How Do I Fit My Specialized Levo E-Bike on My Saris Freedom Bike Rack?

Question:

I have a Saris Freedom rack. I want to carry a large-size Specialized Levo e-bike on the rack. I can mount the bike on the wheel holders but I cant find any way to fit the cradles and the straps on any part of the frame. The down tube on the bike which contains batteries is much thicker than down tubes on normal bikes. So it doesnt fit the cradles supplied. I know that there are longer 22 straps but they would still not work with cradles that dont fit. Are there larger cradles for this rack, made specially for e-bikes? Conversely, is there a trick whereby I can use the same cradle / straps to secure the bike via another part of the frame where the tubes are thinner?

asked by: Ara A

Expert Reply:

I have an answer for you. I went ahead and did some research on your Specialized Levo e-bike, and it looks like there are potential mounting points to the Saris Freedom # SA4412B-FB at the top bar of your bike's frame (instead of the thick center bar that has the integrated battery) that can serve an alternate mounting point. For a possible second mounting point, one of the things you can do is maneuver the cradle so that it clamps the top part of the center downtube (over the top where it is thinner) instead of clamping it directly on the side of the tube.

Moreover, I reached out to my contact at Saris, and he recommends that, as a final solution, having the longer straps # SA4424 to use to fasten your bike's frame (even if the tube does not fit into the cradles) will still technically give your bike security on the rack.

expert reply by: Bob C