Comparing the Hollywood SportRider SE4 vs Saris SuperClamp EX 4 Platform Bike Rack for Subaru Ascent
Published 01/04/2020
Question:
Hi. I am shopping for a 4-bike platform rack to install on my Subaru Ascent and have narrowed it down to these two. Key features I am looking for: i Needs to fit two adult bikes 27.5 in wheels and two kids bikes 20 in and 24 in wheels. ii Ability to fold down compactly. I only have about a foot of clearance between the back of my SUV and the garage door. iii Shouldnt interfere with the blind spot sensors. iv Ease of removal when not in use. Thanks!
asked by: Sunil C
Helpful Expert Reply:
I have a solution for you, but I'll start this off by saying that when you use any hitch mounted accessory like a bike or cargo carrier in your trailer hitch, it will likely set the backup sensors off. If the rack does not set the sensors off, the bikes probably will. You may have a setting that allows you to mute the sensors when you are carrying bikes. Additionally, trying to find a platform rack that will fold up to less than 12" is going to be impossible, but I think we can get close.
When looking at these racks, they are two great choices, but I think that one of them stands out because you won't need to use any adapter bars in order to haul your kids bikes- the Saris SuperClamp EX 4 # SA4026F.
Saris is the pioneer of vehicle mounted bike racks in North America and has been making racks for your car since the 70s; they've done a great job of being innovative in their designs and the SuperClamp is no exception. The SuperClamp will clamp down onto the wheels (it will fit all sizes of wheels) to secure your bikes, as opposed to the frame of the bikes- this is great for 2 reasons. First, you don't have to worry about your bike frames being scratched up by the clamps when securing them. But most importantly, clamping on to the wheels eliminates the need for a bike frame adapter on kids and women's bikes that have an aggressive frame step-through. You'll also notice that because the SuperClamp has an 8-1/2" shank rise, compared to the 7" rise on the SE4, it will provide a bit more clearance from the bumper on your Subaru and will impact any interference with the backup sensors on your vehicle less.
When it comes to comparing the footprint these two racks have when folded up towards the back of your vehicle, the Hollywood Racks SE4 # HR1400Z will extend 16-1/4" from the vehicle to the furthest part of the rack where the SuperClamp is going to stick out roughly 20". In reality, you're likely going to need to remove the rack when parking in your garage, and the SuperClamp weighs in at around 63-lbs compared to the 85-lbs of the SE4 (the SE4 can be broken down into a 50-lb piece and 35-lb piece).
There won't be a solution that has everything you're looking for, but in terms of a rack that is going to provide you with the easiest functionality, lightest weight and the best quality the Saris SuperClamp # SA4026F is the perfect choice and the rack I would choose when taking what you're looking for into consideration.
I've linked a few brief videos for you to have a look at that will tell you a bit more about these two racks.
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