optimumarc

Hi Guys!!

Since the summer is here and I sure that some of you are looking into using your Z to carry your bicycle. The Saris Guardian, 2-Bike rack is an excellent economical choice (http://www.saris.com). You will need to order the hatch huggers though. They (the huggers) fit through the hatch and have foam pads which prevent the strap from releasing through the body/trunk splitline. I found the carrier to be very stable on the highway and really easy to set up (about 5min once you get the hang of it). The bicycle wheels fit perfectly in the trunk.

The Rack and 6 straps are needed.
- 2 hatch huggers
- 2 side window straps
- 2 under body straps

The two under body straps fit perfectly on the exhaust hooks. I have a Borla Exhaust and it does not dissipate much heat from the outer shell. Therefore, no melting was observed on any of the straps. The load is not placed directly on the hooks as most of it (the load) is taken by the bumper and top straps. These straps simply prevent the rack from shifting side to side. Welds should not be exposed to very much stress at all. Have your setup checked by an installer prior to driving the car.

Now who said sports cars can not be somewhat practical?

I hope that some of you find this useful!!

P.S> Was at the bike store today check out how this guy installed the rack. You might not want to do this. lol!!!!

Kam350z

Wow! Looks great!

Willowns

iTrader: (8)

^ Dont be a dick...I think that is very useful even though it doesnt look that good. thanks for the pics and the idea! I always have to ride with my friend when we go biking...not anymore!

haeshik

iTrader: (36)

i think you should continue getting rides from your friend when biking. j/k looks very functional.

Chad68

iTrader: (1)

Looks like you backed into Lance Armstrong at WOT.

No way I'd ever consider using a bike rack on mine. Hopefully you don't have to carry that bike around for long periods of time, especially on the freeway because those straps flapping around in the wind are gonna dull your pretty black paint and or clear coat.

Edit never mind............ Canada

Kegsbane

I think it looks stylin'

lbz

iTrader: (14)

I use the Saris Bones II rack. Stows in the trunk when folded up. Big rubber feet that go on the hatch glass and the license plate. 6 tie straps for a nice tight lash down. Holds two bikes. No pics sorry. Here's the site though...
http://www.saris.com/p-300-bones-2-bike.aspx

dkmesa350z

iTrader: (41)

****ing bicyclists

scmtkings4

iTrader: (4)

its great that it really works for you but...yeah that looks pretty terrible

joe645733

iTrader: (3)

that looks retarded haha.

moforeynolds

iTrader: (5)

Had I seen this driving instead of here, a picture would have been snapped as quickly as possible so I could post it in Off-Topic Congrats I suppose. Is the Z your only vehicle or something? I couldn't imagine owning a Z and not having a second car.

aloh

iTrader: (26)

jray8

why dont you just solve your problem and get a f*cking truck?

ReelBigAndy

iTrader: (2)

I dont think people understande that bike racks are not meant to enhance the look of a vehicle.

I put a similar rack on my car for a trip, but at the end i noticed big scratches where the metal hooks on the straps sit above the hatch glass, and I imagine they would be on the pillar behind the rear side window on yours too. Just something to watch out for. Maybe a thin piece of felt sandwiched in there would help. When I go Downhilling, I will disassemble my bike (fork/wheels/bars) and stow it inside before trying the rack again.

noodleman

iTrader: (13)

i thought it was illegal to mount it there now, since it blocks your rear plates. The only thing i can say is that at least it's not a roof rack.

Apanther

+1

I think that looks terrible. Plus, over time, it's going to damage the Z. Buy an inexpensive truck or SUV.

optimumarc

ReelBigAndy – I hear you, Good idea about the felt...thanks!! It is nice to hear that there are other people out there that use their cars for slightly different functionalities.

Yes, it does not look too good for sure but serves the purpose. I don't use it very often just to get my bike from one location to another a few times a year. I can't really justify buying another car just to carry a bike around once in a while. For those of you who do have the funds to do so … must be nice - lol

Ibz - Thanks for the idea about the Bones rack... might look at that one since it sits on the hatch glass. Do you have any pics?

Noodleman - Thanks for info.. Next time I will position the bike so the plate is more visible (it is pretty visible already).