Saris MHS Hitch Bike Rack Review: Heavy-Duty, Modular, and Built for the Long Haul
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The Saris MHS 2 Bike Hitch Rack in the fully upright position for storage.
I’ll admit, I don’t see Saris racks nearly as often on the road as I do Thule, Kuat, or 1UP. But after spending time with the Saris MHS 2-Bike Hitch Rack, I’m wondering why. Saris has been making quality racks, trainers, and storage systems for years, and they still manufacture their products in Madison, Wisconsin…which I appreciate from a quality control standpoint. The MHS is a clear example of that craftsmanship: it’s rock solid, thoughtfully designed, and ready to grow with your needs.
The two bike set comes in 3 large boxes because it is a modular system.
Saris MHS Hitch Bike Rack Setup & First Impressions
Out of the box, this thing feels like a tank…in a good way. The materials and construction immediately gave me confidence. Assembly took me about 30 minutes solo, with easy-to-follow instructions and no unexpected hiccups. Once mounted, the rack sits securely and feels built to last. It’s not light, especially when you add the optional additional tray, but the sturdiness is worth the trade-off in my opinion.
Assembly was straightforward and the instructions were easy to follow.
Everything is well built and substantial.
Real-World Modularity
One of the most compelling things about this rack is its namesake Modular Hitch System. I started with the two-bike setup, but I like knowing I can expand it with an additional tray if needed or adapt to new bike designs in the future. The system is designed with longevity in mind, and it shows. With a 100 lb. per bike weight limit and room for wheelbases up to 53 inches, I was able to load up some heavier e-bikes and long-travel mountain bikes without a second thought. It handles the weight like a champ.
Loading Bikes on the Saris MHS Hitch Bike Rack: Secure and Frame-Friendly
This is where the MHS really shines for me: no frame or fork contact. The rack holds bikes by the tires only, which is huge for carbon frames or bikes with sensitive finishes. The clamping arms give a satisfying, solid click when tightened, and they lock the tires down with zero wiggle. I much prefer this system to those that contact the fork. I’ve had so many forks’ paint jobs damaged by supposedly non-marring rubber clamp holders. I also appreciated the availability of a fender adapter…a small touch that makes a big difference for certain bike setups.
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- The rack does not touch any part of the frame, only the tires.
Bike with fenders? Saris has a fendered wheel holder option you can install.
Saris MHS Hitch Bike Rack Usability in the Field
I’ve used quite a few racks over the years, and I generally prefer a tool-free hitch connection for ease of removal and transferring them between vehicles. The MHS uses a threaded hitch pin that requires a 5/8” wrench—which is more secure, but less convenient if you plan to take the rack on and off frequently. That said, once it’s on, it’s not going anywhere.
Threaded wheel chock size adjustment.
Also, adjusting the wheel chocks takes a bit more time than I’d like. You have to unthread a pin, reposition the chock, and rethread it…not a deal-breaker, but definitely slower than the pinch-lock systems I’ve used on other racks. On the other hand, it’s definitely a more durable method with less plastic parts to break down.
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- When one bike is mounted to the outside rack, I can use the tilt function to get access to a truck tailgate.
Tilting Feature: Useful but Slightly Awkward
The tilt function worked well in practice. I was able to access the trunk with bikes loaded, which is crucial for longer rides or road trips. I also liked that the rack offers multiple tilt positions when empty, which is handy if your trunk isn’t fully closed or you’re carrying longer items. However, the tilt handle is in an odd orientation, and the first time I used it, the rack dropped faster than I expected. It’s not difficult, but it does require a firm grip, especially for anyone who isn’t expecting the weight shift.
The handle for tilting pulls out ward instead of a squeeze or lever action like a lot of racks. It takes some getting used to.
Saris MHS Hitch Bike Rack Built-In Locks: Just a Deterrent
The integrated cable locks are easy to use and a nice touch for quick stops. But as with any cable lock, I wouldn’t rely on them in low-traffic or overnight situations. They’ll deter casual theft, but anyone with cable cutters would make short work of them.
Final Thoughts on the Saris MHS Hitch Bike Rack: A Long-Term Investment
After testing the Saris MHS 2-Bike Hitch Rack on several rides…hauling e-bikes, mountain bikes, and one fendered city cruiser…I can confidently say it’s one of the most solid racks I’ve used. It’s not the lightest or the fastest to adjust, but it feels like a long-term investment that can evolve with your needs. The modular design, high weight capacity, and thoughtful frame-free clamping make it especially appealing for riders with heavier or high-end bikes.
If you’re after reliability, modularity, and made-in-the-USA durability, and don’t mind using a wrench once in a while, this rack is absolutely worth a look. The MHS 2-Bike Package is at saris.com and amazon.com.
