Saris Superclamp EX 4 is a high-selling hitch bike rack made for carrying multiple bike racks. In this review, we will see how this rack performs on the features, capacity, price, and security front. We will also discuss if this rack is suited for your biking requirements and see how it differs from the Saris Superclamp EX 2 hitch bike rack.

Rack score

Rack score or R score is a bike rack rating system that we came up with after finding out how confusing it can be to select the right bike rack. This scoring system is based on individually assessing the features, capacity, aesthetics, capacity, price, and customer satisfaction of a bike rack. Once all these factors are studied we give them an R score on a scale of 10. Finally, a weighted total R score is presented which can help you compare the different bike racks and to make the right buying decision. 

Features of Saris Superclamp EX 4

Superclamp EX is a platform-style hitch bike rack. And like other hitch bike racks, it doesn’t require the lifting of bikes overhead or hanging bikes through top tubes. It is very easy to use and doesn’t have frame contact. These features make hitch bike racks a bit expensive compared to trunk racks.

The Saris Superclamp requires a 2-inch hitch receiver however the Saris Superclamp EX 2 works with either 1 1/4 or 2 inches hitch receivers. The rack has a compact overall profile which allows for holding the bikes in minimum space. 

Moreover, this hitch rack is quite stable. Adjusting and loading the bikes might be tricky but once you have loaded them, they will be secured and will stay in the same position. You will not experience any wobbling or clanking of bikes. 

The Saris Superclamp EX 2 and 4 are pretty easy to fold and unfold. There is a push bar on the outermost arm that unlocks the rack for folding. Also, the exterior surface of wheel trays is reflective which provides extra visibility in dark. 

With a weight of 63 lbs, the rack might be hard to lift by only one individual. So once installed, you may leave it on. This rack can also be tilted which allows access to the hatch. But once the rack is fully loaded, the added weight of bikes makes it heavy and you might need help to tilt the rack. 

You can load the bikes by placing the wheels on the tire tray that can be adjusted according to the wheelbase. The rack arms can also be adjusted to fix the tires in between. You can also tighten the straps on the back wheel of the bike. Moreover, it has shepherd’s hooks one for each tire of the bike. For these remarkable features, we give it an R score of 9. 

Is Saris Superclamp EX secure?

You would require a security system for protecting your bikes and rack from theft if you have to leave them unattended say for example you might need to stop at a shop for some time. 

The Saris Superclamp EX 4 has locking cables for the security of bikes. These cables are 41″ long and are very simple to use. They come already installed on the rack and be used to wrap around the bikes. 

It is pretty much the same security feature as most other hitch bike racks but these cable locks are not very reliable and can be cut easily. However, the rack is secure thanks to the locking hitch pin. For this security mechanism, we give it an R score of 9. 

Aesthetics of Saris Superclamp hitch bike rack

This hitch mount rack from Saris is made of alloy steel which accounts for the 63-pound weight. While Saris Superclamp EX 2 has fewer wheel trays and weighs around 38 pounds. This rack has a low profile and looks compact for which it earns an R score of 8. 

Are customers of Saris Superclamp satisfied?

Customers give the most truthful feedback, and nearly every buyer consults reviews or customer evaluations before making a choice. Amazon customers have given the Saris Superclamp EX 4 a total of 4.3/5 stars. This impressive rating signifies that most people have found it good and useful.

In addition, it is a high seller on Amazon with 343 global reviews, and 81% of customers gave it a 4 or 5-star rating. We award it an R score of 8.5 due to the favorable feedback from buyers.

Capacity and Compatibility of Saris Superclamp

The capacity of the Saris Superclamp EX 2 and 4 is two bikes and four bikes, respectively. The two outer bikes cannot weigh more than 35 lb individually, limiting the overall load capacity of the 4-bike version to 190 lbs. The sort of bikes being carried in some way affects the capacity as well. 

Each arm has two shepherd’s hooks, so the bikes need to be perfectly aligned for the hooks to firmly and safely clamp down on the tires. Because of this, carrying adult bikes and 24″ children’s bikes may be challenging, but it will work. While the wheelbase is too short in the case of the 20-inch kids’ bike, the vehicle is not appropriate.

A broad variety of bikes, including children’s, mountain, road, electric bikes, and many more, are mostly compatible with the Saris Superclamp EX 4 Bike Hitch Rack. This rack can hold any bike with wheels between 20 and 29 inches or with tires up to 4 inches. 

You may upgrade to Fat Tire Wheel Holders if your fat tires are wider than that. The Thule tire trays, by contrast, can hold tires up to 5 inches without adapters. For its high capacity and wide compatibility, we give it an R score of 9.

Is Saris Superclamp good for the price?

The price range for the Saris Superclamp is between $580 and $1000. The cost of the Saris Superclamp EX 2 is about $580, or about $290 per bike. While the Saris Superclamp EX 4 costs about $1000 and costs $250 per bike. This makes it more expensive than the 4 bike version of Hollywood racks. But we give Saris Superclamp racks an R score of 8.5 since they are more affordable than other hitch bike racks.

Brand value of Saris

For bike racks, brand image is crucial since you wouldn’t want to buy an item through an unreliable brand. We don’t merely award better scores to well-known, long-standing brands. High-quality items produced by new and small enterprises also earn them a high brand value score.

By attempting to make biking convenient via their goods, people, and advocacy, Saris aims to benefit each rider. They manufacture goods that reflect their enthusiasm for riding and living by their bikes. This earns them an R score of 8.

RACK SPECIFICATIONS
Type	Hitch Platform Bike Rack
Maximum Bikes	4
Rack lock	Yes
Bike lock	Yes
Brand	Saris
Bike rack weight	63lb
Load Capacity	190 lb
Hitch	EX 2: 1 ¼ – 2 inches EX 4: 2 inches
Customer Satisfaction	81%
Price	Around $580-1000
Rack Score	8.55

Conclusion 

The total R score for the Saris Superclamp EX 4 Bike Hitch Rack is 8.55. It is reasonable to conclude that those who regularly travel with their bikes and like to constantly keep their rack on the car and require a rack with a short profile would benefit the most from this option. It is also appropriate for parents who want to take their children on vacation along with their bikes. 

Frequently asked questions

Saris Freedom Superclamp EX 4 how to mount?

Installing the Saris Freedom SuperClamp is quick and does not require a lot of effort if your car already has a hitch. The only tools required for installation are an adjustable wrench and a hex key. You will have to insert the receiver bar into the hitch and then insert the bolt and tighten it with the help of a wrench. Check out this official Saris installation and assembly video:

Saris Freedom Superclamp EX 4 how to mount video

How much weight per bike can you put on a Saris Superclamp EX 2?

The Saris Superclamp EX 2 has a total loading capacity of 120 lb. You can carry bikes weighing 60 lb each.