# 1
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Seems like a good rack for the price, especially when compared to others with the same weight rating. It was very easy to assemble, just a few bolts and that's it. I put two 62lb e-bikes on it (Ride1Up Turris) and it has minimal wobble and movement as expected. The straps that come on the center cradles were too short to go around our bike's frame and battery so I had to purchase a separate set of long straps from Saris for an additional $20. So be aware if you have an e-bike with a fat frame where you plan to use the cradle on, you might have to spend another $20 on a pair of long straps. While I waited for the straps I just used a velcro-strap and it worked fine. So far I am content with this rack overall and hope it lasts many years.. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I had to purchase additional straps to make it work.
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.
# 2
Saris Bones Hitch Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
I like the bike rack; but the rack seems to be made more for bikes with cross bars; my wife's bike does not have one and its a challenge loading her bike securely to the straps on the rack. I also wish there was a quick disconnect of the rack from the hitch. The rack comes with a threaded bolt, nut and cotter pin. I also purchased the security lock that locks onto the threaded bolt. However I don't keep my rack on the car all the time. When I reach my destination by car I take the rack off and lock it into my trunk. Threading and unthreading the bolt is time consuming; A quick discount to and from the hitch would be ideal for those times I lock the rack in my trunk; which is most of the time.
Once I watched the Setup Video provided by etrailer.com I was confident in my purchase. Upon receiving my bike rack I spent a few minutes reading the manual and then went out to my garage to install it. It took minutes. After reading the manual I realized that I would require "straps" to keep the front tire in place during transportation. Overall I am happy with my purchase and quick delivery.
What our customers are saying:
"Sent out an e-mail to you earlier this week asking which hitch woudld be the best choice for installing on a 2000 Venture van for hauling a bike rack with two bikes. You suggested the one that would be easiest to install..received in a matter of days..installation went great ..very well thought out instructions. Everything went smooothly and the hitch is up nice and snug..doesn't stick out..looks great."