What is the Best Trunk Mount Bike Rack for a 2012 Chevrolet Volt  

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The best trunk mount bike rack for a 2012 Chevrolet Volt is the Thule OutWay bike racks because they provide features and conveniences that their competition doesn't offer all in one package. The OutWay comes in a 2 bike version, # TH45JV, and a 3 bike version, # TH56BV.

As far as fit is concerned, all of the trunk mount bike rack options that fit your Volt will mount in almost the same fashion. What sets the Raceway Pro apart is that is uses 2 retractable coated metal cables rather than the 6 nylon straps that most bike racks use which will last longer and have less contact with the vehicle reducing the potential for damage from over-tightening. The retractable hub also keeps the excess straps from blowing around in the wind or requiring you to get creative on how to tie up the excess straps.

You can step down slightly in price and still get an excellent product in the Yakima FullBack Bike Rack, # Y02634. The main feature that this bike rack is lacking compared to the Raceway Pro is the retractable metal cables. This bike rack uses 4 nylon straps. You still get all of the great featuers such as the anti-sway cradles, independently adjustable arms and padded cradles. This bike rack also weighs roughly 4-5 pounds more than the Raceway Pro due to the fact that the FullBack is made of steel and the Raceway Pro is made of gas-injected molded nylon which is stronger than your typical plastic or polyurethane types of materials.

I've attached video reviews of the Raceway Pro and the FullBack for you to check out and compare.

If you plan on carrying any womens or childrens bikes, then I would also recommend the Thule Adapter Bar, # TH982XT, to carry the bikes safely. You may also want the Softride Soft Velcro Tie Down, # SR18679 to secure your bike wheels to the bike frame to keep them from hitting the back of your vehicle while driving.

expert reply by: John H

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