Bike Rack for 2010 Prius

Put it in the boot. It's the cheapest solution and doesn't affect your MPG.

 

I ride my bike quite often and have to agree that putting it into the boot is quite OK. But you should have mats to cover over the folded down seats to protect grease and whatnot from discolouring the interior. I have both mat and the factory boot protector.

However, I see the need of a bike rack if you need to carry more than 1 bikes, because if you dont restraint them, they will move around if you take corners hard enough. You might want to look at 3rd party providers as Toyota don't have one available specifically for the Prius.

 

Put in my boots, I wear size 13 and my bike will not fit in there

 

There are lots of possible hitch mount solutions, but if you want to avoid the extra cost and weight of the hitch, then several people have recommended the Saris bones:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ycle-rack-solution-2010-prius.html#post954536

Here's a post from me describing my more expensive hitch mount platform style solution, with links to a couple of other long bike rack threads:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...s/86143-bike-rack-in-houston.html#post1203586

and here's another post with links to other threads:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...tions/77593-bike-rack-2010-a.html#post1084007

 

Another recommendation is the Yakima roof-rack system. This is good if you don't have a sunroof. With the rack on, I'm still averaging 47-48 MPG.

Yakima Dealer InfoLookup

The initial investment is a bit high, but afterwards, you can mount just about anything. Ski/snowboards, cargo boxes, cargo racks, kayaks, etc.

Here's mine...

 

I looked at the trunk racks, but settled on a Class III hitch (on order) to match up with my (existing) SoftRide rack. I didn't want to deal with marring the paint with a trunk mount (like my last car) or dealing with a 1-1/4" to 2" hitch adapter.

Best of luck, let us know how it works!

 

Thule lies as far as saying the 910 the 2010 prius. I ordered a 910 and am returning it. The fit is only possible if you don't mind the lower arm covering the license plate..which is kinda illegal and will get you a ticket. I even spoke with a technician. Maybe they will either modify their product or stop claiming it will fit the 2010's.

 

I just installed a Curt Class 1/2 hitch (1 1/4' mount) to my 2010 IV. I got it for $115 shipped on ebay. It is model 11469 ...round tubular structure..thought intuitively that round would be less drag.

Anyway it took about 20 minutes to install, no big deal. There is a convenient, center-located floor jack point a few feet in from the rear that I used (pg 423 in the manual). Also placed jack stands under suspension bars for added safety! I am a hard core roadie and like the rear mount..no roof or in the back for me. It is very convenient to do a minor repair/lube etc while the bike is mounted (a Thule rack). For races etc it is convenient to have my stuff, trainer etc right inside the hatch on the flat floor.

Very pleased with the hitch and install.

Cheers..good luck

Chris

 

I had a Thule trunk strap units, didn't like as the hooks slide off the hatch too easily. You are better off with a CURT hitch ($120) + a bike rack from Harbor Freights ($35)

 

So everyone knows - there are now Class III hitches available (2.5" - more durable, and arguably easier to find stuff that plugs in)...

 

I got a trunk mountable (temporary mounting) bike rack at Target for $40 and it works fine.
Yes, it covers the license plate as I recall, what's the problem with that? A policeman can still look at the front license plate, a red-light camera might not be able to read it, but the bike is in the way anyway.

But for one bike and not much other gear, I just toss it in the trunk (boot). I fold down the seats and put an old towel over the top of the back seats. If you want to see how it's done I even made a youtube video:

(there are other videos, some of the same thing, some dealing with bike racks)