Recommended 2-Bike Hitch-Mount Hanging Rack for Bikes with Fenders and Step-Thru Frame

Updated 06/12/2017 | Published 06/09/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1691)

$220.58

Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting

(392)

$309.95

etrailer Cable Lock - 10' Long - 5/16" Diameter - Steel - Keyed Alike

(228)

$20.16

Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Saris Bike Racks with 1-1/4" and 2" Shanks

(82)

$39.99

Question:

My wife and I are looking for a hitch style bike carrier for our bikes. Mine is a Huffy Parkside, hers is a Specialized Roll Low-Entry Step thru with fenders. I would prefer NOT to buy a crossbar to make a rack work with hers and was looking at the Saris Freedom 2 Item # SA4412B Thoughts? Suggestions?

asked by: Jason T

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the specifics about the two bike styles you're looking to transport on a hitch-mounted bike rack. The Saris Freedom 2 carrier # SA4412B could work but my contact said there needs to be enough room for the 3-inch clamp. Since there are many versions and sizes of the Roll my Saris contact could not be absolutely certain of compatibility. The rack will definitely work with an adapter bar, but since you said you do not want one I have an alternative.

The type of hitch rack I suggest for your two bikes is one that completely avoids the need for an adapter bar on the step-through frame, a wheel-mount hanging style. Since I do not know your vehicle details or your preferred price range I will suggest a rack that offers excellent value and compatibility with different hitch sizes.

The Curt # C18085 fits in both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch size hitches, provides a foot of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of rack, works on both passenger vehicles and RVs, and it is lightweight and easy to manage. It will work great without an adapter bar on your two bikes. it is also ideal for bikes with fenders or delicate frames.

You can lock it to your hitch using Anti-Rattle Lock # SA3022 and you can lock the bikes using cable lock # e98891.

expert reply by: Adam R