My wife took up bicycling and she wants a bike rack for her V70. Due to loading issues, a roof rack won't due (unless I want a dented roof) and I'd like to avoid a hitch mounted rack since the only thing it will haul is a bicycle or two. I've owned racks for sedans and hatchbacks before, but never one for a wagon. Are there any good choices out there? She'll be able to load onto a rear-mounted bike rack if the rear window and tailgate can stand the load.

Thanks.

 

If you go with the hitch type rack you can get up to 4 bikes on them. A hitch will allow either a hang type rack or a platform type rack. The ones that strap to the car usually put the bikes to close and the pedals/tires will hit the car and make for really ugly damage. Check out etrailer.com, huge selection and good prices.

 

Thanks, I was afraid that would be the answer. I have hitches and a bike rack on two other vehicles, but The Princess wants to drive only the Volvo. I was hoping that somebody, somewhere, had a clip on/stick on rack that would prevent body damage, but the only ones I saw that were arched away from the body were designed to clear rear spoilers on sedans. So now I get to spring for a hitch, but at lleast I get to use my existing bike rack. A roof rack is out of the question as there is no way she'll be able to put her bike up there without hitting the roof a time or two.