Saris SuperClamp EX 2 vs Kuat Sherpa 2.0: Which is Easier to Lift Bike Onto

Updated 04/13/2017 | Published 04/12/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Saris SuperClamp EX Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(129)

$579.99

Children's Bike Adapter for Kuat Sherpa 2.0, NV 2.0, and NV 2.0 Base Bike Racks - Qty 1

(53)

$19.95

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray

(587)

$759.00

Question:

Hello again! Jameson answered my question about hitches and bike racks for my 2017 Bolt EV, recommending the Saris SuperClamp 2: Thank you! I have one more question! I noticed that the padded hooks on the Saris swing out at and rest an angle when you are loading the bike onto the rack, necessitating that you lift the bike OVER the hooks. My issue is that I am unable to power lift any bike that way regardless of weight on my previous trunk-mounted bike rack, I would lift one tire up and position the front end onto the rack arm, and then with the front suspended lift the rear tire to get the back onto the other arm. On the Kuat Sherpa 2.0, however, the hooks swing out and rest flat on the horizontal plane for loading/unloading less of a straight lift, and it looks as though I might be able to wheel the bike up, put the front wheel in pace and then lift the rear wheel into place. Please let me know your opinion on which rack would be better due to my own physical limitations. And finally, the second bike Id be loading is my sons 20inch bike. If the Sherpa 2.0 is your recommendation, Id be needing this adapter, correct? 016-025-00-00.html Thank you in advance for your help!

asked by: PE B

Expert Reply:

To load the inside bike on the Saris SuperClamp EX # SA4025F you would not necessarily need to lift the bike vertically over the tilted arms. What you can do is lift the bike up high enough to get on the wheel cradles but instead angle the bike in and push it to the side far enough that the back tire clears the other arm of the rack. Then you can bring it back to the other side and center it on the rack and fit the cradles.

On the other hand the Kuat Sherpa # SH12G might be a slightly easier install for you since the arms can fold flat and would require a bit less manipulation of the bike to fit the wheel cradles.

Since you plan to carry a smaller kid's bike you would need the part # 016-025-00-00 too for the bike rack to fit the bike.

expert reply by: Jameson C