# Hatchback Rack **URL:** \ **Category:** Help\ **Created:** [August 11, 2013, 4:00pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311 "2013-08-11T16:00:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/pdmeyer/32/450_2.png) [@pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/u/pdmeyer)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 4:00pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/1 "2013-08-11T16:00:08Z")
Looking for advice for getting a rack for a hatchback car. Quick search online shows I can get something that straps onto the back of the car. Not looking for anything really fancy, and would most likely hold just one bike at a time. Have found this on ebay. Anyone had experience with something similar? Anything that I should be aware of when looking for a rack? Thanks for the help in advance guys. [NEW Bicycle Carrier Rack FOR CAR Carries TWO Bike | eBay](http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Bicycle-Carrier-Rack-for-Car-Carries-Two-Bike-/390391265451?pt=AU_Cycling_New_&hash=item5ae521f8ab&_uhb=1) ---
**Author:** ![heavymetal](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/heavymetal/32/69_2.png) [@heavymetal](https://fixed.org.au/u/heavymetal)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 4:13pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/2 "2013-08-11T16:13:34Z")
I bought one from the LBS for about $100. Holds three bikes, I’ve only used it with two but it works damn well. Have had my bike on the back for 450kms with no dramas, and have used it on a suzuki swift and a subaru forrester wagon. Don’t know the brand, but all of those racks are pretty similar. NB: just looked at that ebay one, and the only difference to mine is that mine has individual little rubber hook/loop things to hold the bikes onto the rack. I always use a couple of extra occy straps to be on the safe side… ---
**Author:** ![pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/pdmeyer/32/450_2.png) [@pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/u/pdmeyer)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 4:20pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/3 "2013-08-11T16:20:02Z")
Thanks for the tip on the straps. Was thinking that I would get a couple of these just in case. Not too fussed on having the nubs for individual bikes as I’m looking to keep the price down. But that is good food for thought. Cheers. ---
**Author:** ![spirito](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/spirito/32/260_2.png) [@spirito](https://fixed.org.au/u/spirito)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 4:37pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/4 "2013-08-11T16:37:09Z")
Saris Bones ---
**Author:** ![heavymetal](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/heavymetal/32/69_2.png) [@heavymetal](https://fixed.org.au/u/heavymetal)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 4:49pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/5 "2013-08-11T16:49:43Z")
> [@pdmeyer](#): > > I’m looking to keep the price down. no compatible with > [@spirito](#): > > Saris Bones ---
**Author:** ![swuzzlebubble](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/swuzzlebubble/32/3766_2.png) [@swuzzlebubble](https://fixed.org.au/u/swuzzlebubble)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 5:13pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/6 "2013-08-11T17:13:41Z")
Use extra protection wherever the frame contacts the rack. I had some rags tied on after some early scratching. These racks can go for next to nothing used, as I found when selling ours. Other tips are Always put stuff in the boot before you tie the bike down. Leave the tension straps attached when not in use so you just have to clip on and tighten up. Make sure the device that holds the arms at correct angle is fully enganged before every trip. Remove any holders for extra bikes you don’t need before you damage your frame on them. ---
**Author:** ![DaFROG](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/dafrog/32/37_2.png) [@DaFROG](https://fixed.org.au/u/DaFROG)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 5:29pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/7 "2013-08-11T17:29:36Z")
have used similar super cheap and nasty version, worked fine even with heavy arse all mountain/DH MTB and mates lighter MTB strapped to it. not much more to add, just make sure it is secured against upwards forces as well when fitting in case you hit any bumps ---
**Author:** ![pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/pdmeyer/32/450_2.png) [@pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/u/pdmeyer)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 5:36pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/8 "2013-08-11T17:36:01Z")
This is awesome. Thanks for the tips and keep them coming. Knowing my luck I would have complete bumbled it on the first installation. Cheers all. ---
**Author:** ![HLC](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/hlc/32/551_2.png) [@HLC](https://fixed.org.au/u/HLC)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 8:12pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/9 "2013-08-11T20:12:33Z")
Any objection to a roof rack system?? Have looked at these for my golf, but a it worried about the compatibility with the roof spoiler thing, so am looking at roof rack options instead. A little more expensive, but seemingly more versatile in the long run. ---
**Author:** ![pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/pdmeyer/32/450_2.png) [@pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/u/pdmeyer)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 8:19pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/10 "2013-08-11T20:19:04Z")
Wouldn’t be opposed to a roof rack, but probably going to get rid of my car in the next year. Also I can place it on the misses car as well, if need to be. ---
**Author:** ![heavymetal](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/heavymetal/32/69_2.png) [@heavymetal](https://fixed.org.au/u/heavymetal)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 8:21pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/11 "2013-08-11T20:21:05Z")
Hatch racks are fine, especially if you only use them once in a while. If I was driving to the mountains with an mtb every week i’d consider roofracks tho… ---
