Kuat Sherpa # S101 vs Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2 Bike Rack # SA4025
Question:
Hello, Im looking for a lightweight platform rack for use with a 2009 Subaru Impreza class 1 curt hitch with 200 lb tongue weight capacity. Both the Kuat Sherpa and Saris Freedom Superclamp 2 look like good options. Based on build quality and features, which one do you recommend? I regularly carry sea kayaks on a yakima roof rack. Do you have any idea if bikes on either platform rack would interfere with a long roof load? The car squats noticeably with the weight of two bikes on the back, so Im looking for a lightweight platform rack, that doesnt extend too far back, for both tongue weight concerns and the above. Ill be removing the rack after each trip, so I assume that is a plus for the Kuat, since it doesnt require tools socket wrench. Im not sure if the Saris mechanism is better suited for leaving the rack on the car.
asked by: Greg S
Helpful Expert Reply:
When it comes to a battle of build quality and features between the Kuat Sherpa, # SH22G, and the Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2 Bike Rack EX2, # SA4025F, the winner in my opinion is Kuat.
Although the Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2 Bike Rack EX, # SA4025F, is a great bike bike, the Kuat Sherpa, # S101, just seems to be built to higher quality standards. Since you also mention that you will be removing the rack after each trip, the tool free installation would be a plus.
In order to make sure that you won't have any hitch clearance issues when installing the Kuat Sherpa 2.0, # SH22G, you will want to take a quick measurement from the hitch pin hole to the outer most edge of the bumper on your 2009 Subaru Impreza. I have included an article which covers this. The Sherpa measures 11 inches to the closest point of the rack when folded down, while the Saris SuperClamp EX measures 12 inches to its closest point. Both of these should clear your rear bumper.
Now for the sea kayaks. You shouldn't have an issue when carrying these at the same time as your bicycles. What I recommend doing, just to make sure, is to measure from the top edge of the trailer hitch receiver opening to the lowest portion of the kayak. If that measurement is greater than the height of your tallest bike + 10 inches, you won't have any interference.
Products Referenced in This Question
Saris SuperClamp EX Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Heavy Bikes
- Saris
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
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