Recommended Hitch Mount Bike Racks to Deter Theft

Updated 03/03/2015 | Published 03/02/2015

Products Featured in This Question

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

(129)

$579.99

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

(222)

$44.78

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(158)

$1499.90

Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(345)

$568.95

Question:

How does the Saris bike rack for a 2004 Honda compare to Thule and Yakima? Also are there rack saddles which are not bolted to part of the rack which is attached to the hitch? Recently I had my bike stolen because the thief was able to unbolt the saddle part of the rack from the remainder of the rack vertical stem coming up from the hitch. My bike was locked to the saddle but the thief took the saddle with my bike still locked on.

asked by: Joe C

Expert Reply:

So sorry your bike was stolen!

The Saris SuperClamp EX # SA4025F would be my choice because of the integrated stainless steel cable lock. It will secure your bike to the rack to deter theft.

The Yakima HoldUp # Y02443 (see Yakima video at the 2:09 mark) and Thule T2 XTR Pro # TH69TX platform bike racks are quite nice too.

In addition to any of these bike racks, I recommend getting a cable lock # e98891. The lock can secure the bike and possibly the rack to the safety chain loops on the hitch. It's a 10 foot cable lock.

I wish I could say these platform racks are fail safe, because if someone wants it bad enough they will get it.

View the videos and informative article about hitch bike racks too.