Hitch-Mount Platform Bike Carrier Recommendation for Road Bike with Carbon Fiber Frame

Question:

Is this rack ok if you have a carbon road bike?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

For high-value delicate bikes such as a carbon-frame road bike, you will be better offer with a carrier that makes no contact at all with the frame. The Saris Freedom 2 # SA4412B that you referenced is a fine platform rack but it will still make contact with the frame due to the nature of its design.

A better option is a wheel-mount type rack such as the Thule T2 Pro XTR # TH83JV that secures the bike to the carrier through a hinged arm that contacts only the front wheel's rubber tire. This rack makes NO contact at all with the frame. The T2 fits 2-inch hitches (not both this and the 1-1/4-inch size as the Saris does).

The T2 is American-made, like the Saris, and includes locks for both the rack and your bikes, an anti-wobble device, ratcheting padded arms that securely grip the front wheels and it includes a limited lifetime warranty from Thule.

expert reply by: Adam R