Comparing Saris SuperClamp, Kuat NV, and Thule T2 Pro 4-Bike Racks

Question:

We need bike rack that accommodates Looking at Saris Superclamp, Thule T2 pro and KUAT NV 2+2. Which is best for ease of use, security, durability?

asked by: Christine K

Expert Reply:

You have narrowed down your choices to three really great bike racks, but between the three I recommend the Saris SuperClamp EX 4 Bike Rack # SA4026F for a few different reasons.

A feature that really stands out with regards to the Saris SuperClamp design (especially when compared to its peers) is its overall length. When it's folded down for use it measures just 46 inches long from the center of the hitch pin hole on your vehicle to the furthest point of the rack. By comparison the Kuat measures 57-1/2 inches and the Thule T2 Pro measures 60-1/8 inches. This shortens your footprint on the road when using the rack for easier maneuvering. The shorter length along with its superior 8-1/2" rise on the shank also means it won't scrape the ground, which can be an issue with other 4-bike racks.

If you look through just the first few customer reviews on the product page for the SuperClamp you will quickly see that it's overall size is something people love about it.

One of the other features I like to look at when choosing a carrier, especially when you are looking at larger 4-bike racks, is the overall weight of the unit. Even if you end up usually leaving the carrier attached to your VW when it's not in use, there will be plenty of times where you want to remove the rack altogether and then of course re-install it when it's time to hit the trail again. Larger 4-bike platform-style racks like these can get pretty heavy, and this weight is something that doesn't usually come into play until you already have the rack and are struggling to hook it up to the vehicle.

The Saris SuperClamp weighs only 63 pounds. This is just about 20 pounds lighter than the next lightest rack within the 3 options you chose (which is the Kuat NV # NV22G-NA22G at 82 pounds) and more than 30 pounds lighter than the Thule T2 Pro XTR with 2-bike add-on parts # TH83JV and # TH9036XT, which come in at 96 pounds.

Then as far as your premium features, the Saris SuperClamp matches those of the Kuat and Thule models; integrated locks to secure everything into place, sliding wheel trays to accommodate different bike lengths, an easy-to-use lever that lets you tilt the rack down (with bikes still loaded) for easy rear cargo access, and an anti-rattle hitch pin that drastically reduces any movement inside the hitch receiver during travel.

All of this, plus the fact that the SuperClamp is quite a bit friendlier on the wallet, makes it your best option. I have attached a short video demonstration along with a few images of the rack in use that you can check out as well.