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If you look at the photo above, when you are driving down a road, the bumps and movement of the car with the wind against the bikes, they will sway back and forth grinding the paint off each other. As well the rear derailleur will get constantly bashed against the bike next to it and cause it to break. (Generally while you are riding).
Actually, the Superbones has brackets and straps that secure the down tube to prevent the bikes from swaying excessively (oops, just looked at the manual, they are intended to attach to the seat tube, oh well, they work great either way 😁). They work quite well to keep the bikes stable on the rack. You can see the straps in the picture below indicated by the arrows. The rack is very sturdy and doesn't shift at all even on bumpy roads with 3 bikes on it.

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You're right that everyone's requirements are different. For me the additional hassle and cost of mounting a hitch and then getting a hitch mounted rack far outweighed the benefits.
 
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I didn't mean my post to be a criticism of anyone's choice. I just wanted to point out some of the considerations that wouldn't cross every ones mind when they look for a new bike rack. I am sure that there are hundreds if not thousands of different rack designs. Some are going to be better designed that others. Cost and utility is a major consideration. Like you said, there cost of installing a tow hitch is an expense that needs to be taking into the consideration. If you are a handy person and feel comfortable in installing it yourself, then its a $120 line item. If you are not and have to pay for someone else to do it, then that can add up to $200-300 just to get started.

Another big consideration is acceccability to the hatch back with bikes installed. This might push you into a roof mount or have to consider what you are going to be carrying. My hope is that pointing out the problems will at least alert users to the pitfalls and maybe get some creative solutions to get around the problem before it becomes and issue.
 
I didn't mean my post to be a criticism of anyone's choice. I just wanted to point out some of the considerations that wouldn't cross every ones mind when they look for a new bike rack. I am sure that there are hundreds if not thousands of different rack designs. Some are going to be better designed that others. Cost and utility is a major consideration. Like you said, there cost of installing a tow hitch is an expense that needs to be taking into the consideration. If you are a handy person and feel comfortable in installing it yourself, then its a $120 line item. If you are not and have to pay for someone else to do it, then that can add up to $200-300 just to get started.

Another big consideration is acceccability to the hatch back with bikes installed. This might push you into a roof mount or have to consider what you are going to be carrying. My hope is that pointing out the problems will at least alert users to the pitfalls and maybe get some creative solutions to get around the problem before it becomes and issue.
I didn't take your post as a specific criticism, just wanted to point out that the Superbones has a feature to mitigate one of the issues you describe. You are correct that there are many considerations that go into the selection of a bike rack or any other accessory. And yeah, the issue of opening the hatch is one that you need to keep in mind. With the rack installed the hatch doesn't want to stay open which is a minor annoyance but overall not a big deal. If I carried bikes more often or for longer distances I'd probably go with a roof mount but since I tend to keep it local the hatch mount works great.
 
I didn't mean my post to be a criticism of anyone's choice. I just wanted to point out some of the considerations that wouldn't cross every ones mind when they look for a new bike rack. I am sure that there are hundreds if not thousands of different rack designs. Some are going to be better designed that others. Cost and utility is a major consideration. Like you said, there cost of installing a tow hitch is an expense that needs to be taking into the consideration. If you are a handy person and feel comfortable in installing it yourself, then its a $120 line item. If you are not and have to pay for someone else to do it, then that can add up to $200-300 just to get started.

Another big consideration is acceccability to the hatch back with bikes installed. This might push you into a roof mount or have to consider what you are going to be carrying. My hope is that pointing out the problems will at least alert users to the pitfalls and maybe get some creative solutions to get around the problem before it becomes and issue.
I have a Hollywood Racks trunk rack that I've used on a Ford Focus, VW Jetta, and Lexus IS250 so far. It's worked out for me for the past several years but it does require adjustments and being careful to not damage anything on the car or bikes.

I ordered the Curt 13329 hitch today and I'm going to try to install it myself. I saw the videos and it doesn't look too difficult. I have a 2020 Niro LXS HEV. I've been researching hitch racks because I feel they are the best and I want to invest in something that I can use for hopefully many years and other vehicles.

