Saris Bones 2-Bike Car Rack Review: Trunk-Mount Standard

Saris has been making the Bones trunk rack longer than most e-bikes have existed. The 2-Bike version (4.5 stars across 241 ratings) is the rack most e-bike commuters and weekend riders eventually own — if they don't have a hitch receiver — because trunk-mount is the only viable option for most sedans.

TL;DR

The Saris Bones 2-Bike trunk rack is the right rack for sedan and SUV owners without a hitch receiver. Supports up to 70 lbs total (35 lb per bike, manageable for most e-bikes under 50 lb), made in USA, fits most vehicles via 6 contact-point straps. Heavier hub-drive e-bikes (60+ lb) push the limit; consider a hitch rack instead.

Why It Matters for E-Bike Owners

E-bikes are heavy. A typical mid-drive e-bike is 45-55 lb; budget hub-drive options run 55-65 lb; cargo e-bikes can hit 70+ lb. Most cheap trunk racks list capacity at 35-40 lbs per bike — which means they're rated for two non-electric bikes, not two e-bikes. The Saris Bones is rated up to 35 lb per bike, which translates to: one e-bike comfortably, two if both are mid-drive class 1/2 commuters.

For weekend trail-riding hardtail e-bikes (Trek Powerfly, Specialized Turbo Levo), the Bones works for two. For 60+ lb cargo bikes (Tern GSD, RadWagon), use a single rack or upgrade to hitch-mount.

Key Specs

• Capacity: 35 lb per bike, 70 lb total
• Number of bikes: 2
• Mount: Trunk strap system, 6 contact points
• Compatibility: Most sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs
• Materials: Recyclable injection-molded composite, rust-resistant
• Country of origin: USA (Madison, Wisconsin)
• Weight: ~10 lb

Pros

• Made in USA durability. Saris has been refining this rack for 20+ years; build quality reflects it.
• No metal frame to scratch your car. Composite arms and rubber-coated contact points protect paint.
• Folds compact for storage. Under-bed-tray friendly when not in use.
• Anti-sway cradles. Bikes don't swing into each other on bumps.
• Universal sedan/SUV fit. Works on Civic, Accord, RAV4, CR-V, Outback, etc.

Cons

• 35 lb per bike limit. Heavy e-bikes (60+ lb) exceed the spec. Don't push it.
• Strap installation takes practice. First time, takes 10 minutes; gets faster after.
• Limited to 2 bikes. No third-bike upgrade option (different Saris models for that).
• Trunk straps can wear paint over time if not adjusted carefully on initial install.
• Not for vehicles with rear spoilers. Some sedan spoilers interfere with the upper strap.

Who It's For

• E-bike commuters with sedans/SUVs lacking hitch receivers.
• Couples or families with two e-bikes under 50 lb each.
• Weekend trail riders transporting hardtail e-bikes.
• Skip if you have a hitch receiver (buy a hitch rack instead — much easier on/off and higher capacity), if your bikes are 60+ lb (use single-bike or hitch rack), or if your vehicle has a rear spoiler that interferes.

How To Install

• Position rack so the upper strap goes above the rear window
• Lower strap goes under the trunk
• Two side straps go to the rear quarter panels or hatch corners
• Check that all 6 contact points sit flat against the vehicle
• Tension the straps incrementally, alternating sides for even pressure
• Place bikes with heavier on the inside, lighter on the outside
• Final check: shake the rack with bikes mounted. If anything shifts, retighten

How It Compares

• vs Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike (~$50): Allen is cheaper but lower-quality straps and metal frame; can scratch paint.
• vs Thule Camber 2-Bike (~$200): Thule is premium tier — better build, easier load. Worth the upgrade if you'll use it weekly.
• vs hitch-mount Yakima Tilt-Hitch (~$200): Hitch is a different category — needs receiver. Easier load, higher capacity.
• vs Saris Bones 3-Bike ($170): 3-bike version for families with three e-bikes. More capacity, higher price.

Bottom Line

The Saris Bones 2-Bike is the right trunk rack for sedan owners with two e-bikes under 50 lb each. Made-in-USA durability, vehicle-safe contact points, well-engineered for the use case. Not for super-heavy cargo e-bikes — those need hitch racks. For typical commuter and trail e-bikes, this rack does the job for years.

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