Saris Freedom Bike Rack Review

Today, we’ll be reviewing the Saris Freedom Bike Rack, which is a 2 bike, universal hitch rack. What is meant by “universal” is that it can carry any bike, save for frankenstein bikes like recumbents and trikes.

Hybrid bikes, full suspension mountain bikes, and even beach cruisers are easy to carry with this setup. My last rack was a Saris Bones, which I would consider one of the best racks you can strap to a vehicle. It could carry none of these bikes.

The Saris Freedom rack is among many other more expensive universal hitch racks, and at price point below $250 it’s definitely one of the most affordable racks in the category.

All vehicles are different, but I had a 1 1/4” receiver installed on my Mazda CX5 for $175 at Uhaul. Since all I’ll be using it for is this rack, it’s perfectly sized and ready for use. If you have a larger receiver, an adapter is included to make it fit.

Compared to other universal hitch racks, I’d say the Saris Freedom rack is pretty much just as easy to use as anything else out there. There are three straps per bike, while some of the more expensive units have one bracket and two traps, or an entirely different restraint system altogether. All in all, we’re talking about a matter of seconds to mount or remove a bike, so to me it’s not very important.

I’d also like to mention that my rear lift-gate actually clears the rack somehow, which I never expected. Even my backup camera is still somewhat usable with two bikes mounted to it.

So when we consider the upsides, the rack is inexpensive, easy to use, stable, and versatile. So what are the downsides?

Well, it may be a matter of opinion but I think the rack looks kinda messy. If you’re leaving it on your car the bulk of the time it has a lot of straps hanging around, so it’s not a pretty sight. If you’re OCD, you could tuck them in and collapse the top part, which makes it look much neater.

The second downside is durability. The two tire trays on the front of the rack broke within the first 4 months of owning it. In all fairness one of them was definitely my fault, while the other one may or may not have been due to someone backing into the car in a parking lot. I didn’t see it break, so I’ll never know.

I called Saris, and without hesitation they took down my mailing address and sent me two replacements free of charge. I think it might have been the best warranty experience I’ve ever had. So, at least they stand by their products.

All in all, I would recommend this rack to anyone looking for an affordable 2 bike universal hitch rack. Considering many of us will need to lay out money for a receiver and a rack, a more expensive unit could quickly become a $600 investment. For me, the Saris Freedom does the job just fine.

[straycatkid]

So, I'm in the market for a good hitch rack for my Titus and I click on this one. Rack looks great, and the reviewer looks familiar...Hey, man! We went to high school together. Been binging on your videos - excellent channel, Seth. I remember jumping through campfires with you in seventh or eighth grade haha You've got new subscriber, keep up the great work.

[SethsBikeHacks]

Product reviews aren't nearly as fun to make as product tutorials, but I hope they still help you guys!

[DCValiant]

I have this rack for my pick up truck, when I carry everyones bikes, it works great and when I can put my gate down when you fold down the middle

[manusk]

This is a rare type of video from Seth's bike hacks
It's in 60 FPS !

[dreimer]

Very helpful. I'd been thinking of the Superclamp version, but I found a used one of these that makes way more sense for the infrequent use that I'll put it to. Your review helped sell me on it!

[sparks]

Just found one for $150... thx for the review, it sealed the deal.

[itskearny]

For anyone looking at this rack, a 27.5 x 2.3 will barely fit on the tray (they did say its up to 2.25" though), will have to shell out extra for longer strap or a fat bike tray they sell on the site.

[mtadams]

HI Seth, I just wanted to give you a heads up, a good friend melted his carbon rims on a hitch rack, his exhaust pipe was about a foot from his rims but in a straight line. After this he made a change to his setup that moved the bike rack up about six inches. Just a heads up, yours looks fine from the video, take care

[Goldies]

I like it too. It's not too heavy. A bit pricey in 2021 - softened by the original owner lifetime warranty. Per my bike shop''s suggestion, used a piece of foam tubing on the middle strap since it rubs on the bike's paint.

[lyricalshadowz]

Thanks for sharing!
Needs chips and dip action in the background though, lol.

[jag]

I've got the bones for 2 bikes. It's great! Will look into getting this one though.

[jolynnaerobert]

Thanks for this! I currently have a Saris Bones which I loved and worked great on my Subaru, but doesn't fit so well in my newer Nissan Rogue. So I am looking for a hitch mount. I like that Saris is USA made.

[jdm]

You should look at the Alta racks
They work very well

[keithooi]

does this scratch the frame? thanks for review.

[whyyamad]

Me watching this in 2021 realizing almost any decent bike rack is a $600+ investment now lol. Granted I need a 4 bike carrier for the whole fam but geez prices have skyrocketed

[scottpull]

For some reason I find the center straps for both bike locations to be extremely difficult to loosen.

[Johnny-xyen]

Now that you have had this rack for 6 yrs, how is it holding up? Can you tell me approximately how many times you have transported your bikes? Have you seen any problems at any places on the rack with all the vibration when transporting bikes? eTrailer has recommended this rack for my situation. You r video was most informative and thank you for posting it.

[tymesho]

nice review. whats the weight cap per bike? thanks

[wendiadr]

do you think it is sturdy enough for downhill mtb?

[alshabi]

Thank you Seth..just bought this rack in Dubai and my only complain is that the rack is way far from the body of the car so i get worried that someone might hit it, and the car sensors keeps beeping when i reverse