Renault Clio Symbol facelift (2006-2008) with a Menabo Biki boot-mounted bike rack

We fitted a Menabo Biki bike rack on a first-generation Renault Clio Symbol, in the 2006-2008 facelift version. The work was done in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom, located at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Renault Clio Symbol, first generation (2006-2008 facelift)

The Clio Symbol went into production at the end of 1999, in Turkey, as the saloon version of the Clio II, and was built until 2008 on the Renault A platform (X65). It was not sold in Western Europe; in Romania it was called Clio Symbol, and from the first half of 2005 it was simply Symbol. The car in this fitting belongs to the last stage of the generation, facelifted in 2006, with rear lights with a clear section, a rear bumper in the body colour and a boot handle with the Renault badge built in.

As a saloon, the Clio Symbol has no roof rails, so a roof-mounted rack would first need a set of roof bars. The simpler option is the boot lid: the Menabo Biki rests on it and is fixed with straps, and when you no longer need it you remove it and fold it flat. On a saloon, how the rack sits on the lid matters, so it is worth checking compatibility before you order.

What we fitted on this Clio Symbol

On the boot lid we fitted the Menabo Biki rack for 3 bikes. It is made of steel, has 6 attachment points on the bodywork and holds the bikes by the frame, hanging on the arms. Instead of clamps, the arms have notches that stop the frame from sliding, and the rack accepts frames of any diameter, including fat bikes.

The bikes sit close together and touch each other, so it is a good idea to put a protective pad between the frames. The Biki has no lock for the rack or for the bikes and is not designed for e-bikes. On the other hand it folds flat and is easy to store, with a package of 67 x 52 x 10 cm.

Technical details and what to watch for

• Menabo Biki maximum load: 45 kg for 3 bikes. Two bikes of 14 kg each add up to 28 kg, so 17 kg remain up to the limit.
• Weight of the rack: 4 kg, material steel, colour silver and black.
• The bike is secured by the frame, hanging on the arms; the arms have no clamps, but notches.
• On racks where the bike hangs from the frame, a women's bike may need a frame adaptor.
• Before you set off, look from behind the car: the rear lights and the number plate must stay visible.
• The fitting instructions, the specifications and the car compatibility list are available on the product page.

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 the Renault Clio Symbol without roof bars?

On a first-generation Renault Clio Symbol (1999-2008) we fitted the Menabo Biki, a rack that attaches with straps to the boot lid, without roof bars. The Menabo Biki carries up to 3 bikes and a maximum of 45 kg. Check exact compatibility in the list on the product page.

How many bikes can I carry on the boot of a Clio Symbol with the Menabo Biki?

The Menabo Biki is designed for no more than 3 bikes, with a total load of maximum 45 kg. On the Renault Clio Symbol the rack sits on the boot lid, and the bikes hang by the frame and touch each other, so the frames are worth protecting.

Can I carry a women's bike on a boot-mounted rack?

On tailgate or boot-mounted racks where the bike hangs from the frame, like the Menabo Biki, a women's bike may need a frame adaptor. The differences between the types of rack are explained in the guide Bike rack on roof bars vs. tailgate bike rack.

How do I avoid scratches when fitting a rack on the boot of a Clio Symbol?

The main risk comes from dust or sand left under the contact points. Before you fit the Menabo Biki on the Renault Clio Symbol, clean the boot lid, place the rack centred and check that it does not move after you tighten the straps. All the steps are in the guide Fitting steps for tailgate bike racks.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

Bring your Clio Symbol to the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania and we will show you on the spot how a rack is fitted on a boot lid. You can browse in advance all the bike racks or go straight to the range of tailgate and boot-mounted racks. For questions, contact us through our contact page or at [email protected]. contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

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