Saris 834B Axis Steel 4 Bike Black Bike Rack

With a growing family I needed the ability to cart around 4 bikes and this bike rack does exactly that. It's light-weight, appearance looks great, and works just like it is intended too. I have used it will all 4 bikes on it and never felt as if I needed to check it. The tilt feature works great to still be able to get items or the dog in/out of the vehicle while leaving the rack on the vehicle. Being able to buy a quality product like this one from Saris, I know I won't have the need for another one in the future as this one will keep doing its job.

Bought my Axis 4-bike rack last summer. I appreciate its light weight and ease of use. No more hoisting the bikes onto a rack on top of the car, and no more having to remove the front wheels. Makes transporting the bike fleet a breeze!

# 1 reason: It's 20 lbs (according to my bathroom scale, Saris hasn't published its weight!!!). I won't leave it on the car regularly. That it weighs less than my wife's bike is important, since I put the rack on and off. It's easily in and out of the 2 in receiver, one handed at that weight, and I'm pushing 60. Went 70 miles at 75 MPH and everything was great in the rear view mirror. Anti-sway straps, hitch connection... all worked perfectly. #2 reason: functionality. It tilts, so getting and putting away the ratchet wrench is convenient with the hatchback. It holds 4 bikes, (have only done two. The arm length and cradle spacing seem more than adequate, though). Comparative shopping: Looked A LOT at the hitch rack market leaders. They are 50% to 100% more expensive and weigh 100% to 150% more. Not the value I was looking for. The Saris has fixed cradles; others got criticism for moving with bikes in place, though it's hard to understand how. Other tips: put the lightest bike on first. Lifting up and over three sets of cradles is hard. Would love Saris to come up with a ratchet strap that is easier to use for the cradles and seat tubes. My finger strength is declining. I like the threaded hitch pin. Locking the bikes with a cable lock is easy. A hitch pin lock is next on the list. Saris could buy a hitchpin with a hole that is more industry standard.