I had been eyeing that Swagman you have as it looks really good for the cost. I just found a brand on Amazon that looks just as good but doesn't have reviews.


I feel like that rack looks similar to something from Kuat or Thule. I like that it's a platform and even with the bikes on you can tilt it away from the hatch to have enough clearance to access it. Should be a big plus for usability. I'm gonna take a chance on it since the price is within budget. All in I'm gonna be $330 for the hitch and rack. I know that's pricey but having the hitch also makes the Niro even more flexible and it'll be nice to be able to pull a small trailer to move furniture etc in the future so at least in my mind the extra cost is justified



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Bike rack update, I purchased the Superbones-3 a while back but only recently had the opportunity to put it to the test. Verdict: Excellent.

3 adult sized bikes = no problem. The rack attaches easily and is very stable. You definitely notice the extra weight at the rear while driving but it never feels shaky.

View attachment 6425

View attachment 6426
What about brake lights and turn signal?
 
What about brake lights and turn signal?
Definitely at least partially obscured by the bikes on the rack. Probably still usable though. I didn't check before heading out. Any hatch mounted rack will have the same issue. Probably a hitch type would as well.
 
I've used this trunk mounted rack on Honda Fit, Subuaru Outback, and now Niro;
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
It is relatively inexpensive ($62), easy to install remove, stable at 70 mph and works well with 1 or 2 bikes. Probably not as robust / deluxe as the Saris but at a quarter of the cost of the Saris it floats my boat -- err bikes.
I am trying to figure out how you got the Allen sports bike rack to fit with the Niro. I have a Niro that I just got and I am trying to determine how to install it. I have both the 2 bike and the three bike but I have the ex premium version of the Niro.
 
I am trying to figure out how you got the Allen sports bike rack to fit with the Niro. I have a Niro that I just got and I am trying to determine how to install it. I have both the 2 bike and the three bike but I have the ex premium version of the Niro.
I am trying to figure out how you got the Allen sports bike rack to fit with the Niro. I have a Niro that I just got and I am trying to determine how to install it. I have both the 2 bike and the three bike but I have the ex premium version of the Niro.
I have the two bike model.
The top foam pad rests on hatch window about rear wiper. Bottom foam pads press rests on center of tail gate (note, best to wipe tailgate clean of dust & other debris. The pads do rub a bit and can mar the paint. However, the marring is very superficial and can be easily removed with light duty rubbing compound.

Two top straps attach under edge of top of hatch. Two side straps under edge of hatch glass (it is a tight fit).

The long strap that drops down from center of bike is the only ill fitting part. I have a rather thick, heavy duty license plate holder & attach the strap hook to the lower edge of that. It does bend the plate upward a bit and occasionally pops of from big bumps in the road. That strap is not essential for overall stability. I have consider trying to install some sort of attachment point in the lower rear valence for attachment but so far have not done so as I have had no problems with my current use of license plate holder..
 
I have the two bike model.
The top foam pad rests on hatch window about rear wiper. Bottom foam pads press rests on center of tail gate (note, best to wipe tailgate clean of dust & other debris. The pads do rub a bit and can mar the paint. However, the marring is very superficial and can be easily removed with light duty rubbing compound.

Two top straps attach under edge of top of hatch. Two side straps under edge of hatch glass (it is a tight fit).

The long strap that drops down from center of bike is the only ill fitting part. I have a rather thick, heavy duty license plate holder & attach the strap hook to the lower edge of that. It does bend the plate upward a bit and occasionally pops of from big bumps in the road. That strap is not essential for overall stability. I have consider trying to install some sort of attachment point in the lower rear valence for attachment but so far have not done so as I have had no problems with my current use of license plate holder..
Just a side note I had the 3 bike model and the two bike. If I were you I would invest in the 3 bike model because it has two straps that hang down on the bottom. These can actually hook to the bottom of the trunk door when it is closed.
 
