Comparing Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack and Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2 Bike Rack for BMW and Volvo
Question:
Been trying to decide an a new rack. HELP, Saris superclamp 2! And Kuat Sherpa 2 Need to fit 2007 BMW 530 1 1/4 and 2010 Volvo XC60 2. Can you provide side by side comparison and any other brands? 2 bikes Wheel straps for each wheel Bike and hitch lock Well constructed With good warranty Tilt up and tilt down nice to have Nice to have US made Many thanks
asked by: John T
Expert Reply:
The Saris Freedom SuperClamp 2 Bike Platform Rack EX2 # SA4025F and the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack # SH12B are both great options, but between the 2 racks, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is my favorite and the one that hits more of the points on your list.
Both the SuperClamp and Sherpa will fit both your 2007 BMW 530 and your 2010 Volvo XC60. These bike racks can both install in either 1-1/4 inch or 2 inch bike racks, and they will both clear your vehicle's bumpers when in the carrying position. The Sherpa 2.0 will require an additional adapter # D101 to fit a 2 inch hitch.
The Freedom SuperClamp EX2 will secure your bikes with a clamp at both the front and rear tires. These hooks are padded and tighten with a ratcheting feature that will hold your bikes secure. The Sherpa uses a ratcheting hook to firmly grip your bike by the front wheel, while the rear wheel is secured at the base of the carrier with a ratcheting strap inside a pivoting wheel cradle.
Both bike racks feature cable locks and have a locking hitch pin to secure the rack to the hitch. The SuperClamp's cable lock is an integrated feature, but the Sherpa's cable is semi-integrated.
Kuat makes very well made racks. The Sherpa is made from lightweight aluminum that is durable and corrosion resistant. Saris racks are equally well made, and the SuperClamp EX2 is made from a rust resistant steel base and arms that have a black powder coat finish.
Both bike racks have limited lifetime warranties.
The Kuat Sherpa will fold up against the vehicle when not in use and will also allow you to tilt the rack away from the car while the bikes are loaded for better access to your rear cargo area. The Sherpa will work to fold up for storage when on your BMW 530, but you will not have enough clearance to fold up the rack on your XC60. This is based on the clearance measurements we took when we installed a 2 inch hitch receiver on a similar XC60 to yours. The Saris Freedom SuperClamp is a fixed rack that will not fold up or down
The Freedom SuperClamp EX2 is made here in the USA, but the Sherpa is not.
One big reason the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 # SH12B gets my vote over the Saris Freedom SuperClamp EX2 # SA4025F is because of the hand-tightening cam system that will secure the rack tightly inside the hitch receiver to help eliminate rattle. The SuperClamp EX2 has a threaded anti-rattle hitch pin that also fixes rattle inside the hitch, but it must be secured at the hitch pin hole. This can be an awkward installation process and the hand-tightening cam on the Sherpa make installation easier.
Both of these racks are great quality racks and either will serve you well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kuat Bike Rack Shank Adapter - 1-1/4" to 2"
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Shanks and Adapters
- Shank Adapter
- NV 2.0
- Sherpa
- Transfer
- Kuat
more information >
Saris SuperClamp EX Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Saris
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
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