Can the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Be Used with 1-1/4 Inch Hitch On a Subaru Forester

Question:

I have a new Forester with a newly designed finally Subaru1.25 hitch. I was talking with a local bike shop that carries both Saris Superclamp Ex 2 and the Kuat Sherpa 2.0. They recommend the Saris Superclamp for 1.25 and the Kuat for 2inch receivers so they dont even carry the Sherpa for 1.25inch receivers. Is there merit to their claim that the Superclamp is better for 1.25, the implication being that the the Kuat is not suited for 1.25? I like features of both racks and dislike some features of each. Cant beat the installation ease of the Sherpa or the clamp ability of the Saris!

asked by: Susan

Expert Reply:

There are two versions of the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack, part # SH12B for 1-1/4" hitch openings and part # SH22B for 2" hitch openings. Therefore, I see absolutely no reason as to why you could not use the former with a 1-1/4" hitch opening as that is exactly what it is designed for.

When comparing the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 to the Saris SuperClamp EX part # SA4025F, the SuperClamp has a higher weight capacity (60 lbs vs 40 lbs) and can accommodate wider tires (4-1/2" vs 3"). Aside from this, they are very similar in regards to features.

expert reply by: Conner L