
If you're in the market for a Saris hitch bike carrier, you're likely looking for a reliable and easy-to-use solution for transporting your bikes. Saris offers a range of hitch bike carriers that can fit different types of vehicles.
Saris hitch bike carriers are designed to be compact and aerodynamic, reducing wind resistance and drag on your vehicle. They're also made with durable materials that can withstand various weather conditions.
When choosing a Saris hitch bike carrier, consider the type of bike you have and the space you need to carry them. For example, if you have a road bike, you may want to opt for a carrier with a lower weight capacity.
The Saris Hitch Bike 2 is a popular model that can carry two bikes, weighing up to 35 pounds each. It's also easy to install and has a quick-release system for added convenience.
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Installation and Use
The Saris Edge bike hitch rack is designed for ease of use and stability. It's simple to load and attach bikes of various types, including mountain bikes, gravel bikes, fat bikes, and electric bikes.

Loading bikes onto the Edge is intuitive, similar to other platform-style racks like the Thule T2, Kuat NV, Yakima StageTwo, or Rocky Mounts MonoRail. You'll need to lift your bike up onto the bike tray and place the front wheel in the wheel hoop and the rear wheel on the tray.
The wheel hook on the Edge extends to secure the front wheel, but be aware that it's at a lower angle than most other racks, which can look a bit unusual at first. However, Jeremy Benson found that this design ensures the wheel hook won't contact the fork of your bike.
The ratchet strap on the Edge can be a bit tricky to manage while loading bikes, but Saris has added a loop on the end of the strap and a hook on the side of the riser to keep it out of the way.
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Bike Capacity
The DUO 1-Bike Add-On Tray has a bike capacity that's easy to understand. You can fit a bike with a wheelbase up to 53 inches on this tray.

One of the key features of this tray is its modular design, which makes it easy to remove and swap out bike trays as needed. It's also tool-free, so you don't need to worry about fiddling with complicated assembly.
The tray is compatible with wheel sizes from 20 to 29 inches and tires as wide as 5 inches. This means you can use it with a variety of bike types, from mountain bikes to road bikes.
The DUO 1-Bike Add-On Tray also has multiple folding configurations, which allows for more compatibility when the MHS is not in use. This is useful if you need to store the tray in a compact space or transport it in a vehicle.
Here are the key bike capacity specs for the DUO 1-Bike Add-On Tray:
- Wheelbase: up to 53 inches
- Wheel size: 20-29 inches
- Tire width: up to 5 inches
Installation and Removal
The installation and removal process of the Saris Edge is straightforward and efficient. The tool-free anti-wobble system makes it easy to put on and take off the rack.

You can install and remove the rack in just a couple of minutes, which is a huge time-saver. This is especially useful when loading and unloading your camper.
The anti-wobble knob can be a bit small, but it's still effective. Cranking it down sufficiently stabilizes the rack in the receiver.
Keep in mind that the rack is bulky and heavy, weighing in at 66 pounds. This makes it a bit of a challenge to carry around off the vehicle and store when not in use.
Assembly
The Saris Edge rack is shipped to your home in a large and heavy box, weighing around 75 pounds. You'll likely need help moving it before unboxing.
The rack comes in five pieces, along with detailed printed instructions and all the required tools. I found the assembly process to be straightforward and hassle-free.
You'll need to attach the four tray halves to the spine of the rack, which is preassembled along with the receiver arm. The parts are clearly labeled, making it easy to follow the instructions.

Assembly takes just over 30 minutes, and I was able to complete it on my own without any issues. The instructions or an assembly video are available for reference if needed.
The rack weighs 66 pounds once assembled, which is a significant weight but not surprising given its sturdy build.
Edge Tilt Adjustment
The Edge Tilt Adjustment feature is a game-changer for bike enthusiasts.
The tilt-release handle is located at the end of the main support arm, making it easy to adjust the tilt angle as needed. This convenient design allows you to quickly adjust the rack to fit your needs.
The rack folds flat to transport bikes, and can be tilted down for rear-of-the-vehicle access with or without bikes loaded. This is especially useful when you need to access the rear of your vehicle.
When you're not transporting bikes, the rack folds up vertically to reduce its profile, or at an intermediate angle to allow trunk access. This thoughtful design consideration makes it easy to use the rack in different situations.
Edge Bike Hitch Rack: For Whom?

