# 1
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
Great rack. I got a used unit from etrailer that was in like-new condition except for the packaging. It’s heavy-ish but manageable. The only issue is that the hitch tite insert will slide into the rack if you don’t keep it level when lifting into the hitch receiver. I’m using the freedom 4 on my Lexus GX 460, which has a swing out lift gate. Access is minimal with the rack level and the bike in place. It opens about 75% of the way with the bike removed and the rack level. I haven’t actually need to use the tilt function, but it’s nice to have in case need full access is ever needed.
WOW WOW WOW That is what I just kept saying after installing this Saris bike rack. I have been looking for a bike rack for almost 3-4 months now. Thule and Yakima didn't have what I was looking for. Their solution for a 4-5 bike rack is too complicated, not efficient, and it would be a nightmare to manage on a regular basis. So I couldn't get myself to pull a trigger on any of those and I kept searching. Finally, I came to eTrailer and found out about Saris. That is where the love starts :) We are a family of 5 (3 kids and 2 grown-ups). I needed something that will help me load bikes fast, unload them and still be able to have access to the back of my Toyota Sequoia. Saris delivered in every way. Assemble of the item is straight forward. Instructions are clear and to the point. They even give you a yellow strip that helps you mark where the hitch needs to be in order to align hole openings for easier installation after you install it the first time ;) The back-up camera is still usable but not 100%. Tilting down the rack with the bikes on it is simple as 1-2-3. There is plenty of room left between the trunk door and the bike as you can see on the pictures. One HUGE benefit is that you do not need any extra parts for kids bikes. Not like with other brands. Saris delivers tremendously on this part too. No shaking, rattling, or anything that would make you notice that you have this amazing product on the back of your SUV/truck. I can't recommend it more. I am just surprised that this product has not been more advertised and represented compared to other products.
# 2
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.
# 3
Saris Bones EX 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
Truly a great product! The bike rack is a huge improvement over the one it replaces. I had lost confidence in it, as it was always loose and sloppy when in use for long distances. The materials are high-quality, with very dense plastic arms, a metal main tube, and strapping that can be pulled quite tight. Overall a very solid piece of equipment. Each bike has three points of attachment, which keeps them very stable. The ratchet mechanism is much easier to manipulate when compared to web straps, which always seem to work loose, but are difficult to work with when removing a bike. The feet, which get placed on the glass and in the license plate well on my Subaru, are flexible and substantial. When placed according to the online fitment guide, I can still use my backup camera, at least when no bikes are on. I can also drop the arms easily when not carry bikes, and storage off of the car will be very easy. For my wife's step-through frame, I acquired the Saris Bike Beam, which makes placement on the arms very easy, and seems to be very stable. These products are clearly well engineered and manufactured. Great customer service and fast shipping from Etrailer combine for a great purchasing experience. I highly recommend this item!
Great product so far! Easy to install and adjust. A little tricky to load 2 large handlebar mountain bikes and a third smaller bike, but we just turned them sideways with the front wheels taken off. We had racks on bikes which were probably the impediment. We got them on though! Love how it folds up easy for quick storage. Works great on 2014 Subaru Outback.
What our customers are saying:
"Everyone that bought before me was right! I got my rack in time for my next days off and putting it together was fast too. And I'm a grandma!! Thank you for being fast and honest! You beat anyone in my town hands down!"