Returning to store... poor design on arms holding bikes
The arms that hold the bikes are adjustable. You pull out a handle that pulls "pins" out of a disk that then allows you to reposition the arm along any of the other sets of holes. Easy enough to use... but these pins do not sit far enough through the disk when it is locked. Within a few bumps in the road, the arms kept on slipping down because the pins came out of place. Gave up and put bikes and rack into the trunk of my hutchback (good thing they fit). Returning this piece of junk.
Doesn't fit 350z, leaves nice scratches.
Saris website states that this "fits" a Nissan 350Z if you use the hatch huggers, I ordered both. It did not fit well enough for me to even think about using it for more then 10 miles. Don't waste your money. It also leaves nice scratches on your hatch.
Easy to mount bike rack
We bought this bike rack after researching to make sure it would fit both of our cars. Price and features are what made us chose the Saris. When you first pull it out of the box, it does take a moment to understand where the parts go and how to adjust the straps. Just have the instructions there with you--they are pretty clear. There is a lot of length on each strap and you do have to wrap them around the rack bars so they are not hanging and in the way. Now that we've done it once, it will be quicker in the future--not that it took that long to figure out the 1st time. Remember, too, if you have a woman's bike to buy the Saris bike beam (this is an additional cost). You will need it in order to hang a woman's bike b/c you need a bar (like a man's bike has) to drop into the supports on the bike rack. This item is easy to take on/off, too. You may also want to purchase some cushion blocks to keep the bikes from rubbing against each other at some points. We have not bought those yet. We only had a couple of areas where the bikes could rub during transport and we actually just used rags on the "maiden voyage". The rack has sufficient space for the bikes, but you need to think about the pedals possibly moving during transport and digging into the paint on the companion bike. Overall, a good value and would recommend to others! Happy riding!
so close to a great design but fell short in the details
for starters, i actually own the graber guardian 2, which looks remarkably similar to the saris one pictured. as far as i can tell the design is identical except for one small issue which was resolved.
the design of the product is really good, the way it attaches to the trunk is pretty good as well (six straps). it has nice foam pads, and is very adjustable. i would imagine that it would fit several types of cars. it also has an antisway bar to help protect the car bumper which is marginally effective. mine did not have something to keep the front handlebars from rotating and hitting the bumper, but it looks like this was resolved in this design.
mechanically it seems sound as well, and at i thought it was pretty sturdy. however, thin pins are used to lock the arms in place, and they do not extend very far through the holes. this was a huge issue for me when one of the arms collapsed on the highway, severely damaging both of the attached bikes and the bumper on my car. the damage to the car is probably 400-600 dollars and the bikes might be totalled. i will be contacting graber/saris about being reimbursed for the damages caused, since i am a pretty unhappy rider.
Saris Guardian 2-Bike Rack
Bike rack attached to vehicle quickly, with easy set up right out of the box. It also seems to be quite sturdy. Only used localy thus far but we will soon see how it does on the highway.
The Saris Guardian Rear Racks take all the things you love about roof mounted systems and put them where you can actually get at them. Like convenience. Simplicity. Peach of mind. Whether you need temporary bike transport that gets you through a weeked,
Product Description:
The Guardian two-bike trunk rack from Saris is the perfect option for transporting your bikes to the park, the trail, to the beach or wherever you want to go. Uncomplicated to use and easy to install, it comes fully assembled right out the box so all you have to do is strap it on your car. The bumper-mount design makes getting it on and off your car a snap with quick adjust pivoting anti-sways and hold-downs that fit to almost any bike size. The rubber-coated hooks and spring loaded metal buckles are integrated with the four ratcheting tie downs to securely attach the rack to your trunk. The standalone arms and legs can be folded out of the way when not in use, and can accommodate up to two bikes. You get all the benefits of a roof rack right at you level.
- Comes fully assembled
- Four ratcheting tie downs can accommodate two bikes
- Pivoting anti-sways, hold-downs adjust to any bike size
- Rubber-coated hooks and spring loaded metal buckles
- Standalone arms and legs fold to stow













