Saris Sentinel 2-Bike

My previous rack was very similar, but the bottom pad rested ON the rear bumper and had 6 straps (2 Top, 2 Bottom + 2 Sides). The problem was that I could not open the trunk or all the straps would go slack and the rack would need to be completely reinstalled. This rack only has 2 Top Straps & 2 Bottom Straps, but MAINLY the bottom pad rests on the lower trunk lid. The trunk can be opened and closed without having to reattach the rack. This is a HUGE advantages when taking 2 Grandkids for a bike ride. I love it!

Bought this a month ago for my Volvo C70. Was a bit apprehensive about using it on a trunk lid that moves for stowing the roof when going convertible but the fit is almost perfect and doesn't put as much strain on the lid as I thought it might. I've only used it for short journeys so far and that's probably all I will do, but for me it does exactly what I wanted. I only carry one bike and the bike needs extra tying down onto the rack but that is not problem and I'm very pleased that it only takes 2 minutes to fit or remove and it will stow away inside the smaller than average trunk while not in use. For me this model is as good as I can get.

Was worried that this might not fit because my Taurus has a spoiler, but it fits great.

The plastic hold downs are not durable. One has torn far enough in less than one year's use to turn my two bike rack to a one biker. I don't see a replacement part in Saris' web site. That is really poor planning. Having said that, it's been a good rack for short drives to the bike trail. I use extra tie downs (bungees) to secure the bike, but what do you expect for 70 bucks.

Product is O.K. for the money. In regard to stability, became more comfortable using in conjunction with bunji cord. Use with Saris Bike Beam for both road bike (to keep from sliding and eliminate friction on cables); and irregular frame mountain bike. Security of plastic fasteners over time questionable. Product has some deficiencies but is competitively priced.

It is so easy to use. I had some trouble the first time I used it, but things are better now.

Easy to install once you read the manual. rode my car on the highway about 60 miles, the bike shakes but the holder does its job. Only, thing is watch when installing the rack if you are in a high wind area, my holder slip and scratch the side of my trunk lid. Other then that, if does what it suppose to do.

Small, so stores nicely in trunk. Quick setup, solid performer. For an older person, this was excellent choice.

From my initial installation and use, I am very pleased with this bike rack for my purposes. It was very easy to install and take off to store in my trunk while I was riding. After my ride, I quickly installed it again and off I went. Initially, I was very cautious to use a bike rack on my car at all, a 1996 Jaguar. I did check the Saris website and made sure my vehicle was compatible with this model. My car was recently painted last month and the padding on the rack was nice and thick and left no marks, the clasps that attach to the trunk were coated and left no marks. I have a very light Italian racing bike I bought in the 1980's and there was no problem with the sturdiness of this rack. I have no plans to put 2 bikes on this rack and can just say for 1 bike it performed like a champ. When I anchor the handlebar to the rack, I eliminate the bike swaying forward and backward especially with braking, accelerating and freeway driving. It is very secure and I am so happy to finally be able to travel easily with my bike to ride in other areas.

Used the rack to transport my new road bike over 1000 miles on the interstate. After tying a few extra knots and adding some cushion between the bike and rack (may rub in a few places), I was good to go. The bike made it securely and there are no scratches on my car. Great rack if you can improvise a little (i.e. extra straps and/or padding)

My husband and I took a 9 hour trip out of town and the bikes were stable the whole time, minus some minor shaking because of air gusts. One thing we did not like is that the straps attaching the metal support to the top and bottom of the trunk seem to come loose after an hour or so. We tightened them at our stops and on the way back ended up taping the loose ends so they would not slip anymore. We also purchased bungee cords to hold the bikes close to the car. With the high speeds on the freeway the bikes would slide in their holders to the end of the rods extending from the supports. In order to put less pressure on the trunk we wanted to keep the weight as close to the car as possible. Overall, the rack did a fine job of carrying our bikes.

The straps that hold the top rail of the bike shift, thus sliding the bikes together during transit. I also have to figure out how to load the bikes so the pedals don't keep scratching the paint off the bumper.

Easy to attach and load bikes. Holds them stable for short and long trips. It was what I needed at a good price point.

The extra long tie downs allowed this user to further secure the bike to the rack. Very stable and did not shift despite some poor road conditions. Very happy with this bike rack.

I only need to use a bike rack twice a year--once when we ride over the GW bridge down to Battery Park and when we go to the shore. This rack was economical and safe. What more could you ask for?

I ride recreationally. The rack is easy to setup and take down. It folds up so I can store it in the closet when not in use. I use it with my mountainbike on my Sonata and it has been reliable. I would purchase from Saris again.

Had a problem with the upper straps luffing badly in the wind at interstate speeds. Very noisy. Solved problem by linking the two straps about half way down the back window so they could not vibrate.

I use it to travel to different bike trails and it is perfect for that. I think I would be a bit nervous, however, going 75 miles an hour with a bike strapped to the back of my car.