By chance, has anybody installed a bike rack on their 08 CTS yet? If so, which model, and what are your experiences with it?

I was looking at trunk-mounted racks, but it seems most of them put all the weight on the rear bumper, which in the case of the CTS would really be the bumper cover - I don't feel very confident in that cover holding 60 pounds of bikes for a 6-7 hour drive.

The Bones RS (http://www.saris.com/p-301-bones-rs.aspx) might work. Naturally, it's the most expensive option I've seen so far.

Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated.

check out ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Saris-2008-Bones-RS-3-Bike-Car-Rack-Gray-New-In-Box-851_W0QQitemZ250236232721QQihZ015QQcategoryZ56201Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) it's way cheaper...

You might try a Hollywood rack. I have an old F1B that I used to use on a Riviera years ago that's been sitting in the garage since I bought my G35 (my last car) since it didn't work on the G35. But I just tried it on my new 2008 CTS and it seems to work well. You can see this at http://www.hollywoodracks.com/trunk-racks/F1B-trunk-rack.htm. Let me know what you think.

You might try a Hollywood rack. I have an old F1B that I used to use on a Riviera years ago that's been sitting in the garage since I bought my G35 (my last car) since it didn't work on the G35. But I just tried it on my new 2008 CTS and it seems to work well. You can see this at http://www.hollywoodracks.com/trunk-racks/F1B-trunk-rack.htm. Let me know what you think.

I actually stumbled upon Hollywood racks after I made that post. The F1B looks like it might be good - it seems it puts the pressure on the trunk, rather than on the bumper.

One thing I'm not sure of is how you tie the bikes down on that one - the other racks I looked at had padded sections where the top tube rests, and straps to hold the bike down, however all I see on the F1B are what looks like grooves in the metal - looks like it would scratch the hell out of a bike.

I've had a Saris Bones rack before and it was great. Just make sure that there isn't dirt under the rack's feet or under where the straps grab the trunk.

I bought a Bell Triple Back 3-Bike Rack. It was less than $60 and fits well on the CTS deck lid.

http://www.target.com/Bell-Triple-Back-3-Bike-Rack/dp/B000ISZ4JQ/sr=1-2/qid=1208374168/ref=sr_1_2/602-9561358-1924619?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Abike%20rack&page=1

When adjusted properly it doesn't rest on the bumper, it's supported by the trunk. I can still open and close the trunk with it installed. Even though my wife and I only have two bikes, having a 3-bike rack leaves more room between them when loaded. The Bell rack also accomodates my wife's bike, which is a ladies bike with no cross bar. Where the rack contacts the trunk surface, it has large, styrofoam pads to protect the paint. Has worked good so far.

I actually stumbled upon Hollywood racks after I made that post. The F1B looks like it might be good - it seems it puts the pressure on the trunk, rather than on the bumper.

One thing I'm not sure of is how you tie the bikes down on that one - the other racks I looked at had padded sections where the top tube rests, and straps to hold the bike down, however all I see on the F1B are what looks like grooves in the metal - looks like it would scratch the hell out of a bike.

The rack doesn't scratch the bikes. I use bungee cords to hold the bikes securely.

You guys are brave :bomb:

I've had a Saris Bones rack before and it was great. Just make sure that there isn't dirt under the rack's feet or under where the straps grab the trunk.

Can you mount the Bones so its on the trunk and not on the bumper? I'm afraid to put a lot of weight on the bumper, I think the cover would just pop off, then I'd have a huge mess.

I am glad I have a Pick-up for the toys!!!

I can't imagine putting those many sharp metal edges so close to my paint.:bighead:

Can you mount the Bones so its on the trunk and not on the bumper? I'm afraid to put a lot of weight on the bumper, I think the cover would just pop off, then I'd have a huge mess.

I'm not sure for the CTS. With the Bones, you can move the top legs and bottom legs and bike rack independently, and they all lock into whatevery positions you choose. You'd have to try it on your CTS, though, to see if the config you described would work.

When I had the Bones rack, it was on a Subaru Outback that had a non-skid step on the bumper, so I knew it was engineered to allow for plenty of downward force. With the CTS, I'd be more worried about scratching the paint than pushing the bumper down.

I'd just as soon leave the bike at home and drive the CTS ! :thumbsup:

I'd just as soon leave the bike at home and drive the CTS ! :thumbsup:

The girlfriend and I want to bring our bikes on vacation this summer. And it wouldn't hurt us to get out and get some exercise now and then :)

I'm not sure for the CTS. With the Bones, you can move the top legs and bottom legs and bike rack independently, and they all lock into whatevery positions you choose. You'd have to try it on your CTS, though, to see if the config you described would work.

When I had the Bones rack, it was on a Subaru Outback that had a non-skid step on the bumper, so I knew it was engineered to allow for plenty of downward force. With the CTS, I'd be more worried about scratching the paint than pushing the bumper down.

I'm worried about actually damaging the bumper cover, or it not fitting back into place properly. Plus, I figure if it moves or loosens the bumper cover it's not going to fit right anymore, and there's a chance the bikes are going to go flying off the back - or worse, still be attached but crashing into my car!

I went to a local bike shop, they recommended the Bones to me, unfortunately, they didn't have any in stock, so I'd have to order one. The guy there said he got a bones to put on his parents' Chrysler 300, I figure the tail end of the 300 and the CTS are similar enough in this instance that it'd work. I'm still not sure what I want to do here, though :wacky:

I am glad I have a Pick-up for the toys!!!

Ya... I'd get a hoop-d first to carry the bikes before I would try a bike rack on my baby CTS. :histeric:

dude get a yakima king joe 3,
It has worked great for me with three bikes on the back,it is really adjustable and easy to use.
just use a blanket on you trunk and you won't have any scratches.

I find that I can get 1 bike in the trunk just fine if you put the rear seats down. But more than 1 bike, and its my wifes truck! I would kick myself if I hurt the paint on the CTS.

I find that I can get 1 bike in the trunk just fine if you put the rear seats down. But more than 1 bike, and its my wifes truck! I would kick myself if I hurt the paint on the CTS.

My seats don't fold down, and well, I only intend to use it for long trips - we need the trunk space for luggage :)

Hey everyone. I am a new 2008 CTS owner and avid mountain biker as well. I looked at GM, Thule, Saris and Yakima and still no one has a roof rack for the car. However, I encourage everyone to email those companies to show them there is demand for it. I did just that and recieved a relatively encouraging email back from Yakima:

"We need to test every vehicle as it comes out with our racks to make sure that the fit is safe. Our Fit Team has not had an opportunity to test that vehicle. We cannot test anything until one becomes available from a dealership and then it has to go through rigorous testing to be sure it is a safe fit. Many times, once we’ve gone through all of the testing we can use one of our existing tower systems and call out the fit. That usually just takes a month or so after we’ve seen it. If we cannot use an existing system, we need to develop something especially for it and that does take at least 6 months to go through the development process.

I have logged that you requested a fit for your car, which will help show our engineers there is demand for it."


So let our needs be known and hopefully someone will listen!