Saris Bones EX 3
Saris · Achterklepdrager· €180.00
Our verdict
The Saris Bones EX 3 is the smartest choice for Dutch drivers without a tow bar who need to carry three regular bikes. Light, durable recycled plastic and years of reliability — but stay away from e-bikes and heavier speed pedelecs.
Detailed review
The Saris Bones EX 3 has been the most popular trunk-mount rack in the Netherlands for years among drivers without a tow bar. Positioning: affordable, light, universal. Around €180 buys a three-bike rack, while tow-bar racks start at €350 — plus €600 to €900 for a detachable tow bar which itself must first be installed. If you only take one or two cycling trips a year to Drenthe or the Veluwe, the maths is simple. Stability is the critical question for trunk-mount racks, and the Saris performs better than the segment's reputation suggests. The arc-shaped frame holds bikes slightly further from the tailgate so they do not rattle against sheet metal, and six straps with metal hooks spread the load across the roof, both sides and the underside. On Dutch motorways at 130 km/h with three regular city bikes, vibration is acceptable — noticeable, but not alarming. Push on to 130+ km/h German autobahns heading for the Black Forest and you will feel the bikes wobbling against each other. Always use the supplied anti-sway straps.
Compared to a Menabo Shadow 3, the Saris feels stiffer and its plastic arcs are far more durable than Menabo's steel tubes, which develop paint chips after a Dutch winter. Against the Atera Genio Pro-Advanced trunk rack, the Bones EX 3 is cheaper but lower-capacity (15 vs 18 kg per bike). For three regular city bikes that is fine; mix in one lighter e-bike (a 22 kg Gazelle Grenoble C7+ HMB) and you are over spec — time to look at tow-bar options. Honestly: three e-bikes on a trunk rack is always a bad idea, not just because of weight but because the lateral leverage on the tailgate hinges at full load is extreme.
Honest limits: trunk-mount racks seriously compromise rear visibility and with three bikes aboard you usually cover the licence plate and tail lights. Dutch and German law then require a supplementary plate and a light bar — budget €40 to €80 extra. In hot summer weather the straps can press into the paint; at minimum lay a protective cloth between strap and bodywork. Cargo bikes and e-bikes: not suitable at all. And the Bones EX 3 does not fit every car — spoilers, wheel arches or steeply raked rear windows can be problematic. Saris publishes a fit-check tool on their website; use it before buying.
Who is this for?
- Drivers without a tow bar who occasionally need to carry three city bikes
- Families with three regular bikes for weekend trips inside the Netherlands
- Budget-conscious buyers unwilling to spend €700 on a detachable tow bar
What to watch out for
- Not suitable for e-bikes or speed pedelecs — exceeds the 15 kg limit
- A supplementary plate and light bar are often legally required and sold separately
- Check the Saris fit list before buying — not every car is compatible
Specifications
Capacity
| Number of bikes | 3 |
| Max weight per bike | 15 kg |
| Max total load | 45 kg |
| Rack weight | 5.4 kg |
| E-bike suitable | Nee / No |
Mounting
| Mounting | Achterklep (6 riemen) |
| Foldable | Ja, compact |
| Integrated lights | Nee — los aanschaffen |
| Number-plate holder | Nee — los aanschaffen |
What does the ART certification mean and which level do you need for your bike or e-bike? Compare ART-1 through ART-5 and the requirements of Univé, ENRA, Centraal Beheer and Unigarant.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No tow bar needed — fits nearly any sedan, hatchback or MPV
- Only 5.4 kg of own weight, easy to fit solo
- Built from 100% recycled plastic, rust and corrosion free
- Folds compactly for boot or garage storage
Cons
- 15 kg per-bike limit — not suitable for e-bikes
- Straps against the paint require care on hot summer days
Use case fit
How well does this product fit different bike types?
| City Bikes | 92 |
| Road Bikes | 90 |
| Folding Bikes | 88 |
| Mountain Bikes | 72 |
| Electric Bikes | 30 |