Renault Symbol II (L35, 2008-2012) with Menabo Biki bike rack on the boot lid

On a second-generation Renault Symbol (L35, 2008-2012) we fitted the Menabo Biki bike rack, attached to the boot lid. The fitting was done in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom, which you can now find at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Renault Symbol II (L35, 2008-2012)

The second-generation Renault Symbol has the model code L35 and was presented in August 2008 at the Moscow Motor Show, with production starting the same month, in Turkey. With this generation the Clio name was set aside, and the car was sold as the Symbol or, in some markets, as the Thalia. The 4-door saloon stays on the Renault A (X65) platform and uses the mechanicals of the previous generation, but has a different design from the Clio III. It was built until 2012, did not receive a facelift and was replaced in 2013 by the Symbol derived from the Dacia Logan.

For bikes, the shape of the body matters more than the engine. The Symbol II has a plain roof with no roof rails, so a roof rack would first need a set of roof bars that attach to the car body. The boot lid, by contrast, offers a surface on which a strap-fitted rack sits directly, with no other parts. That is what we did here: on the car with SYMBOL lettering on the boot, the Menabo Biki is strapped to the boot lid.

What we fitted on this Renault Symbol

We chose the Menabo Biki bike rack for 3 bikes, tailgate or boot-mounted, a steel, foldable model that is fixed to the car body at 6 points. The bikes hang by the frame on the arms of the rack, which have no clamps, but ridges that hold the frame in position. The rack accepts any frame diameter and is compatible with fat bikes, but not with e-bikes.

The maximum load is 45 kg, for no more than 3 bikes. The Biki has no lock, either for the rack or for the bikes, so on long stops it is a good idea to use a separate padlock. Because the bikes touch each other on the arms, it is worth protecting the frames at the contact points.

Technical details and what to watch for

• Menabo Biki capacity: 3 bikes and a maximum of 45 kg, which is an average of 15 kg per bike when you load all three.
• The rack weighs 4 kg and the packaging is 67 x 52 x 10 cm; the rack folds when you are not using it.
• Before fitting, clean the boot lid, so that no dust or sand that could scratch the paint is left under the contact points.
• After tightening the straps, try moving the rack from side to side: it must sit firmly, without sliding on the lid.
• With the bikes loaded, check from behind the car that the number plate and rear lights stay visible.
• The compatibility list with cars, the fitting instructions and the Menabo Biki specifications are attached to the product sheet.

Instructions and documents

• Menabo compatibility list for bike racks (PDF)
• Fitting instructions - Menabo Biki (PDF)
• Specifications - Menabo Biki (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Which bike rack fits a Renault Symbol II with no roof bars?

On a Renault Symbol II (L35, 2008-2012) we fitted the Menabo Biki rack, which is strapped to the boot lid and needs no roof bars. The Menabo Biki carries up to 3 bikes and a maximum of 45 kg. Before ordering, check your car in the compatibility list on the product sheet.

How much weight does the Menabo Biki bike rack carry?

The Menabo Biki carries a maximum of 45 kg, for no more than 3 bikes. It weighs 4 kg, is made of steel and folds for storage.

Can I put an e-bike on the Menabo Biki rack?

No. According to the product sheet, the Menabo Biki is not compatible with e-bikes, but accepts fat bikes and frames of any diameter. If you are not sure which type of rack suits you, read our guide roof-mounted bike rack versus rear-mounted rack.

How is a bike rack fitted on the boot of a saloon such as the Renault Symbol?

On a saloon such as the Renault Symbol II, the boot rack is placed centrally on the cleaned lid, then the straps are tightened and you check that it does not move. The steps are explained in detail in the guide Fitting steps for tailgate bike racks.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

If you have a Renault Symbol and want to see how a boot rack sits before you buy it, our SuportBicicleta.ro showroom is at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania. We will show you the See our tailgate and boot-mounted bike racks and, if you are thinking of carrying the bikes on the roof, also roof bars that suit you. Contact us through our contact page or at [email protected]. contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

You can also message us on WhatsApp.

Sources: Wikipedia - Renault Symbol (second generation, L35) · SuportBicicleta.ro guide - Fitting steps for tailgate bike racks · SuportBicicleta.ro guide - Bike rack on roof bars vs. tailgate bike rack · product pages on suportbicicleta.ro