The Saris Edge Bike Hitch Rack is a great option for many cyclists. It can carry bikes up to 80 pounds with no frame or fork contact.
This rack is perfect for carrying most types of bikes, except kids' bikes. It's also suitable for solo riders who only need to carry one or two bikes at a time.
The Edge Bike Hitch Rack is a user-friendly option that's stable and secure. It's a great choice for those who want a hassle-free experience.
Jeremy Benson, a seasoned cycling reviewer, has put this rack through its paces and found it to be surprisingly durable.
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Hitch Bike Racks
Hitch bike racks are a convenient and secure way to transport your bikes, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Saris is a well-known brand in the industry, offering a range of high-quality options made in the USA.
Saris has been innovating in the field for decades, and their products are designed to be lightweight and reliable. They offer a variety of options, including 2 and 4 bike racks that hold the wheels or bike frame.

The Saris Edge, for example, is a popular choice that can accommodate e-bikes, step-through frames, fenders, and fat bike tires. It's also easy to load and attach bikes, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free experience.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing a hitch bike rack:
- Wheelbase capacity: up to 53 inches (DUO 1-Bike Add-On Tray)
- Tire size compatibility: 20-29 inches and tires up to 5 inches wide (DUO 1-Bike Add-On Tray)
- Hitch type: 2" receivers only (DUO 1-Bike Add-On Tray, Saris Superclamp G3 4 Bike Hitch Rack)
- Bike capacity: 1-4 bikes (Saris Superclamp G3 4 Bike Hitch Rack)
- Platform style: carries 4 bikes on a single horizontal bar (Saris Superclamp G3 4 Bike Hitch Rack)
Ultimately, the best hitch bike rack for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Be sure to research and compare different options before making a decision.
Testing and Evaluation
I tested the Saris Edge on a wide range of road surfaces and weather conditions, including rain, snow, and 87-degree temperatures.
The test period included frequent use on mountain and gravel bikes, with the rack being loaded and unloaded almost every day.
My wife and I took a 3-day road trip down through the Alabama Hills and Death Valley National Park, driving over 600 miles and navigating 30 miles of dirt roads with deep sand, loose gravel, and rough patches.
The Saris Edge performed well on these rough roads, which required four-wheel drive to navigate.
I exposed the rack to road grime, dust storms, and strong winds, including 60mph gusts, and it withstood these conditions without issue.
Technical Details

The Saris hitch bike carrier is a versatile and customizable platform that can transport one to three bikes. It's perfect for those who have multiple bikes with different wheel sizes and widths.
The MHS 3+1 is the first modular 3-bike hitch rack in the Saris lineup, featuring individual bike trays that can be removed or added. This makes it easy to customize the rack for the day's agenda.
The rack is strong enough to transport two bikes at 60 pounds each, plus a third bike weighing 35 pounds. This is great news for those who own eBikes!
The Saris hitch bike carrier has a sleek and stealthy design, with trays that are the same as the 1- and 2-bike versions. This means you get the same quality and durability as the smaller racks.
The rack is designed to be used with 2" hitch receivers only, so make sure you have the right receiver before purchasing. It's also worth noting that the rack is not compatible with the Saris MTR Add-On or components.
The bike capacity of the rack is impressive, carrying up to 3 bikes with a maximum weight of 60 pounds in the first two trays closest to the vehicle. The third tray can carry a bike up to 35 pounds.
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Comparison and Recommendation

The Saris Hitch Bike Carrier is a great option for those who want a sturdy and reliable bike rack. It can hold up to 2 bikes and has a maximum weight capacity of 60 pounds per bike.
One of the standout features of the Saris Hitch Bike Carrier is its ease of installation. According to the manufacturer, it can be installed in just a few minutes with the help of a wrench.
If you're looking for a bike rack that's easy to use and doesn't take up too much space, the Saris Hitch Bike Carrier is a great choice. It's also relatively lightweight, weighing in at just 45 pounds.
The Saris Hitch Bike Carrier's ratcheting arm is designed to make it easy to secure your bikes in place. This feature is especially useful if you have bikes with different wheel sizes or types.
If you're concerned about the durability of the Saris Hitch Bike Carrier, rest assured that it's made with high-quality materials and has a sturdy design. It can withstand rough roads and harsh weather conditions.

In terms of compatibility, the Saris Hitch Bike Carrier is designed to work with a variety of vehicles, including cars and trucks. It's also compatible with most bike types, including road bikes and mountain bikes.
Overall, the Saris Hitch Bike Carrier is a reliable and versatile bike rack that's perfect for commuters and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Sources
- https://bikerumor.com/saris-gains-an-edge-with-new-premium-hitch-bike-rack/
- https://saris.com/products/mhs-2-bike-package
- https://www.rackwarehouse.com/categories/bike-racks/hitch-bike-racks/brand/saris/
- https://www.giantuniversitycity.com/product/saris-mhs-3-bike-package-406940-1.htm
- https://bikecraze.com/products/saris-superclamp-ex-4-bike-hitch-rack
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