How is the rack secured to the car? What keeps a potential thief from cutting the straps and stealing the rack (and the bikes)?
818145
It is only secured by the straps so a potential thief could just cut the straps and go. I can't think of a way to stop that from happening. It is easy to remove the rack so you can just take it off when you reach your destination.
818146
This is only for short term transport. I would only use it if its to and from wherever your taking the bikes. The rack is easy to assemble. To take down and to put up.
818147
I don't think that it is theft-protected. It is very easy to remove from the trunk of the car, if desired, with out opening the trunk at all. I tried and succeeded. If you are worried about the area you live in---I'd take it home for the night, or just remove it and put it into the trunk. This bike rack is easy to install/remove.
818148
The straps hook into the trunk lid. Unfortunately if someone wanted to they could cut the straps and take your rack and your bike. That would definitely be a concern for overnight trips, but I just use it for day trips.
1626402
like all things, it can be stolen. there are straps holding it that can be cut, and nuts and bolts that can be loosened.
1336569
There isn't a locking mechanism with the rack. It's easy to use the usual bike cable lock looped through a bracket at the hitch, when leaving unattended. That's a secure fix for me.
826837
Yes. Two locks on rack. (One key for both.) One to secure any bikes on the rack and the other locks the rack in position on car, making it pretty much impossible to get off. I have a Mazda CX5. Works great.
1762657
NoThe lock part is that they are secured in the rack and difficult to get out without by accident
1031979
I am in the same situation (I have an Accord). I agree with everything you said and I'm planning to do the same thing. For added security you could put a stablizer strap on, like this: CURT 18050 Bike Rack Stabilizer Strap
617659
Can't understand how this could be stolen. You put the straps under the top carpet. the instructions do not tell you this
1262299
Make sure the bike is secured with all the straps. I already lost my bike once!
1853023
Rick, agree with the other comments. I use a small bungee on the front loops to hold it in place as well as make it a little more difficult for someone to steal it.
1558159
It's very secure and I don't think there is a way to take it of your car other than by cutting those cables. Lock apears secure. Easy to fold it and store in the trunk of my MB sedan. Overall, I changed few bike caring sisters ( trunk and roof) and like this one the most!!!!
5555
You have to purchase a lock separately. It has a place for a lock that connects to the red screw handle to keep it from turning - but not just any lock. It is a specific accessory you have to purchase. But, you can also use a standard bike lock to lock your bike to the rack. As far as locking the rack to your car, this rack does not support that at all. You'd have to come up with your own solution.
582833
hi...I believe it is for securing the bikes together once they are placed on the rack...we haven't used ours yet but think that is what it is for!
1971294
The rack itself is attached to the seatpost with a clamp and a single bolt. I suppose if a thief had a hex wrench it could be taken. It's the same level of security as a seatpost. Hope this helps.
1558160
Overall I like the rack, but I am not convinced that the lock will deter a determined thief.
242150
Great Question! On mine, it only locks the side with the lock, which lends itself to the question "can't they loosen one side and then simply unhook the other side?" and the answer to that question would be yes. That said, the other two straps that connect to the trunk lid will deter / prevent theft because your trunk needs to be opened before they can be detached. I hope that helps.
785099
I have a bike lock to the spare wheel and the frame of the bike rack. You should also have a wheel nut lock to prevent theft on the whole wheel.
1712262
It is not recommended by the manufacturer- probably because the weight of the bike and the rack combined could cause the trunk to come slamming down and cause either injury, car damage, or both. That being said, I have carefully done it (although I am not recommending it either) and have not injured myself or damaged my car. The rack is heavy duty so keep that in mind.