Install a bike rack

Forum is far from dead, no one has replied to your post. Several use bike racks, but most are using racks that are mounted on the hitch.

I don't use racks, simply replied to state Prius Chat is far from dead.

 

I use a Saris bones III that is similar with no problems.

 

Hitch much better IMO. More stable. Access to hitch. No paint contact w either car or bike. Ours from 1UPUSA.com :: Home is so clean and tidy. We love it.

 

I used this Saris for many years, on both my 2004 Prius and the 2010...


...except I located the feet on the bumper, directing about 95% of the weight there. That way, the glass contact is virtually nil and only serves the purpose of stability.

Recently, I upgraded to a receiver-hitch... at triple the cost. The strap-on rack is definitely the better priced option. But being able to lock a rack and carry 4 bikes with little effort was a big draw. You can still open the hatch too. I leave the rack on the entire vacation, not having to find a place to store it when not in use during trips is nice. It folds down as well, allowing me to load our 3-wheel recumbant inside without having to remove the rack.

Do some searching in the forum. You'll find a number of threads addressing bike carrying options.

 

Thought i have a Gen 3. , I don't trust those trunk racks. I thought those type of racks were "dead".

No comparison to hitch or roof mounted ones.

Here's a bunch. Show Us Your Rack! | PriusChat

 

I use the same rack as pictured in the OP. It has been no problem but it gets removed when not in use.

 

I have a saris bone for two bikes and haven't tried it on my prius for the same worries the op had... I have seen multiple testimonies though from prius owners that the rack is fine. I used to keep my rack on my old car 24/7 so I was always ready to load and go... Im not going to do it on the prius, because the visibility out the back is already poor... Looks like the rack makes it even worse.