Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

by: Scott11/20/2021

I had to put my electric bikes into this rack, backwards, to make them fit. Not ideal, but it works.The receiving 'trays' that are intended to provide support for holding the bikes, by being placed under the bike tires, are forced to be moved to a location that is not directly under the bottom of the bike tires. While it works in this manner, it is not ideal.For the support that attaches to the diagonal bike frame, we had to remove it from the vertical rail of the rack. We reinstalled it, upside down, because that's the only way we could make it fit, or 'grab', the bike frame. Again, we made it work, but it's not ideal. We chose to keep the rack because it was so much less expensive than the Thule rack we considered buying. The bike shop owner didn't agree with us. He observed that we are putting $3000 worth of bikes on the rack and risking that investment. So far, no problems, other than the ill-fitting installation. 1207757

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I reached out to Saris who advised that while installing the cradle upside down may make it easier to install this bike, the cradle would need to be reinstalled when a different bike needs to be transported. I would recommend the Saris Superclamp EX 2 part # SA4025F
Saris SuperClamp EX Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
$579.99 as the hooks and wheel holders would easily secure this bike.

-- Jenny N - 11/23/2021

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Perfect, works on my e-bikes even with 3-inch tires, just I have to use longer straps. Love it. 1163134

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Excellent product. Very easy to put together. Just bought 2 new ebikes. Because they have fenders this is the perfect carrier. 738777

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Works great. It’s sturdy and my ebikes with fenders strap in very nicely.

David - 01/17/2021

by: Myles11/29/2021

I use the Saris Freedom rack (along with the Curt stabilizing strap)regularly for transporting my 45 lb. e-bike. Solid product. Good value. Pros: Light weight and easy, quick one-person install/Fits 1.25" hitch as well as 2"/Anti-rattle built in/Center mast and clamp design works well for bikes w/ fenders and for step-thru and mid-step bikes. Cons (not so much "cons" as "considerations"): First loaded bike must be lifted over center mast so may be difficult depending on bike weight and user strength (This is the one potential deal-breaker so I suggest checking out one of the etrailer videos to see how this works and simulating the process with your bike before you choose.)/Takes a few minutes to position and lock the center clamp and wheel trays for a specific bike (This is a one-time process for each bike that helps ensure a really good grab and virtually eliminates movement, but if you're regularly transporting different bikes and having to frequently reconfigure the clamp and trays it may not work for you.)/No fold-up option so may not be suitable for parking or garaging in tight spots when installed or storing in limited space when off the vehicle. (Since I typically transport only one bike, I leave the "outside" wheel trays uninstalled, reducing overall length by 5" and preventing any damage.) 1213666

by: William10/15/2021

This is a great, high capacity rack (120 lb!) for bikes with compatible frames. But it is a little fiddly to adjust to fit the bike, and it's not great for long-wheelbase MTBs. My Santa Cruz 5010 fits, but it's off center to the rear of the bike and the downtube strap is just barely long enough to get around the bulky carbon frame. My Specialized Roubaix road bike, my wife's Liv Sedona and my old Trek 930 all fit great. Since I originally bought the rack to carry the Trek and Liv, I can't complain. Unlike some tray racks, this one will carry bikes that have fenders, since there are no top-of-wheel clamps. But also unlike those tray racks, the bike must have a down tube that fits in the center holder. Once it's in there, it's very solid. We rented an RV for a vacation, and wanted to take our bikes. This rack is NOT RV-rated, but during COVID, I couldn't get an RV-rated rack in time for trip, so I put the 2" adapter on this and used it. The Trek and Liv combined are only about 70 lbs, well under the 120 lb rating, and this rack does not have a tip-up-or-down hinge, which seems to be where racks tend to break when used on RVs. We did 1800 miles, often on quite bumpy roads, in a 24-foot Class C motorhome, and the rack was dead solid and exhibited no signs of damage or metal fatigue. Unlike some racks, this rack does not have a hinge so you can flip it up against the back of the vehicle while not in use (although the center post does fold down sideways against the main crossbar for storage). As noted above, that makes it stronger. It also makes it lighter. I install and remove the rack for every use, and it's easy to carry, much more so than my daughter's rack that does have the flip-up-or-down hinge and top-of-wheel clamps. 1180776

by: Gerald08/20/2021

This bike rack was designed for two bikes. I use it for one only fat tire e-bike as it is still within the weight restrictions. It carries my bike well and I'm pleased with it's performance. My suggestion is to always be within the weight restrictions when deviating from recommended us. 1128696

by: Clint T11/19/2021

Works well for my Electra Townie 7i with the stock Schwalbe Fat Frank tires. The carrier extended to nearly max width accommodates the long Townie-frame bike--and securely. The carrier is heavy (for me) to handle due to its solid construction as is the bicycle, too. 1207306

