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Saris Bones EX 3-Bike

Name: Saris Bones EX 3-Bike
Brand: Saris
Price: 259.99 USD

Iconic arc-based trunk rack — simple, recyclable, made in USA

Last reviewed: August 2026

bike_racktrunk_strapScore: 91/100

Premium trunk rack for 3 bikes. Ratcheting straps, sturdy construction.

Manufacturer Price$259.99

Check Price on Amazon

Price may vary. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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At a glance

Quick Specs

Max Bikes3

E-Bike CompatibleNo

Max Bike Weight35 lbs

Total Weight Capacity35 lbs

Why this product

Why the Saris Bones EX 3-Bike?

The iconic trunk rack — no hitch required, 11 lbs, carries three bikes with ratcheting straps. Made in USA, recyclable materials. At 35 lbs per bike, it handles standard lightweight bikes only. The trade-offs are frame contact (not carbon-safe), no locks, and the strap attachment that can scratch paint if you are not careful. I sold hundreds of these as starter racks. If you do not have a hitch and want to start carrying bikes this weekend, this is the most proven trunk rack on the market.

Detailed specs

Full Specifications

Max Bikes	3
E-Bike Compatible	No
Max Bike Weight	35 lbs
Total Weight Capacity	35 lbs

Tilt Away	No
Folds Flat	No
Carbon Frame Safe	No
Lock Bikes to Rack	No
Lock Rack to Vehicle	No
E-Bike Ramp Included	No
Integrated Cable Lock	No
Rack Weight	11 lbs
Installation Difficulty	Basic Tools

Anti-Sway Cradles	Yes
Folds When Not in Use	Yes
Material	Steel
Noise Rating	Silent

Best prices

Where to Buy

Retailer	Price	Status
Amazon US	Check price	Check availability	Check Price

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Performance analysis

Insights for Saris Bones EX 3-Bike

How It Compares

vs. average in bike_rack

Score Breakdown

Category Position

Price vs. score for all bike_rack

Fitment

Vehicle Compatibility

Ford

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Bronco(6th Gen)	2021+	good

Honda

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
CR-V(5th Gen)	2017–2022	good
CR-V(6th Gen)	2023+	good

Hyundai

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Tucson(4th Gen (NX4))	2022+	good

Jeep

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Wrangler(JL)	2018+	good
Grand Cherokee(WL)	2022+	good

Kia

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Telluride(1st Gen)	2020+	good

Lexus

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
GX(3rd Gen (GX550))	2024+	good

Mazda

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
CX-5(2017+ (KF))	2017+	good
CX-50(1st Gen)	2023+	good

Nissan

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Rogue(3rd Gen (T33))	2021+	good

Rivian

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
R1S(1st Gen)	2022+	good

Subaru

Model	Years	Fit
Forester(5th Gen (SK))	2019–2024	good
Forester(6th Gen)	2025+	good
Outback(6th Gen)	2020+	good

Tesla

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Model Y(1st Gen)	2020+	good

Toyota

Model	Years	Fit
RAV4(6th Gen)	2025+	good
RAV4(5th Gen (XA50))	2019–2024	good
4Runner(5th Gen (N280))	2010–2024	good
4Runner(6th Gen)	2025+	good

Volkswagen

Model	Years	Fit	Requirements
Atlas(1st Gen)	2018+	good
ID.4(1st Gen)	2021+	good

Community feedback

What Users Say

Amazon

4.1/5

Based on 1760 reviews

77% positive16% negative

Customers find the bike rack to be of good quality, easy to install, and sturdy, with one customer noting it works particularly well with BMW i3 vehicles. The fit and security receive mixed feedback - while some say it fits Honda Fits well and secures bikes effectively, others report it doesn't work with certain vehicles and the straps don't remain secure. Durability is a concern, with multiple customers reporting that the bike straps break easily. Value for money opinions are divided, with some considering it worth the price while others say it's not worth the investment.

