Locking Bikes on a Trunk Rack

I don't think there's a better way than what you're already doing, sadly. Neither element of that setup -- the rack itself, the bike(s) -- can be locked to anything fixed, in a secure way.

When I need to leave my bike on a trunk rack (something worth avoiding), I just try and make it look like as big a hassle to remove as possible. I'll thread a cable lock through the rack arms, the wheels, and the frame; I'll lash handlebars together if there's more than one bike set up.

And I hurry with whatever I'm doing.

The plan is to get a vehicle with a cavernous interior, where bikes can live in relative security while I eat that gnocchi... until then, like you, I'm all nerves if I have to walk away...

Are the tow loops solid with a hole through the middle, or are they simply hook-shaped? If solid, they are probably the strongest part of the equation. If hook-shaped, find something else....rear axle, bumper, etc.

lokstah said:

The plan is to get a vehicle with a cavernous interior, where bikes can live in relative security while I eat that gnocchi... until then, like you, I'm all nerves if I have to walk away...

Well, I've got the cavernous interior... It's just filled w/ all our camping junk. I wasn't too worried when I had crappy bikes, but not we've got some nicer bikes good for thieving.

Scotty_Dog said:

Are the tow loops solid with a hole through the middle, or are they simply hook-shaped? If solid, they are probably the strongest part of the equation. If hook-shaped, find something else....rear axle, bumper, etc.

The tow loops are solid. I'm more concerened about the cable lock itself. Obviously, a U-lock won't work... Maybe I should go w/ that Kryptonite New York chain lock?

Or are there other rear mount (hitch/trunk) racks that allow more secure locking?