This product works very well for the type of bikes we got (Electra Townie men’s and woman’s). Not the best rack for the type of vehicle (2013 Jeep Wrangler). Unable to open back hatch to let dog out until the bikes are off the rack. First trip was 600 miles with bikes in tow and didn’t even know they were there. I love the fact that this is a American made product. I am happy with my purchase. Thanks to the support staff at etrailer it was a great experience 524849

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This my 2nd Saris bike rack. This is my first platform hitch rack; it is so much easier to load the bikes and I have a much better rear view from the car. It was also easy to assemble. I highly recommend this bike rack. 1168671

by: Edwin11/01/2021

Easy to install and remove relatively light rack, grips bike well locking straps could be a little easier to unlock 1192870

Although I have net transported bikes yet ( picking up 2 bikes later today), I do want to share that purchasing it thru etrailer.com was very easy and it shipped very fast to my home. The Sarris Freedom was extremely easy to put together. It took about 10 minutes, basicly 3 bolts. Its very sturdy yet light, not bulky. Looks easy to store in my garage when not in use. Straps and wheel holders appear to be very well built. Got it on sale and the price was very good. Looking forward to trying it out later when picking up 2 new bikes. I plan on transporting somewhat locally between 5 and 25 miles each way. Initial feeling its a very nice rack. 460675

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This bike rack isn’t made for a woman to use and the rod with the clamps doesn’t fold out, only forwards and back and is always in the way of putting the bike on. It’s not functional. I’m very unhappy. I am transporting my car to Florida and need it out is return it. This is the second bike rack I’ve been very unhappy with. 975216

Hi Kristina, Thanks for your feedback! For a bike rack that has the frame mounts move out of the way better, I would recommend the Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack, part S94FR . This will make it easier to load your bikes.

-- Tyler M - 03/09/2021

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Etrailers website was easy to use and the product choices were great. We found the exact product that we were looking for to accommodate our two folding "Bike Fridays". We will use the rack on the back of our Mazda CX-5 and on the front of our Ford F450 pu truck. Your service was outstanding shipping, tracking and delivery. The onsite videos were helpful. Thank you very much. Pics are attached. 391484

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Thanks so much for this great bike rack! I assembled it fairly easily, it was just as lightweight as I thought it would be, and my two ebikes fit perfectly on it! Plus, it looks great and I love knowing I bought an American made product from a company also in America! 1009209

by: Tricia08/20/2021

After we replaced a loose screw and tire holder, this model has worked fine. I appreciate that its not too heavy, only 21lb. As long as we keep tightening the components and avoid 4x4 very rough FS rds, this model serves well. 1129313

by: Charles06/28/2021

Works great with my heavy e bike. Some lifting and maneuvering to use with my step through bike. But overall very happy with my purchase. 1077970

I received my Freedom 2 rack yesterday. It took me about 10 minutes to assemble it with no issues at all. This morning, I put the rack on the back of my 2014 Ford Explorer, and began to load my bike. The rack attached easily to my 2" hitch receiver, and when I tightened the bolt, it was a very sturdy and stable fit. I made the adjustments required to mount my bike on the rack, and found that it traveled securely and very stable. My only issue with the Freedom 2 is the hold-down straps on the wheel and tube brackets. I think a better ratcheting system and a better qualitty strap would greatly enhance the unit. Otherwise, I'm very happy with the rack. My carbon fibre hybrid and my grandson's road bikes will be easily transported to wherever we want to ride! 391673

Great Bike Rack! After a year, its as stable and as tight as when it was brand new. I feel very confident when I transport my bikes.

Doug M - 06/10/2018

by: Mark02/28/2021

Hello it took some adjustment to fit two mnts bike, work well i cut the hitch tube shorter by 4 inches, not too much swaying, I like the rack hope the plastic straps hold up. Mark Dupey 971027

The Saris Freedom 2 Platform Rack fits my needs very nicely. It is lightweight, so it is easy to handle, and is plenty strong to hold 2 bikes. The platform format supports the bikes nicely and is convenient to load. etrailer has been very helpful and cooperative with getting me set up with this rack. 289339

I still remember how cooperative etrailer was with me. I use the bike rack rarely, but I did use it to take two bikes up to Oregon recently in order to view the eclipse of the sun. Our motel was about 10 miles from our chosen viewing point, and we rode bikes to get there.The Saris Bike Rack isn’t as convenient to use as some heavier and more expensive racks, but it did the job for me just fine. It gets easier with practise. I am pleased with it and will be using it in the future. I also would point out that the Saris company also was very helpful to me.

Mike M - 10/27/2017

etrailer.com is without question, the best website I've ever seen when it comes to product description and installation instructions. The installation videos are incredible. Thanks to the ease and simplicity of the installation videos, I knew I would have absolutely no problem whatsoever doing the work myself...and I was right. You guys are a class act from the young lady who took my order over the phone to the speed of shipping. I've already referred a co-worker to your site...thank you! 190744

Fantastic!!!!

