you are wanting a really good bike rack for expensive bikes then I recommend installing a trailer hitch on your newer 2015 Audi A3 and using a hitch mount bike rack to avoid bike rack to vehicle contact, plus most of the hitch mount bike racks have more to offer.
If you were to go with the Saris Bones then you would likely need an adapter bar like part # SA3040 to keep your bikes level and then you would need a cable lock like part # SA981 along with a security strap like part # TH533 to deter theft. It shouldn't leave any marks on your vehicle, but if some debris like a rock got wedged between the foot and your vehicle then it would scratch it.
For a hitch mount bike rack I recommend installing the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11399 and then using either the Doubletrack # TH92BJ which secures the bikes by their frame or the Sherpa # SH12B which secures the bikes by their wheels. Both of these options are very popular, have received great reviews, comes with integrate bike and rack locks, plus they allow you to access your trunk with the bikes and rack still installed on your vehicle. Please note that a stabilizer strap like part # 18050 must be used with a bike rack to comply with the Curt warranty for the trailer hitch.
I have attached some review videos for each of the bike racks mentioned above for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Saris Bike Beam Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 19 - 25 Inch Long
- Saris
more information >
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Thule Passive Security Strap for Trunk Mounted Bike Carriers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Straps
- Thule
more information >
Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- Does Not Fit Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Saris
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Recommendation for 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring
- Q&A: 2023 Toyota Venza Trailer Hitches C89UR And e25AR - What Is The Difference?
- Q&A: 2024 Lexus ES 350 Trunk Mount Bike Rack Recommendation
- Q&A: Can the Trunk Be Opened with the Saris Bones 2 Bike Carrier Part # SA805BL Installed
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack and Cargo Basket for a 2022 Dodge Durango w/ a Naked Roof
- Q&A: What 2-Bike Trunk Rack do You Recommend for My 2022 BMW M550i Sedan?
- Q&A: Middle Strap Location for Saris Bones Trunk Mount Rack on 2018 Nissan Leaf
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Article: How to Choose a Bike Rack for an SUV or Crossover
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes