Mae Lutz

View Original

Saris SuperClamp EX 2-Bike Review

If you follow me on Instagram stories, you would have seen just how proud I was when I put together this bike rack by myself - even the FedEx guy who stopped by was impressed. Full disclaimer, this rack was sent to me to review, but opinions are always my own, so here I am telling you allllll about it. 

This is the new Saris SuperClamp EX 2-Bike, it retails for $469.99, and I've been using it for mountain bikes only so far. It was pretty simple to put together, a one woman job, and everything needed to assemble was included except for the adjustable wrench. The rack weights 35lbs so I have no problem taking it on and off my car. I'll list the detailed specs below and elaborate on some or my favorite and not so favorite things so far. 

First off, I love that the lock is integrated. I live in Atlanta and bike theft is rampant so that is a MUST have if I'm taking my bikes anywhere at all. Make sure you feed the cord towards to middle of the rack and through the frame rather than coming towards you and back into the rack (I hope that makes sense). The cord is just long enough with no extra slack so it's nice and snug. Like I said, so far I have used this rack with two mountain bikes and I'm happy to say that they are both easily secured. I was able to tighten everything down myself which I was happy about, as this has actually been a problem I've had with another bike rack in the past. A few simple pushes on the wheel-clamping hooks, a couple of clicks, adjust the straps at the bottom for the wheels, and you're ready to rock and roll. This rack also has zero contact with your frame, another pervious problem I've had, so I'm very happy about that! Lastly I love the tilting mechanism. I can fold it up when I'm not using it and tilt it back with the bikes on to access my trunk. 

Cons: So far the only problem I've had was loading TWO downhill mountain bikes on at the same time. It was a two lady job as one person was needed to hold the first bike steady as I loaded on the second one, and then brought the arms up. In the future, it would be nice to see a version that has the arms independently adjustable in order to put on bigger bikes one at a time. Realistically, this won't be much a of a problem as my go-to bikes are small enough to load each bike in one at a time with ease. 

There you have it! The new Saris SuperClamp EX 2-Bike rack in all of it's glory! If you have any questions, please let me know. 

Check out the detailed specs straight from the Saris website below:

  • Platform style hitch rack

  • Carries 2 bikes, up to 60 lb/each.

  • Two shepherd's hooks hold bike by top of both wheels -- does not touch the frame of the bike.

  • Sleek, compact and lightweight design transports two bikes on a single bar.

  • Adjustable arms and wheel trays fit almost any type of bicycle, including those with fenders, mountain bikes and ebikes; bike spacing accommodates widest combination of bicycles.

  • Integrated locking cable secures bikes to the rack.

  • Locking hitch pin secures rack to the car

  • Tilting feature allows access to rear of vehicle, even when fully loaded, and folds up when not in use.

  • Ratcheting arms pivot on case hardened brackets for superior strength.

  • Reflectors on outside wheel trays ensure extra visibility in low light.

  • Bottle opener integrated into tilt handle.

  • Built and tested to outlive the elements.

  • Universal hitch works with 1¼” and 2” hitch receivers.

  • Rack weight: 35 lb

  • This rack fits a wheelbase of up to 48”.

  • Universal wheel trays accommodate a wide variety of bikes and wheel sizes (up to 4” tires).

  • Wheel straps are provided for the rear wheel if needed for kids bikes, e-bikes and bikes with fenders.

  • For use with tires wider than 4”, add the Fat Tire Wheel Holders.

Here are some stock photos incase mine just aren't doing it for ya!