Comparing Saris, Thule and Swagman Platform Style Hitch Bike Racks for 2011 Honda Element
Question:
Difficult in deciding which product - any insight? 1 Saris Freedom 2 Bike Platform Rack Code: SA4412B 2 Thule Doubletrack Platform-Style 2 Bike: Code: TH9054 3 Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack: Code: S64670 I Just installed your Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch Receiver - Class III - 2 - what a great product on my 2011 Honda Element 2.4 DOHC 5Dr 4WD EX. Concerns: Construction, stability, quality. Thanks
asked by: Maurice
Expert Reply:
The three platform-style hitch bike racks you referenced, the Saris Freedom 2 # SA4412B, the Thule Doubletrack Pro XT # TH92BJ and the Swagman XTC-2 # S64670, differ in a few key features and the nature of your particular bikes may help you determine which is the best match for you.
First, let's talk weight. The Saris Freedom 2 weighs 22-1/2-lbs, the Thule Doubletrack Pro about 32-lbs and the Swagman XTC-2 about 28-lbs. If you intend to install and remove the rack often this may be a consideration.
In terms of fit at the back of your Element, the Freedom offers slightly more clearance than the other racks with 12-inches of space between the hitch pin hole and the nearest wheel tray. The Freedom also wins in terms of ground clearance, thanks to the 8-inches of rise in the shank. If you have a bike with a long wheel base - over 50-inches - then you'll want the XTC-2 which offers the most: a full 66-inches at maximum. Maximum tire widths vary too: The XTC-2 works with tires up to 2-1/2-inches wide while the others can handle tires up to 3-inches in width. All three racks share a 35-lbs-per-bike weight capacity.
All three carry a limited lifetime warranty; the Saris and Thule racks are USA-made.
If the details above do not give you enough information to choose you can click on the video links to see further illustration of these racks' features.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman XTC2 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 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform 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
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
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