Recommendation For Bike Rack For Electric Bikes w/ Step-Thru Frames & Fenders & One w/ Fat Tires

Question:

Looking for a Bike Rack for 2 E-Bikes. 1 has Fat Tires the other has 2 inch Tires. Both bikes are step through w/Fenders. Any suggestions? Thanks

asked by: Keith B

Expert Reply:

There are a pair of options I recommend for electric bikes with step-thru frames, fenders and fat tires. There are pros and cons to each so first I'll mention the racks (and accessories that are needed) and then I'll go over the differences. Keep in mind that both have a 60 lb per-bike capacity:

- Saris Freedom Bike Rack # SA4412B

- Fat Tire Adapter Kit for Saris Freedom Bike Racks # SA4419

OR

- Swagman Current Bike Rack # S64678

- Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Electric, Step Through, and Cruiser Bikes # S57FR

While both racks have the same capacity and both fit 1-1/4" or 2" hitches, the Freedom needs the Fat Tire adapter for the one bike with fat tires as it only fits tires up to 2.25" wide, while the Current fits tires up to 5" wide. The Current needs the adapter bar though in order to give a horizontal mounting point for the frame hooks, while the Freedom does not because it uses cradles that slide along its mast to attach to the bikes.

There are a couple of other differences that are important, and one in which the Current has the advantage is that it includes locks in the frame hooks to secure your bikes, as well as a hitch lock. If you wanted locks for the Freedom you could get them but they would have to be separate with just a hitch lock with the Hitch Tite Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock # SA3022 or combination Cable Lock and Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock # SA984.

That said, I do think the Freedom has a couple more important advantages, starting with its weight. The Freedom weighs just 22-1/2 lbs while the Current weighs 49 lbs. While both fold up for when you aren't using them, if you plan to take the rack on and off frequently, this makes the Freedom much easier to handle. The Freedom also has an 8" rise in the shank (the Current has no rise) which is important if your vehicle is low to the ground to give you the best ground clearance.

So both the Saris Freedom # SA4412B and Swagman Current # S64678 are superb options, it just depends on what you value and how you use the rack. If you plan on taking the rack on and off frequently, and your vehicle's hitch is lower to the ground, the Freedom is the way to go. But if you are going to leave the rack on, and like that you can use the Current without having to change the cradles or add locks, then that's the better option for you.