What Bike Rack do You Recommend for My 60-Pound E-Bike on My 2013 Ford Focus?
Question:
why does the Saris 4031 MTR bike rack require a Class 2 1-1/4" hitch as opposed to a Class 1 1-1/4" hitch? Won't the Class 1 work?
asked by: JILL W
Expert Reply:
I have a great solution for you for a bike rack with a ramp. Unfortunately, Saris does not make a ramp for the Saris MTY Bike Rack SA4031. We also do not have a bike rack that has a ramp for a single bike.
With that being said, we do have a 2-bike option that comes with a ramp. For that route, I recommend the Yakima OnRamp # Y96FR (for 1-1/4" hitches) or the # Y36FR (for 2-inch hitches). The great thing about the OnRamp in addition to the included ramp is that you will not have to purchase a bike frame adapter bar like the Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005. This is because the clamps on the OnRamp adjust independently on the central mast that are great for virtually any bike frame style (including step-thru styles and women's bikes). The OnRamp comes with enough weight capacity to accommodate your 60-pound e-bike.
If you have tires more than 3-1/2 inches wide, you will need the Fat Tire Straps # Y23FR in order for your bike to fit the tire cradles of the OnRamp. If you wish to add extra theft-detterrence to the rack itself, I recommend purchasing the Yakima Hitch Lock # Y07235.
If you need a hitch receiver on your 2013 Ford Focus, I recommend the Curt Hitch - 1-1/4" # C11158 (for non-ST hatchbacks and sedan models) or the # C11431 for an ST Hatchback model. If you have a hybrid model, I recommend the EcoHitch - 2" # 306-X7237. If you buy the Curt 1-1/4" hitch, you will need the OnRamp # Y96FR. If you buy the EcoHitch, you will need the OnRamp # Y36FR.
One thing to keep in mind is the length of the bike rack's shank in order to clear your rear bumper. The only hitch specs we have for your 2013 Ford Focus is with the Curt Hitch # C11158 (see attached review video). With this particular hitch, you will need at least 3-1/2 inches of shank length on a bike rack in order to clear the rear bumper. Fortunately, the OnRamp has a distance of 5 inches from the center of the shank's pinhole to the closest part of the rack (folded). If you already have a hitch receiver, I recommend measuring the center of your hitch's pinhole to the outside face of your spare bumper to make sure it does not exceed 5 inches.
If you find that you need more shank length, I recommend the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202. The EasyFold comes with a ramp and has a shank measurement of 8 inches from the center of the shank pinhole to the closest part of the rack. If you have bike tires that are larger than 3 inches wide, you will need the Fat Tire Straps # TH985101. These straps hold bike tires up to 4-11/16 inches wide. Also, the EasyFold XT is compatible with Class I receivers.
Products Referenced in This Question
EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- EcoHitch
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Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
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- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
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Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Thule EasyFold XT 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 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
- Thule
more information >
Fat Bike Straps for Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Straps
- EasyFold
- Thule
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Yakima HitchLock for Yakima Hitch Mounted Bike Racks - Same Key System (SKS)
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Rack Specific Locks
- Keyed Alike
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- For Yakima Racks
- Yakima
more information >
Fat Tire Straps for Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack - Qty 2
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Straps
- OnRamp
- Yakima
more information >
Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Inno Tire Hold Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 1 Bike
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Inno
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Jill
1/1/0001
why does the Saris 4031 MTR bike rack require a Class 2 1-1/4" hitch as opposed to a Class 1 1-1/4" hitch? Won't the Class 1 work?