The new Edge 2 hitch rack from Saris makes some nice QOL improvements to make your carry experience that much easier. The new Anti-wobble system keeps it quick, easy and tool-free.
A biking trip can be a lot of fun. It can also be a lot of work transporting bikes. The Edge 2 will reduce the logistics so you can enjoy more time enjoying the adventure.
Although the rack is a bit heavy, it’s solid. Especially with these ebikes it makes sense to have a rack that is slightly more versatile and able to handle the extra size and weight when necessary. My kids at this point typically choose the electric bike over the non-electric surprise surprise! We can still stuff a couple of folding e-scooters in the back so we have 4 electric rides.
Assembly
Aside from the weight, make sure you have ample space and if you don’t have a large enough piece of cardboard, you can always put it together on your lawn. After all you don’t want it all scratched up. You’ll see all that when you fold the rack up upright when on your vehicle.
Assembly is pretty easy. You are literally just bolting in the 4 trays with the provided 5mm Hex key/Allen wrench and 4x machined hex screws. Each of the 4 trays are marked with letters to correspond to. Each of the 4 bolts/screws is pre-coated with a little blue thread locker. Click to view the Edge 2 Hitch Rack unpacking and assembly
Specs
Supports 2 bikes up to 80lbs each including fat tire bikes up to 5″ in width (24”–29” x 3” and 27.5” x 5”) and up to 53″ in wheelbase. The rack itself weighs 65 lbs and is RV compatible. Comes with hitch pin, lock and keys. Built in cable lock. All you need is a 2″ hitch receiver installed on your vehicle and you’re in business.
Saris has provided us with the Edge 2 Hitch System so that we could provide hands on review coverage of the Edge 2 Hitck Rack, bike rack and our experience with the hardware to our readers.
Anti-Wobble System
We have been intimate with the Edge 2 for a few trips and the convenience is real. There are some noticeable improvements over the Saris MHS 2+1 Modular Hitch System.
One huge improvement is the hitch stabilizer, what Saris calls the Anti-Wobble System. The Anti-Wobble System rocks! Guide the rack into the 2″ receiver as you normally would, line up the holes, insert the pin and secure the lock. Then crank the knob on the back to expand the levers in the hitch to stabilize the rack; it won’t budge and it works really well! This eliminates the need for a threaded hitch pin and 5/8″ or 16mm socket. No tools needed, really.
Take a moment to use a permanent marker or a thicker style industrial rubber band to mark off the mounting depth. That way you can install it without trying to bend down to make sure the holes are lined up for the lock pin.
Built-in Security
The built-in lock is convenient and the extendable length is nice. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem possible to lock up all 4 wheels as there is only 1 lock and not enough cable length. Instead, since your rear wheels are much more difficult to remove, align your handle bars so both are facing 1 direction and lock both front wheels and through both frames. The MHS 2+1 system features an individual built-in cable lock per tray; so it’s easier on the MHS to run the lock through both wheels and the frame as well. For heavy ebikes you may wish to keep the rear wheel on the tray side with the wheel riser block, for light bikes it won’t much matter.
Spring Loaded Arm
Bikes are floppy. It can take some effort to place the bike on the tray and lock it down normally when you’re by yourself. The spring-loaded arms make it super easy. Place the bike up on the tray and steady the bike with 1 hand then extend the spring loaded arm over the wheel and release. At this point you’re free to let go and adjust the wheel chock and secure the ratcheting wheel strap. It is important to securely fasten the ratcheting strap. If you need to adjust, you can push the button to release the arm, adjust and let go again.
Wheel Riser Blocks
The wheel chock or Riser Blocks as Saris refers to it are very convenient. Use them as a wheel chock where it’s simply blocking the path so the bike can’t roll. You can also use it as a riser and place it directly under your wheel in case the two bikes are bumping into one another. Either way the ratcheting straps pivot and it’s long so there’s no issue tightening it down in any position the riser block naturally falls to. The wheel chock/riser blocks slide along the tray and are easily moved into any position.
Tilt Action
Just like the MHS 2+1, the Edge 2 rack is able to tilt backwards at what looks to be about 30 degrees. This allows for RV friendly use and/or SUV’s and Jeeps that have a rear spare tire mounted. The Edge 2 can also tilt down to ground level. This allows you top open and close your hatch without taking the bikes off the rack.
Bumper Safe
Since we’re talking about tilt action; When you’re traveling without bikes, the Edge 2 is able to fold up in a vertical position like any hitch rack. But the design allows the rack to sit close to the bumper but not bump into it. This small improvement is a huge; who wants damage to the car?
The MHS 2+1 modular hitch rack system has a little play in the arms and can cause some paint damage to your car unless you tie them back somehow.
Pros
- Minimalist design
- Anti-wobble system eliminates the need for a threaded hitch pin and u-clamp hardware accessory to stabilize
- Built-in cable lock
- Sliding wheel chock/riser block
- RV and rear mounted spare tire friendly
- Lighter than the Saris MHS 2+1 Hitch system
- Low Loading Height
Cons
- May still be slightly heavy for some
- Built-in cable lock doesn’t reach around all 4 tires
- Cannot add more bike trays
- Will probably obscure your vehicle’s rear view camera
Well that’s a Rack
The Saris Edge 2 Hitch Rack System makes some really convenient quality of life improvements like a single spring loaded arm, Anti-wobble hitch system and built-in extended cable lock system. Carry up to 2 bikes, including ebikes up to 80lbs each. The system is solid, bikes feel secure and it’s convenient to use. The two tray system maintains zero frame contact with enough separation to keep your cables and wires safe from tangling as well. It’s SUV hatch and RV compatible keeping your confidence high when transporting your bikes.
$999.99 Edge 2-Bike Hitch Rack SKU 4086
saris.com
