Saris Thelma Universal 2 Bike Hitch

Not for the faint of heart!

Simple to install and mount bikes. Less than 5 minutes to get on the vehicle, strap down the bikes and you're ready to roll. I have come out of restaurants/hotels and found people admiring the design and ask about it. I use a couple of feet of small neoprene pipe insulation on 23 road tires to make a more secure, snug fit in the wheel cradle. Otherwise 700x28 and wider as well as all 26er's fit great. It's a little unsettling at first to see your machine perched on it with nothing actually touching the frame. And even more so at highway speed. The air coming over the top of the car pushes the bike to about a 75 degree angle. Even more if driving into a head wind. The first time I used it I kept pulling off the road to check it. The stiffness of the wheel cradle is the only thing holding the bike up and on. Nothing has happened, nor has any strap loosened, I just try not to look in the rear view mirror. This may not be an issue installed on a mini van or flat back SUV. Allows easy trunk/hatch access in up or down position. Stow position is a very nice feature when empty, prevents people walking into it in a dark parking lot. Bolt-on hitch tube does eliminate any play, just remember to take a 19mm wrench or socket ratchet with you if you need to remove it away from home. I purchased the optional lock for it but it will fit in most empty trunks.

Pros: Beautiful, simple design. Easy to use. No frame contact or marring of bike parts.

Cons: A little too flexy is the trade-off.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: January 23, 2012
Reviewed by: Paul N., California

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