Trunk Bike Rack Recommendation For The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan  

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Expert Reply:

I spoke with Thule and the Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms only fits the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon. Usually this has something to do with the foot placement of the trunk bike rack. However, your vehicle is compatible with the Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms, part # TH88VR. This trunk rack has three points of contact when carrying your bikes. It secures the bikes via the top tube and it has an anti-sway cradle that secures the bike via the seat tube. It has six straps to attach the bike rack to your vehicle. It also will have a specific fit for your vehicle. You will find that information in the instructions and make the adjustments with the FitDial. Even though you will get extra flexibility with the dual arms of this bike rack, you still may have bikes that do not fit without an adapter.

The Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes, part # 64005, will attach to your bike between the seat tube and the handlebar stem to create a "faux" top tube. In this case, you will carry the bike by this tube.

I do have a couple of hints to keep your trunk rack, or bikes, from damaging the finish of your vehicle while transporting bikes. The first thing you should do is make sure your vehicle, and the pads of the trunk rack, are clean whenever you mount the rack. You also want to make sure that you remove the rack from the vehicle after its use, that way you will not get any dirt underneath the pads. The last thing I would do is to put something around the innermost bike to keep it from damaging your vehicle, in the case the bikes swing during transport. The anti-sway cradles will help but you can never be to careful.

I have included product descriptions and video reviews below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

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