Mike Hardaker testing the Saris Cycle-On bike rack with a Retrospec Valen Rev 3 e-bike in Cache Creek, Bridger-Teton National Forest near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Grizzly Woody makes an appearance in the background. | Photo Rich Goodwin, Mountain Weekly News
Saris Cycle-On 2-Bike Rack Review: Built for Heavy E-Bikes
Saris bike racks have been a reliable part of the Mountain Weekly News testing fleet for years, from the lighter Saris SuperClamp 2 to the more modular Saris MHS 2-bike rack.
The new Saris Cycle-On 2-Bike Rack is designed around the problems that come with transporting modern electric bikes: heavier frames, awkward loading, fenders and racks that are difficult to move once removed from the vehicle.
The Cycle-On carries two bikes weighing up to 70 pounds each and includes a telescoping loading ramp, integrated storage wheels, built-in locks and a tool-free anti-wobble system. It works with both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers and is approved for Class A, B and C motorhomes.
Saris Cycle-On Setup
The Cycle-On comes mostly ready to use out of the box and is much easier to set up than the Saris MHS system we previously tested.
It attaches to the hitch without requiring a collection of tools, and the integrated anti-wobble adjustment removes play between the rack and receiver.
That is a meaningful improvement over the MHS. Our MHS became extremely stable once tightened, but we kept a ratchet and socket in the truck in case the hitch connection needed adjustment. The Cycle-On handles that job with a tool-free mechanism built directly into the rack.
It also fits both common hitch sizes. A 2-inch receiver remains the more standard choice for heavy e-bikes, trucks and SUVs, but compatibility with a 1.25-inch receiver gives the rack more versatility.
The Cycle-On also joins our broader lineup of TETON Tested heavy-duty e-bike racks, where we compare the best options for transporting modern electric bikes.
Loading E-Bikes With the Ramp
The Cycle-On carries two bikes weighing up to 70 pounds each, for a maximum total bike weight of 140 pounds.
That capacity covers most commuter e-bikes, electric mountain bikes and many fat-tire models. Riders with heavier bikes may be able to remove the battery before loading, provided the remaining bike weight stays below the published limit.
The integrated telescoping ramp is one of the rack’s best features. Instead of deadlifting a 60- or 70-pound bike onto the trays, you can extend the ramp and roll the bike into place.
This becomes especially valuable after a long ride. Lifting one heavy e-bike is awkward enough. Lifting two can quickly become a strain on your back.
The ramp stores directly on the rack, so there is no separate piece to leave behind in the garage.
Securing Bikes to the Cycle-On
The Cycle-On uses locking straps to secure the bike by its wheels and frame rather than pushing a hook directly onto the top of the tire.
That makes it compatible with many fender-equipped commuter and recreational e-bikes that do not work well with traditional wheel-hook racks.
The rack accommodates bikes with wheel diameters from 20 to 32 inches and tires up to 4 inches wide. This covers folding bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes and most fat-tire e-bikes.
Integrated locks add theft protection for both the bikes and rack. As with any rack carrying two heavy bikes, Saris recommends loading the heaviest bike closest to the vehicle.
Tool-Free Anti-Wobble System
Two 70-pound bikes create a substantial load behind the vehicle, making a tight hitch connection especially important.
The Cycle-On’s integrated anti-wobble system tightens the rack inside the receiver without requiring a wrench or socket. Once adjusted correctly, it removes the loose connection that causes many hitch racks to sway or bounce.
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Rolling Storage Wheels
The Saris Cycle-On weighs approximately 53 pounds, which is in line with many heavy-duty two-bike racks.
That is still an awkward amount of weight to carry across a garage, so Saris added integrated wheels. Once the rack is removed from the hitch, you can place it on the ground and roll it like a piece of luggage.
This sounds like a small detail, but it may be one of the most useful features on the entire rack. Instead of wrestling with a bulky platform rack every time you remove it, the Cycle-On can be rolled directly into storage.
The rack also folds against the vehicle when empty and tilts away to provide access to a rear hatch or cargo area.
RV-Rated Bike Rack
The Cycle-On is approved for use on Class A, B and C motorhomes.
That is more important than it may sound. Racks mounted behind an RV experience additional leverage and movement because the hitch often sits farther behind the rear axle. Many bike racks are not approved for RV use at all.
RV owners still need to confirm their hitch rating and follow Saris’ weight limits, but the Cycle-On offers a legitimate option for traveling with two electric bikes.
Saris Cycle-On vs. Saris MHS
The Saris MHS remains the better option for riders who want a modular system that can be expanded with additional trays.
The Cycle-On is better for someone who simply wants to carry two heavy bikes without a complicated setup.
Compared with the MHS, the Cycle-On offers:
- A higher 70-pound per-bike capacity
- A built-in loading ramp
- Tool-free hitch tightening
- Rolling storage wheels
- Less assembly
- Easier everyday use
The MHS wins on customization. The Cycle-On wins on convenience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Carries two bikes weighing up to 70 pounds each
- Integrated telescoping loading ramp
- Rolls on built-in storage wheels
- Tool-free anti-wobble adjustment
- Fits 1.25-inch and 2-inch receivers
- Works with many fender-equipped bikes
- Integrated locks
- Tilts for rear vehicle access
- Approved for Class A, B and C motorhomes
- Comes mostly ready to use
Cons
- Not rated for bikes exceeding 70 pounds
- Still weighs approximately 53 pounds
- Frame-contact system may not suit every carbon bike
Overall Impression
The Saris Cycle-On 2-Bike Rack feels like the result of what Saris learned from the SuperClamp and MHS.
It is easier to assemble than the MHS, easier to tighten at the hitch and considerably easier to move once it comes off the vehicle. The ramp solves the obvious problem of loading heavy electric bikes, while its fender-friendly design works well with the commuter and recreational e-bikes many riders actually own.
The 70-pound limit excludes some hunting, cargo and moped-style e-bikes. For the majority of full-size electric bikes, however, the capacity is right in line with the market.
For riders transporting two e-bikes who value easy loading, tool-free installation and simple garage storage, the Saris Cycle-On is one of the most convenient heavy-duty bike racks Saris has built.
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