Comparing the Saris Freedom and Yakima HoldUp 4 Bike Platform Racks

Question:

I am torn between the Saris Freedom 4 bike rack and the Yakima HoldUp 4 Bike Platform Rack - Important features I need to consider are overall weight, overall length, and wheel size accommodations were running 27.5, but widths vary up to 2.6. and rack warranty. I did find a side by side comparison, but only the descriptions were offered and the stats weren't easily comparable. The dimensions seemingly differ from one video review to the next also. I know the two are very similar, so even the smallest difference will help my make my decision to purchase. Thank you for any info you can offer.

asked by: V. R

Expert Reply:

Both the Saris Freedom 4, part # SA4414B and the Yakima HoldUp, part # Y02443-2 are great racks and they do have a few differences.

In looking at the racks, the distance can vary by quite a bit based on what vehicle the racks are installed from. When we're measuring distances in our videos, we're measuring from the rear point of the vehicle to the furthest point of the rack. The distance that you'll want to compare them at is the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the furthest point.

For the Saris Freedom, the rack measures 46 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the end of the rack. The Yakima Hold Up is 56 inches over this same measurement.

Weight wise, the Saris Freedom is lighter, coming in at 53 pounds compared to the HoldUp at 98 pounds.

Both racks are covered by a lifetime warranty that persists as long as the original owner owns the rack. Both require that you register your rack with the manufacturer on their website.

In terms of differences, the primary will be the fact that the Saris Freedom is a frame mount able to hold up to 4-1/2 inch wide tires, the Yakima Holdup is a wheel mount that can carry up to 3" tires, along with the weight capacities and folding function. The Saris Freedom can only hold 4 bikes at 35 pounds each, while the Yakima HoldUp can hold 4 bikes at 50 each.

Which one is better for you will largely depend on your specific bikes. If you have a lot of alternate frame bikes like women's, or step-through, then you'll be better off with the Saris Freedom because you can adjust the bike to your specific frame shapes.

If you have children's bikes, and are needing a rack to grow with your family, then the HoldUp is better, as it adjust lower to the kids bikes.

I have included video reviews of both of these bikes so you can get a better idea of how they perform on our test course.