Abowen - 05/05/2016

Completely inadequate for my application (heavier-than average eBikes; within the weight specifications of this Saris Freedom rack). eTrailer customer service should have advised against this rack, and for one more suitable for the task. But eTrailer did not recommend a more suitable rack. The rail from the hitch receiver to the rack is too long - on my installation, at least eight inches of wobbly lever could be removed and there would still be plenty of clearance between the rack and my vehicle bumper. That cartoonishly-long lever evokes the memory of Archimedes' long lever to move the world - in the case of this Saris Freedom rack, that long lever just makes the bikes and the rack wobble unacceptably. Of course, if the end-user modifies the rack in an attempt to do the design engineering job that was not done in Madison, WI, the lifetime warranty is voided. Replaced this rack with a Thule Easyfold. Way more money, but it does the job because it was designed to do the job. 420946

This is an excellent rack. Solid, works well, very good price. Wheel cups not sized for heavy eBikes--you'll need the larger cups, which is a $100 add-on. Still a very good deal but not quite a steal. Customer service at eTrailers is excellent, would gladly do business with them again. 934042

I bought this rack for several reasons, including its price point and light weight. I also like where its designed and made. The American flag on the back is a nice touch. I also wanted a solid platform rack that would hold two bikes securely for long road trips and highway speeds. I didn't see much need for a heavier tilt-away rack since I can easily access the rear of my small hatchback through the back the seats. This hitch is easy to assemble and ready to go in minutes. Its light weight makes it easy to slide into the hitch and the threaded hitch pin holds the rack tight. I also bought a cheap socket wrench and a deep 19mm socket to keep in the car. There is still a small amount of side to side wobble when the bikes are loaded, but not much. You won't notice any wobble when driving unless the road is really rough. Be sure to check out ETrailer's road test video of this rack. This is a good sturdy rack. I also got the hitch strap that Curt recommends to secure the center upright support to the car. I also recommend getting the Saris locking hitch pin and cable combo with matching keys. This rack does not fold up completely because the hitch arm is fixed, but its still light and easy to move around and store. And you could always take the hitch arm off for longer term winter storage. It does take some fiddling to get the tire mounts and drop bar mounts lined up for each bike so if you have four different bikes like I do, you'll find yourself doing that quite often. Eventually I will memorize the locations for each or mark them somehow on the rack. My two large road bikes fit like a glove but I could see there being some difficulty with getting seats and handle bars to clear sometimes, which means more time fiddling with the mounts when loading up a friend's bike. I also like how well centered the bikes are and how little side overhang I'm able to achieve, which is also important for long road trips and highway speeds (less drag = better mpg). All of my bikes are well centered and only my big 29" mountain bike with its long wheelbase sticks out to the side much. On the downside, but not for me, it does take some strength to lift the inside bike up and over the center support, and doing so carefully without hitting the back of your car. This could be a problem for some, especially if you have a big heavy townie or mountain bike. This is also dependent on how high your hitch receiver is off the ground. Mine happens to be very low to the ground so I don't have to lift the bikes as high as I would on a larger SUV for example. So other platform racks may be a better choice if you're concerned about lifting your bike up to or over shoulder height just to get it on the rack. To sum it up, the Saris Freedom 2 is a great rack for a good price and I couldn't be happier with my purchase, and for all the great info and advice from the wonderful people at Etrailer.com to make it so easy! Etrailer rocks! 346699

by: JP06/13/2019

This rack was purchased to replace a much heavier 4 bike rack. It is much lighter. Also, the threader mounting bolt is well done resulting in no noise from the mounting when traveling. There are 2 weaknesses which do not recommend the rack. First, the spring loaded pin for holding the vertical bar in place works very poorly resulting in the bar flopping around while loading bikes. More significant is the plastic construction of the brackets for attaching. The ones on the horizontal bar are workable but more difficult to slide than they should be. The ones on the vertical bar are worse. The padding for the frame is fine. But the latching straps and mechanism are awful. You have to adjust the bikes' positions and hardware (petals,etc) to get the brackets as far from everything as possible. Then you can thread the straps where you can closely guide and push them through the latching mechanism. If you try in any limited area, the straps won't be tight and you will just let the bike(s) travel loosely mounted. Fortunately the padding does keep them from getting scratched. Unless the brackets have been redesigned, I would not recommend this rack. I'm keeping the rack because it costs too much to just throw away. I've experimented for a year, so I've gotten everything in a workable position. Even so, it takes twice as long to load and unload bikes as it has on any other rack I've owned in the past 40 years. 657619

by: Mo H.04/29/2016

I bought this bike rack to use on my girlfriend's Jeep Liberty. We chose this model because her hybrid bike has a sloped top tube and when placed on other style racks the front of the bike it very low and the back end is up in the air. With this style it does not matter what type bicycle you have !! We got it adjusted to each of our bicycles in a matter of minutes. It is very well made and such a pleasure to use. I would recommend this to anyone considering a hitch mounted rack. P.S. We had to purchase the hitch extender to clear the spare tire on the back of the Liberty. It also works great. 247430