Common praises

“Quality (150)”
“Installation (117)”
“Functionality (83)”
“Sturdiness (76)”

Common complaints

“Fit (82)”
“Secure fit (70)”
“Value for money (53)”

“Good rack for our hitch-less CRV: Purchase Most of the “Best Bike Racks” articles online point to hitch racks. But this one is great for SUVs without one. Smaller kids bikes don’t fit perfectly on there but I made it work. Fortunately, my kids are upgrading to bigger bikes soon so it will be a non-issue.”

· Read

“Who would’ve thought!: Purchase This is a fantastic bike rack first off, secondly, an unanticipated perk is that it saved my hatch when I was rear ended. The bones took quite a hit and there is no visible damage to the bike rack itself. My bumper and lower hatch was severely dented.”

· Read

“Who would’ve thought!: Purchase This is a fantastic bike rack first off, secondly, an unanticipated perk is that it saved my hatch when I was rear ended. The bones took quite a hit and there is no visible damage to the bike rack itself. My bumper and lower hatch was severely dented.”

· Read

“Questionable material and build quality: Purchase New out of box and one of the bike frame attachment point tensioner was already broken. The assembly is held to the strap with a very flimsy flared tube. Pretty bummed to have one strap failed immediately. The box did have a QA checked flyer.”

· Read

6 owner comments

6 owner comments across 2 discussions on r/MTB, r/civic. Most discussed: installation (2), vehicle and hitch (2), fit and clearance (1).

Most discussed

installation (2)
vehicle and hitch (2)
fit and clearance (1)
weight and capacity (1)

“Just bought a Saris Bones EX 3 bike rack for a 2017 Toyota Prius. This is what the bike shop recommended for 3 bikes on my particular vehicle with the use of hatch huggers of course.”

u/lorelatte, 6y ago · Read

“The negative with not using hitch mount or top mount is that your bike rack and straps will be touching the car. This can lead to wear and/or scratching on the paint.”

u/Conscious-Bison-120, 2y ago · Read

“I have the bones 2 and it sucks for full sus. I had to mount my bike on the rear shock to get it to fit”

u/OccasionalActivities, 6y ago · Read

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New to Bike Racks? Read the 5 Types of Bike Racks Explained: Your Comprehensive Guide

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike uses adjustable straps to attach to most sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs — no hitch needed. It is one of the most universal mounting options out there. Check our compatibility checker above and read our trunk mount guide for fit tips.

Honestly, I would not recommend trunk racks for e-bikes. E-bikes typically weigh 45–65 lbs each, and trunk-mount racks are designed for lighter standard bikes. The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike supports up to its rated capacity. For e-bikes, upgrade to a hitch rack — see our bike rack types guide.

Trunk racks are the easiest to set up — that is why they are so popular with first-timers. The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike uses adjustable straps and hooks. You can have it on your car in about 5–10 minutes, no tools needed. I tell every beginner to start here. See our trunk mount guide for tips.

I will be honest — trunk racks have the highest damage risk because straps and hooks touch your paint directly. The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike uses padded contact points, but clean your trunk surface first and check the pads regularly. Read our guide on preventing rack damage for must-know protection tips.

The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike retails at $249.99. Trunk racks are the most budget-friendly category, which is why they are great as a starting point. Start here, upgrade later when you know what you need. See our bike rack pricing breakdown for comparisons.

The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike does not include a lock, and trunk racks are the easiest type to remove. I strongly recommend a cable lock through the bike frames and around the rack. Some customers also use a strap lock. See our trunk mount guide for security tips.

This is the biggest trunk rack tradeoff. With the Saris Bones EX 3-Bike mounted, you cannot open your trunk or hatch. You need to remove the rack first, which takes a few minutes. Plan your cargo loading before you strap the rack on. See our trunk mount guide for workarounds.

Answered by our expert team, MyCargoRacks

Disclosure: MyCargoRacks.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Saris Bones EX 3-Bike

Quick Specs

Why the Saris Bones EX 3-Bike?

Full Specifications

Dealbreaker Specs

Important Specs

Nice to Know

Technical Details

Additional Specs

Where to Buy