Saris Bones 2 vs Saris Sentinel 2 for Honda Civic 2011 or 2012

Question:

Considering only trunk mounted racks: Ive looked at much of the information on this site and going through the vehicle or I find that Im recommended Thule, Hollywood and a few others for my Honda Civic 11 or 12 vehicles - none of which are Saris models - that caught my eye. Im looking for lower to mid-priced for good quality. I would use the rack only 5-10 times a year, so not expecting heavy use. Two questions: 1. Trying to understand the advantages of the Bones 2 over the Guardian 2 and if either will work with both the Honda Civic 2011 or 12. 2. What would you recommend as your in the final analysis between the Saris either of the two models Ive noted vs those recommended via the vehicle selection options from your site? Thanks very much for your assistance.

asked by: BJ

Expert Reply:

The Saris Bones bike rack part # SA805BL that you referenced is the top of the line trunk mounted bike rack that Saris makes. The Saris Guardian part # SAR93FR that you referenced is the economical option that Saris offers. Either would work very well and are confirmed to fit your vehicles, but the Bones offers a little more flexibility in how it can mount and is designed to fit better on vehicles with spoilers.

The arms of the Bones are adjustable and can let you set them so that your bikes will sit level while transporting and have anti-sway cradles that will help prevent contact between your bikes, whereas the Guardian they are fixed which means there is a chance your bikes would be transported with the rack at an angle.

I believe either of these racks would work well for you, but that you would be happier with the Bones in the long run.

When compared to other trunk mounted racks these racks fit in very well with the other brand's racks.

If you plan on carrying any women's or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Adapter bar # 64005 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.