For e-bike enthusiasts, especially those who ride fat tire models, transporting your bikes safely and conveniently is paramount. After purchasing a Rad Mini and later an E-Lux Sierra, both equipped with 20″ tall, 4″ wide fat tires, I quickly realized that not all bike racks are created equal when it comes to handling these robust bikes. My initial foray into platform hitch racks led me to the Saris Freedom 2, a seemingly suitable option with extra fat tire wheel holders. While it performed adequately for a single bike, attempting to load both my Rad Mini and E-Lux Sierra revealed a significant drawback: the narrow 9″ spacing between wheel rails. This proximity, combined with the bikes’ inherent width and differing battery placements (vertical on the Rad Mini, horizontal on the E-Lux Sierra), made for a frustrating loading experience. The Saris’s vertical tube further complicated matters, highlighting the need for a more accommodating solution for carrying multiple fat tire e-bikes.
Seeking a better alternative, I explored more robust options and narrowed my choices down to the Hollywood Racks hitch rack and the Thule Easyfold XT2. Both promised enhanced durability and features compared to the Saris, albeit at a higher price point.
The Thule Easyfold XT2 certainly impressed with its ease of attachment to the car and its premium aesthetic, befitting its higher price tag. However, it unfortunately mirrored the Saris in one crucial aspect: the 9″ rail spacing. This immediately presented the same challenge with loading two fat tire e-bikes. Furthermore, the Thule’s reliance on plastic tire straps instead of traditional wheel chocks raised concerns about bike stability and security. While the straps appeared durable, the absence of wheel chocks meant the bikes were solely reliant on these straps to prevent rolling. Another significant hurdle with the Thule was the top mount system. Despite the seemingly versatile design intended to accommodate various bike configurations, securing the second bike proved to be surprisingly cumbersome and fiddly with my specific combination of e-bikes. Loading the first bike was straightforward, but the subsequent bike demanded considerable effort and adjustment, making the overall experience less than ideal.
In contrast, the Hollywood Racks hitch rack, while exhibiting a more utilitarian design and a slightly less refined hitch receiver attachment process compared to the Thule, offered key advantages where it truly mattered. The most notable improvement was the slightly wider rail spacing, providing just enough extra room to make loading two fat tire e-bikes significantly easier. Moreover, the inclusion of fat tire wheel chocks was a game-changer. These chocks securely cradle the wheels, eliminating the need for cumbersome wheel straps and providing a much more stable and confidence-inspiring platform. The top mount system on the Hollywood Racks also proved to be more user-friendly and adaptable to the differing frame geometries of my Rad Mini and E-Lux Sierra. Priced between the Saris and the Thule, the Hollywood Racks struck the perfect balance of functionality, robust construction, and value for money.
Ultimately, for hauling fat tire e-bikes, especially two at a time, the Hollywood Racks hitch rack emerged as the clear winner in my comparison. Its wider rail spacing, robust wheel chocks, and adaptable top mounts addressed the critical shortcomings I encountered with both the Saris Freedom 2 and the Thule Easyfold XT2. As a result, the Hollywood Racks is the bike rack I’ve chosen to keep, offering a more practical and hassle-free solution for transporting my e-bikes. The Thule is being returned, and the Saris will soon be up for sale, solidifying my recommendation for Hollywood Racks as a top contender for fat tire e-bike owners.