Trailer Hitch

This is the list of products I used:

Curt Hitch: Class III 2" receiver
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer_Hitch/Curt/C13329.html

No wire cutting trailer light kit:
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom_Fit_Vehicle_Wiring/Tekonsha/119250KIT.html

RV Wiring kit for 7 pin connector:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories_and_Parts/etrailer/ETBC7.html

Brake controller: (My trailer has a braking axle)
https://www.etrailer.com/Brake_Controller/Curt/C51140.html

Universal brake controller connector:
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories_and_Parts/Curt/C51515.html

My setup is the max out way of doing this.
You can get by just fine with just the trailer hitch. The Curt is an absolute perfect fit.

I have a 6'x12' trailer that I put a brake axle on and an electric tongue jack.
Since I decided to go with the Tekonsha no cutting brake light kit, it has to have a power wire run to it from the front(fuse box). So since running a power line to the light adapter I figured I might as well just put the RV kit on there also, it provides power and brake controll, and reverse lights(almost never used).
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I know this is an old post, but just to confirm, you used all of the parts listed above?? -- no wire cutting trailer light kit, brake controller, and universal brake controller connector?? (just ordered the hitch, and I'm going to get the rest to have my mechanic install .... ) double checking to see that this is all working hunky dory for you these days??
 
I am happy to report that the Superbones 3 was a great success with my Kia Niro. I mounted it so it was about a half to 1 inch clearance from the spoiler. This allowed a perfect angle so the straps did not add any weight or pressure to the spoilers. I drove with 1 bike for 5 hours (NY to MD), then 3 bikes for 1 hour, and finally 2 bikes for another 5 hours back. I added a supporting strap (Saris Hatch Huggers For Trunk Bike Racks) on the top left and right through the back door hinges as a precaution. These straps were not tight at all so they did not help the SuperBone 3 perform it's function. The rack did it all by itself. No scratches and bends. Very secure. Everyone else on the road had their bikes dancing on the highway on their hitches which I think adds stress to the chassis.
I just bought a Bones 2 and found that it can't be made to fit using the Saris instructions without a couple of issues.
  • The feet are supposed to be sitting on the bumper, not on the tailgate.
  • Putting the feet down there results in the straps pulling on the spoiler thingee.
Doing it your way will put lots of weight on the top straps, but it will probably work fine. I guess I'm not willing to risk it.
 
I have a 20-year-old Thule trunk-mounted rack that looks very similar to the current Thule Passage. They claim that the Passage doesn't fit a Niro, but I just took mine on a road trip with no problems.
Automotive bicycle rack Bicycle Tire Wheel Bicycles--Equipment and supplies


The nice thing about a rear rack is that it doesn't affect your gas mileage much. Yeah, it's a minor problem that you can't open the hatch, but I find it easy enough to get into the trunk through the back seat.
 
I have a 20-year-old Thule trunk-mounted rack that looks very similar to the current Thule Passage. They claim that the Passage doesn't fit a Niro, but I just took mine on a road trip with no problems.
View attachment 7677

The nice thing about a rear rack is that it doesn't affect your gas mileage much. Yeah, it's a minor problem that you can't open the hatch, but I find it easy enough to get into the trunk through the back seat.
@niro_pdx Do the top straps put a lot of force on the rear spoiler? It seems that the spoiler is not too substantial and could be damaged by downward pressure of the straps. I think the spoiler concern is what keeps Yakima and Thule from including the trunk mounted bike racks on the compatibility list for many Honda Odyssey’s, Kia Souls, and Niros.

Would be great to get so reality based/real life experience observations since the info on the vendors websites may not be entirely accurate.
 
I had the perfect solution on my Kia. I would love to get one custom made for the car, if possible. The receiver itself is pointed down at a 45 degree angle. The entire unit is tucked up behind the bumper. Then the bike rack is attached to the hitch that has a curve and comes up at a 45 to mate behind the bumper. Absolutely perfect solution as you cannot see the hitch when the bike rack isn't on it. And when you do use the rack, nothing touches the car!
 
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