Recommendation For Bike Rack For Electric Bikes w/ Step-Thru Frames & Fenders & One w/ Fat Tires
Question:
Looking for a Bike Rack for 2 E-Bikes. 1 has Fat Tires the other has 2 inch Tires. Both bikes are step through w/Fenders. Any suggestions? Thanks
asked by: Keith B
Expert Reply:
There are a pair of options I recommend for electric bikes with step-thru frames, fenders and fat tires. There are pros and cons to each so first I'll mention the racks (and accessories that are needed) and then I'll go over the differences. Keep in mind that both have a 60 lb per-bike capacity:
- Saris Freedom Bike Rack # SA4412B
- Fat Tire Adapter Kit for Saris Freedom Bike Racks # SA4419
OR
- Swagman Current Bike Rack # S64678
- Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Electric, Step Through, and Cruiser Bikes # S57FR
While both racks have the same capacity and both fit 1-1/4" or 2" hitches, the Freedom needs the Fat Tire adapter for the one bike with fat tires as it only fits tires up to 2.25" wide, while the Current fits tires up to 5" wide. The Current needs the adapter bar though in order to give a horizontal mounting point for the frame hooks, while the Freedom does not because it uses cradles that slide along its mast to attach to the bikes.
There are a couple of other differences that are important, and one in which the Current has the advantage is that it includes locks in the frame hooks to secure your bikes, as well as a hitch lock. If you wanted locks for the Freedom you could get them but they would have to be separate with just a hitch lock with the Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock # SA3022 or combination Cable Lock and Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock # SA984.
That said, I do think the Freedom has a couple more important advantages, starting with its weight. The Freedom weighs just 22-1/2 lbs while the Current weighs 49 lbs. While both fold up for when you aren't using them, if you plan to take the rack on and off frequently, this makes the Freedom much easier to handle. The Freedom also has an 8" rise in the shank (the Current has no rise) which is important if your vehicle is low to the ground to give you the best ground clearance.
So both the Saris Freedom # SA4412B and Swagman Current # S64678 are superb options, it just depends on what you value and how you use the rack. If you plan on taking the rack on and off frequently, and your vehicle's hitch is lower to the ground, the Freedom is the way to go. But if you are going to leave the rack on, and like that you can use the Current without having to change the cradles or add locks, then that's the better option for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Large - 25-1/2" - 35" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 25 - 31 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Swagman Current Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Swagman
more information >
Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Saris Bike Racks with 1-1/4" and 2" Shanks
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Rack Specific Locks
- Keyed Unique
- Steel
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Threaded Pin
- For Saris Racks
- 3-5/8 Inch Span
- Saris
more information >
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Saris
more information >
Fat Tire Adapter Kit for Saris Freedom Bike Racks
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Wheel Adapters
- Freedom
- Saris
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
8' Cable Lock and Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Saris Hitch Mounted Bike Racks
- Bike Locks
- Cable Locks
- Keyed Alike
- Stainless Steel
- 8 Feet Long
- Gray
- Saris
more information >
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