I would prefer the platform racks that secure the bikes through the wheels, never touching the frame, but if you are in the market for the type on sale, this is not a bad price for a Saris rack carrying 4 bikes.
I would prefer the platform racks that secure the bikes through the wheels, never touching the frame, but if you are in the market for the type on sale, this is not a bad price for a Saris rack carrying 4 bikes.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank VeNoMz
02-01-2023 at 08:39 AM.
I can't recommend Saris after my last experience, primarily because they won't even stand behind their product.
I purchased a Superclamp EX-4 in the last sale they had, as I really wanted to move closer to a platform rack. Despite the bikes being loaded to their specifications (e.g. within weight tolerance, heaviest towards the rear), I've already had 3 failures regarding the wheel holders. 2 of which I was able to spot, 1 was catastrophic on the freeway and required a new tire/tube.
I only "tested" the 2 bike configuration. I can't even fathom the 4 bike setup.
This model appears to use the same plastic wheel holders across their other product offerings.
Support was great in "warrantying" replacements holders, but after the 3rd failure, I demanded a response to their design flaw, which they've since ghosted me on. Further, you can source the same failure across other online reviews.
I would strongly recommend you look into an alternative for a platform-style rack.
I can't recommend Saris after my last experience, primarily because they won't even stand behind their product.
I purchased a Superclamp EX-4 in the last sale they had, as I really wanted to move closer to a platform rack. Despite the bikes being loaded to their specifications (e.g. within weight tolerance, heaviest towards the rear), I've already had 3 failures regarding the wheel holders. 2 of which I was able to spot, 1 was catastrophic on the freeway and required a new tire/tube.
I only "tested" the 2 bike configuration. I can't even fathom the 4 bike setup.
This model appears to use the same plastic wheel holders across their other product offerings.
Support was great in "warrantying" replacements holders, but after the 3rd failure, I demanded a response to their design flaw, which they've since ghosted me on. Further, you can source the same failure across other online reviews.
I would strongly recommend you look into an alternative for a platform-style rack.
Woot, shame.
Saris is one of the few large "made in USA" companies out there in the bike rack business, and I wish they would stand behind their shortfalls better. This should be the reason they command a higher $$, right?
Woot, shame.
Saris is one of the few large "made in USA" companies out there in the bike rack business, and I wish they would stand behind their shortfalls better. This should be the reason they command a higher $$, right?
Agreed.
Despite them coming under new ownership, their attestation to being designed under Wisconsin's inclement conditions seems to have been just lip service.
Don't buy this. If your going to spend this much money buy a kuat transfer. As commenters said above you don't want your rack touching your frame. If you don't care about your paint or cables get a $100 rack.
As most have said, do not buy this or the ex version. They have design flaw with the folding mechanism. After a few uses the rack will start to wobble side to side, gradually getting worst. To fix it you need to tighten the bolt that allows for the folding mechanism to work, so either deal with a substantial wobble or loose the folding ability.
Don't buy this. If your going to spend this much money buy a kuat transfer. As commenters said above you don't want your rack touching your frame. If you don't care about your paint or cables get a $100 rack.
I am a happy Kuat Transfer V2 owner (3-bike), and I agree. It is pricey for the average cyclist but nothing like what more premium platform type racks from Kuat, 1UP etc go for, and it is extendable to 4 bikes @ a pinch.
I have no issues with the transfer that would make me ask for a better/different rack (other perhaps than an easy way to reach for the pedal to fold it when it's loaded, but this is common with most designs afaik)
Prices are about 20% over 2020, FYI, don't know if or when will be coming back down.
Wow, surprised to read all the issues with the Superclamp. I also own the EX-4 and have not had any issues. I carry 4 bikes: heavier Bianchi cruiser/comfort bike, Specialized Stumpy Elite, Liv (Giant) 24" Kid's bike, Liv (Giant) 20" Kid's bike. Super stable, but does take a little getting used to, as you share a two single arms for 2 bikes for each pair.
Only two complaints/improvements I could see are:
1. longer lock cables
2. plastic ratchet straps are a bit annoying, I'd prefer the rubbber style that Thule uses.
I can't recommend Saris after my last experience, primarily because they won't even stand behind their product.
I purchased a Superclamp EX-4 in the last sale they had, as I really wanted to move closer to a platform rack. Despite the bikes being loaded to their specifications (e.g. within weight tolerance, heaviest towards the rear), I've already had 3 failures regarding the wheel holders. 2 of which I was able to spot, 1 was catastrophic on the freeway and required a new tire/tube.
