Why we tested the Saris Bones EX
Not every vehicle has a hitch and not every renter wants to add one. The Bones EX is the gold standard trunk rack, and we tested it across a sedan, a hatchback, and a small SUV.
What we liked
Fit. The arc shape clears spoilers and curved liftgates where flat metal trunk racks bind awkwardly. After 600 highway miles with three bikes loaded, the rack had not shifted on its straps.
What could be better
Loading three bikes is fiddly. You need to alternate handlebar orientation and use the included anti sway straps every time. Once dialed in it is fast, but it is never as quick as rolling a bike onto a platform hitch tray.
Value
At $249 the Saris Bones EX 3-Bike Trunk Rack is the right Sports & Outdoors in 2026.
Saris Bones EX 3-Bike Trunk Rack vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen Sports Deluxe 3-Bike | - | - | Alternative - Half the price but metal frame can scratch paint and straps loosen faster. |
| Thule Passage 3 | - | - | Alternative - Similar capacity, less universal fit on curved hatchbacks. |
| Yakima FullBack 3 | - | - | Alternative - Compact and stylish but pricier with the same cradle compromises. |
| Hollywood Racks F6 Heavy Duty | - | - | Skip - Heavier and overkill unless you carry e-bikes, which the Bones EX is not rated for. |
Full specifications
| Type | Trunk mount, 3 bike |
| Frame Material | Injection molded recycled plastic |
| Capacity | 105 lb total, 35 lb per bike |
| Straps | Six anti sway plus six attachment straps |
| Weight | 9 lb |
| Folded Size | Fits in most trunks |
| Warranty | Lifetime against defects |
Should you buy the Saris Bones EX 3-Bike Trunk Rack?
The Saris Bones EX is the trunk rack to buy if you do not have a hitch receiver and refuse to put a roof rack on a leased car. The one piece arc shape fits hatchbacks, sedans, and most spoilered coupes without the metal hardware bruising paint. Six anti sway straps lock bikes into the rubber cradles, and at highway speeds the rack stayed planted on a 600 mile road trip. It is not the rack for daily use, but for occasional family trips it is the right tool.
Frequently asked questions
Will this fit a sedan with a spoiler?+
In most cases yes. The arc design is engineered around spoilers and curved hatches. Check the Saris fit guide for your exact model.
Can it carry an e-bike?+
No. The 35 pound per bike limit rules out almost every e-bike. Use a hitch rack rated for e-bikes instead.
Does it scratch the paint?+
Not in our testing on three vehicles. The contact points are all rubber or plastic. We still inspect after each trip and the surfaces are clean.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Seven month road trip review published.
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Alex Patel
Alex Patel writes for The Tested Hub.
