Saris Thelma 3-Bike Platform Hitch Rack Review

I bought the Thelma 2 bike carrier last week and took two bikes 650 miles and back over the weekend.

Pros: Very light and easy to use. Easy to assemble. Unlike carriers that strap the top tube, the wheels will not rotate into the vehicle or each other. Loading or unloading bikes is quick and easy.

Cons: The threaded hitch pin is good for keeping the carrier tight in the receiver with no motion, but a hassle to take off/put on, and does not lock. Saris sells a locking, threaded hitch pin separately. You could probably use a standard locking hitch pin, but that would allow the carrier to move a little in the receiver. Would be nice if the carrier had a hole or loop somewhere that a cable lock could attach to in order to secure the carrier to the receiver.

Now the dealbreaker. I assume that on a taller van or SUV, the vehicle would shield the bikes from the wind. But on a car, the bikes are exposed. I was very uncomfortable with the resulting motion of the bikes at highway speeds. I checked the straps and carrier several times and everything seemed to be fine, and I kept telling myself that this is what the carrier is designed for and it's probably normal. But after we got home, took the bikes off, and folded the front wheel holders down to stow them, I noticed that they had been bent backwards some, perhaps an inch at the ends, and no longer lined up with the rear wheel holders. I am taking this back to the bike shop where I got it and upgrading to the Saris Cycle On.

This carrier is probably great for around town use, or behind a van or SUV, but I would not recommend it for long trips on a car.

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Product Description:
Stylish and simple to use, the Saris® Thelma 3-bike platform hitch rack is a unique solution for bicycle transportation. The unique design contacts the tires only, protecting your bike's finish, and it can accommodate everything from road slicks to downhill knobbies. Ratcheting straps secure the bike, and the Thelma folds up when not in use.

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