I only "tested" the 2 bike configuration. I can't even fathom the 4 bike setup.
This model appears to use the same plastic wheel holders across their other product offerings.
Support was great in "warrantying" replacements holders, but after the 3rd failure, I demanded a response to their design flaw, which they've since ghosted me on. Further, you can source the same failure across other online reviews.
I would strongly recommend you look into an alternative for a platform-style rack.
Have this rack (when it was 500 last summer) with no issues so far. Can you expand on the failure you're seeing?
Don't buy this. If your going to spend this much money buy a kuat transfer. As commenters said above you don't want your rack touching your frame. If you don't care about your paint or cables get a $100 rack.
Agreed. Take my advise and just buy a Kuat. After 4 or 5 different racks I spent the money and have zero regrets. One of the best purchases I ever made.
15 Comments
Your comment cannot be blank.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank VeNoMz
I purchased a Superclamp EX-4 in the last sale they had, as I really wanted to move closer to a platform rack. Despite the bikes being loaded to their specifications (e.g. within weight tolerance, heaviest towards the rear), I've already had 3 failures regarding the wheel holders. 2 of which I was able to spot, 1 was catastrophic on the freeway and required a new tire/tube.
I only "tested" the 2 bike configuration. I can't even fathom the 4 bike setup.
This model appears to use the same plastic wheel holders across their other product offerings.
Support was great in "warrantying" replacements holders, but after the 3rd failure, I demanded a response to their design flaw, which they've since ghosted me on. Further, you can source the same failure across other online reviews.
I would strongly recommend you look into an alternative for a platform-style rack.
I purchased a Superclamp EX-4 in the last sale they had, as I really wanted to move closer to a platform rack. Despite the bikes being loaded to their specifications (e.g. within weight tolerance, heaviest towards the rear), I've already had 3 failures regarding the wheel holders. 2 of which I was able to spot, 1 was catastrophic on the freeway and required a new tire/tube.
I only "tested" the 2 bike configuration. I can't even fathom the 4 bike setup.
This model appears to use the same plastic wheel holders across their other product offerings.
Support was great in "warrantying" replacements holders, but after the 3rd failure, I demanded a response to their design flaw, which they've since ghosted me on. Further, you can source the same failure across other online reviews.
I would strongly recommend you look into an alternative for a platform-style rack.
Woot, shame.
Saris is one of the few large "made in USA" companies out there in the bike rack business, and I wish they would stand behind their shortfalls better. This should be the reason they command a higher $$, right?
Saris is one of the few large "made in USA" companies out there in the bike rack business, and I wish they would stand behind their shortfalls better. This should be the reason they command a higher $$, right?
Agreed.
Despite them coming under new ownership, their attestation to being designed under Wisconsin's inclement conditions seems to have been just lip service.
Kuat or 1up seems to be the way to go.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
I am a happy Kuat Transfer V2 owner (3-bike), and I agree. It is pricey for the average cyclist but nothing like what more premium platform type racks from Kuat, 1UP etc go for, and it is extendable to 4 bikes @ a pinch.
I have no issues with the transfer that would make me ask for a better/different rack (other perhaps than an easy way to reach for the pedal to fold it when it's loaded, but this is common with most designs afaik)
Prices are about 20% over 2020, FYI, don't know if or when will be coming back down.
Only two complaints/improvements I could see are:
1. longer lock cables
2. plastic ratchet straps are a bit annoying, I'd prefer the rubbber style that Thule uses.
I purchased a Superclamp EX-4 in the last sale they had, as I really wanted to move closer to a platform rack. Despite the bikes being loaded to their specifications (e.g. within weight tolerance, heaviest towards the rear), I've already had 3 failures regarding the wheel holders. 2 of which I was able to spot, 1 was catastrophic on the freeway and required a new tire/tube.
I only "tested" the 2 bike configuration. I can't even fathom the 4 bike setup.
This model appears to use the same plastic wheel holders across their other product offerings.
Support was great in "warrantying" replacements holders, but after the 3rd failure, I demanded a response to their design flaw, which they've since ghosted me on. Further, you can source the same failure across other online reviews.
I would strongly recommend you look into an alternative for a platform-style rack.
Have this rack (when it was 500 last summer) with no issues so far. Can you expand on the failure you're seeing?
One instance started as a hairline fracture. The second was progressively worse; it still held onto the rail but was barely attached.
Agreed. Take my advise and just buy a Kuat. After 4 or 5 different racks I spent the money and have zero regrets. One of the best purchases I ever made.