Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback  

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Expert Reply:

There are many different styles of bike racks that you can use on your 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback, but due to the spoiler that comes on the rear hatch of your vehicle, I would recommend using a roof or hitch mounted bike rack over a trunk mounted bike rack. The rear spoiler on your vehicle was not designed to support any type of weight and it will be forced to support the weight of a bike rack and bikes when you use a trunk mounted bike rack.

Instead, I would recommend looking into a roof mounted bike rack like the Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Bike Rack, # RBC035. This will require you to have a roof rack on your vehicle. If you do not have a any rails on your Sonic, then you can install the Rhino-Rack Roof Rack, # RR32QR. This system gives your a "From the Factory" look for your naked roof.

You could also look into a hitch mounted bike rack like the Swagman Titan 2 Bike Rack, # S63400. Using a hitch mounted bike rack will require you to install a trailer hitch like the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch, # 24878. This is a class I trailer hitch, so you will be limited to carrying 2 bikes at a time.

If you plan on carrying any womens, childrens or alternative bike frames, then I would also recommend picking up the Swagman Easy-Out Adapter Bar, # 64005. Some small or angled frames can be difficult to load on a bike rack and this adapter will allow you to load your bikes safely and easily.

The roof mount and hitch mount options are more expensive than the trunk mount options, but they will eliminate the possibility of damaging your spoiler. Trunk mount bike rack manufacturers do not recommend using trunk mounted bike racks on vehicles with spoilers.

expert reply by: John H

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