**Author:** ![pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/pdmeyer/32/450_2.png) [@pdmeyer](https://fixed.org.au/u/pdmeyer)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 8:26pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/12 "2013-08-11T20:26:40Z")
Probs won’t need to be heavy duty but as I’ve been finding out the bike numbers have been increasing over time so that might be a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![swuzzlebubble](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/swuzzlebubble/32/3766_2.png) [@swuzzlebubble](https://fixed.org.au/u/swuzzlebubble)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 8:28pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/13 "2013-08-11T20:28:37Z")
You would need a roof holder fairly far forward on the roof or the hatch could contact the tail of the alloy extrusion. I had to cut mine shorter for our wagon. The front was fixed so could not slide fwd and the actual roof racks were as for fwd as they could go given the spacing of roof rails. ---
**Author:** ![spirito](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/spirito/32/260_2.png) [@spirito](https://fixed.org.au/u/spirito)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 8:34pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/14 "2013-08-11T20:34:57Z")
I didn’t think mine was expensive - paid less than $200 about 10 years ago and i think they’re cheaper now. What it is is an excellent design, well made and very versatile - have used it with a 4wd/station wagon, coupe, hatchback sedan etc and have never felt worried about my bikes or car damage. And from time to time used one’s pop up on eBay. ---
**Author:** ![snowflake](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/snowflake/32/3245_2.png) [@snowflake](https://fixed.org.au/u/snowflake)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 8:50pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/15 "2013-08-11T20:50:11Z")
> [@swuzzlebubble](#): > > You would need a roof holder fairly far forward on the roof or the hatch could contact the tail of the alloy extrusion. > I had to cut mine shorter for our wagon. > The front was fixed so could not slide fwd and the actual roof racks were as for fwd as they could go given the spacing of roof rails. I just put mine on ‘back to front’ to clear the tailgate. ---
**Author:** ![snowflake](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/snowflake/32/3245_2.png) [@snowflake](https://fixed.org.au/u/snowflake)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 8:50pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/16 "2013-08-11T20:50:39Z")
> [@heavymetal](#): > > Hatch racks are fine, especially if you only use them once in a while. If I was driving to the mountains with an mtb every week i’d consider roofracks tho… Especially if the bikes are going to get filthy. ---
**Author:** ![PiledHigher](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/piledhigher/32/50_2.png) [@PiledHigher](https://fixed.org.au/u/PiledHigher)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 9:41pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/17 "2013-08-11T21:41:28Z")
> [@swuzzlebubble](#): > > You would need a roof holder fairly far forward on the roof or the hatch could contact the tail of the alloy extrusion. > I had to cut mine shorter for our wagon. > The front was fixed so could not slide fwd and the actual roof racks were as for fwd as they could go given the spacing of roof rails. The mounting pins for the roof rack will be forward making cutting the bike racks usually a non issue. I caved 2 years and finally got roof racks after having nothing other than the back of the hatch for transporting bikes, the baby seat made that more difficult! On our golf 3 bikes easily fit on the roof, probably could have squeezed 4 in but opted for the smoother bars that curved up in line with the body rather than overhanging. ---
**Author:** ![HLC](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/hlc/32/551_2.png) [@HLC](https://fixed.org.au/u/HLC)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2013, 10:54pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/18 "2013-08-11T22:54:06Z")
> [@PiledHigher](#): > > The mounting pins for the roof rack will be forward making cutting the bike racks usually a non issue. I caved 2 years and finally got roof racks after having nothing other than the back of the hatch for transporting bikes, the baby seat made that more difficult! > > On our golf 3 bikes easily fit on the roof, probably could have squeezed 4 in but opted for the smoother bars that curved up in line with the body rather than overhanging. PM incoming. ---
**Author:** ![JLN\_not\_ZLTN](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/jln_not_zltn/32/74_2.png) [@JLN\_not\_ZLTN](https://fixed.org.au/u/JLN_not_ZLTN)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2017, 6:25pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/19 "2017-01-19T18:25:16Z")
Thread dig… We’re looking at a new car (possibly a Skoda wagon), and the standard Skoda towbar can’t take the bike rack we use (and if we get an after market towbar we’ll have a square hole in the bumper). We’re looking at going down the roof rack path, but my wife wants to know how difficult it is to get bikes on and off of them. We’d probably get the ones where you leave your front wheel on. I’ve never used bike roof racks before. ---
**Author:** ![dallimor](https://fixed.org.au/user_avatar/fixed.org.au/dallimor/32/3248_2.png) [@dallimor](https://fixed.org.au/u/dallimor)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2017, 6:29pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311/20 "2017-01-19T18:29:46Z")
Been meaning to post this in kickstarter thread > **[The Upside Rack turns roof racks on their head](https://www.bikeradar.com/news/the-upside-rack-turns-roof-racks-on-their-head/)** > > Boasting easy installation and near universal compatibility [Next page](https://fixed.org.au/t/hatchback-rack/62311.md?page=2)