Do You Recommend the Saris SuperClamp EX or the Kuat NV 2.0 for My 2016 Lexus GX 460?

Updated 05/18/2022 | Published 05/17/2022

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etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

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

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

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Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting

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Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Fat Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting

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Question:

I have one more question . If I was to get a specialized diverge comp carbon bike will that be ok with the saris freedom also ?

asked by: Sunil T

Expert Reply:

While both of these racks are great options, the Kuat NV 2.0 # NV22B-NA22B does not provide the weight capacity you need for your 60-pound e-bike when 4 bikes are loaded. This is because the weight capacity reduces to 50 pounds per bike with 3 bikes and 40 pounds per bike for 4 bikes.

For this reason, I strongly recommend going with the Saris SuperClamp EX Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches # SA4026F. Not only will you receive the weight capacity you need when your e-bike is mounted in the front two positions of the rack, you do not need to purchase additional locks like you do with the NV 2.0. Like the NV 2.0, the SuperClamp allows you to tilt the rack away from your vehicle in order to gain better access to your trunk. As far as bike compatability, the SuperClamp is compatible with bike wheelbases up to 47 inches long and bike tires up to 4-1/2 inches wide.

From what you inputted in our fitguide, you have a 2016 Lexus GX 460. If you need a hitch for this vehicle, I recommend going with the Curt Hitch - 2" # C13043. This hitch not only provides you the weight capacity you need, it also comes with a higher quality gloss outer coat over the base powder coat that gives you more protection against rust and corrosion than our etrailer hitch # e46YR. With the # C13043 installed, you won't have any bumper clearance issues when using the SuperClamp.

expert reply by: Bob C

Sunil T.

1/1/0001

Thanks for the response . My e-bike does have fenders. What do you recommend?

Sunil T.

1/1/0001

I have one more question . If I was to get a specialized diverge comp carbon bike will that be ok with the saris freedom also ?

Bob C.

5/17/2022

Since your e-bike has fenders, we here at etrailer do not recommend using a wheel-mount style bike rack like the SuperClamp EX and the Kuat NV 2.0. This is because attaching the wheel clamps bike the fenders can cause cracking and damage due to bumps during transport. With that being said, the only 4-bike rack that provides you with the weight capacity you need and hooks onto your bikes' frames is the Saris Freedom - 2" Hitches # SA4414B or # SA4414B-FB (for fat tire bikes between 3-5 inches wide). One of the great things about the Freedom is that the cradles independently adjust to fit virtually any bike frame style without the need of a bike frame adapter bar. With this factor, you do not need to worry about damaging your bikes' fenders. As far as compatibility, the rack accepts bike wheelbases up to 48" inches long. It also has a tilting function. For adding locks to the Freedom, I recommend using the Hitch Tite Hitch Lock # SA3022 along with the etrailer cable lock # e98891 to protect the racks and the bikes as well. You won't have any clearance issues whatsoever when using the Freedom with the Curt Hitch # C13043 I recommended earlier.

Bob C.

5/18/2022

Great question! I went ahead and brought this to my attention to my tech at Saris, and he said that he has not heard of any negative feedback or horror stories about using the padded clamps on the Freedom # SA4414B or # SA4414B-FB with carbon-framed bikes.