Are the Saris Modular Hitch System (MHS) advantages helpful enough to transform your bike-carrying experience? Modularity takes center stage in the land of many bike racks, offering a highly customizable hitch platform designed for both present and future needs. Explore why the Saris MHS can be the perfect fit for your biking (and gear) adventures.
What’s the Advantage of a Saris Modular Hitch System?
The main advantage of a modular hitch system (MHS) for bikes is Modularity: The MHS is a highly customizable hitch platform system that allows for future-proofing and expansion. The MHS is compatible with 2” hitch receivers and can carry up to 4 bikes with optional add-on trays.
The design features individual bike trays that can be removed or added depending on how many bikes you want to carry. It can also be customized to fit different types of bikes, including e-bikes, and can be expanded or removed as needed.
Saris Product Manager Kellen Pagel had this to say about the MHS:
At Saris, we break down barriers to make biking more accessible. The Modular Hitch System (MHS) is our future-proofed hauling solution and is an excellent option for on-the-go adventure seekers. With various base sizes and add-ons, it’s highly customizable to meet your needs, allowing for easy transportation of bikes, gear, and more.
We recently released the MHS Cargo and UNO to expand capabilities; we’ll launch additional offerings in the coming year, including a compatible lighting option for added visibility while on the road.
Kellen Pagel
Can you Install a Saris Modular Hitch System Yourself?
Yes, you can install a modular hitch system yourself. However, it is recommended that you have some experience with tools and mechanical work.
The Saris Modular Hitch System (MHS) is designed to be user-friendly and easy to install. The installation involves attaching the base to your car’s hitch receiver and then attaching the bike trays and accessories to the base.
The process involves attaching the base to your car’s hitch receiver and then attaching the bike trays and accessories to the base. The MHS comes with detailed instructions and all the necessary hardware for installation. But bring your own torque wrench and socket wrench set.
The MHS comes with detailed instructions and all the necessary hardware for installation. If you need clarification on the installation process, get professional help from experts such as Rack N Road or Rack Attack.
Is the Saris Modular Hitch System Worth It?
Yes, if you have the money to spend and want unprecedented adaptability from a bike rack system. Is the modular hitch system a mandatory upgrade from your traditional bike rack? No, of course not.
The system is sleek and stealthy, a bonus to its usefulness. But the real value is deciding how many bikes you want to carry on a given day. And the 3-bike is strong enough to transport two bikes at 60 pounds each, plus a third bike weighing 35 pounds. E-bikes anyone?
The abundance of benefits makes the system valuable to customers. For example, customers enjoy the following:
- Rear hatch access
- Fits bikes with 53” wheelbases
- It doesn’t touch the bike’s frame
- Folds for storage
- Integrated locks for bikes and cars
- Compatible with a range of wheel sizes and widths
So, if you need all these benefits and more, the modular hitch system makes your life and adventures less stressful.
Saris Product Manager Kellen Pagel shared additional factors to consider when deciding if the MHS is for you:
- Assess Your Needs—Remember to evaluate the products you need to transport, and be mindful that popular eBike models often require higher weight capacities and larger tires.
- Don’t Skip on Safety—Remember to lock your bike to prevent theft even when on your vehicle! The MHS has integrated locking cables as an added safety measure.
- Think Beyond Bikes—Traditional bike racks can carry your bike, but there’s no space for other gear; the MHS Cargo provides added flexibility and storage for your next trip.
Options When Building Your Modular Hitch System
Choosing your ideal modular hitch rack is similar to eating at a salad bar; you start with a base, add your toppings, and garnish with extras.
So, what should you consider before diving in? First, think about what gear you want to carry and how much of it. Once you outline your carrying capacity, review the total weight—is your vehicle up for the challenge? What about you—can you move the parts around without stress?
Then, determine your ideal budget before ordering your complete rack. Can you afford the modular parts required to carry your bikes and gear?
See the complete Saris Modular Hitch System, which includes the following:
MHS 3 Bike Package: Carries up to 3 bikes with a maximum wheelbase of 53” and up to 275 lbs total. Priced at $1,299.96.
MHS 2 Bike Package: Carries up to 2 bikes with a maximum wheelbase of 53” and up to 195 lbs total. Priced at $899.97.
MHS 1 Bike Package: Carries up to 1 bike with a maximum wheelbase of 53” and up to 115 lbs total. Priced at $549.98.
MHS 3+1 Base Only: Fits 2″ hitch receivers and carries up to 4 bikes (up to 80lb. each*). Provides a solid foundation for mounting a wide range of MHS accessories. Priced at $249.99 and weighs 42 lbs.
MHS 1+1 Base Only: Fits 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch receivers and carries up to 2 bikes (up to 80lbs. each*). Provides a solid foundation for mounting a wide range of MHS accessories. Priced at $199.99 and weights 35 lbs.
MHS 2+1 Base Only: Fits 2″ hitch receivers and carries up to 3 bikes (up to 80lb. each*). Provides a solid foundation for mounting a wide range of MHS accessories. Priced at $199.99 and weighs 38 lbs.
MHS DUO 1-Bike Tray: Carries 1 bike, up to 80 lb. Dual-arm wheel holder securely transports a variety of bikes. Bike tray for MHS 1+1, 2+1, and 3+1 bases. Priced at $349.99 and weighs 33 lbs.
MHS DUO 1-Bike Add-On Tray: Carries 1 bike, up to 35 lb. Dual-arm wheel holder securely transports a variety of bikes. Bike tray add-on for MHS 1+1, 2+1, and 3+1 bases. Priced at $349.99 and weighs 35 lbs.
MHS DUO Fendered Bike Wheel Holder: Wheel holder for use with bikes equipped with fenders. Designed for use with the MHS DUO 1-Bike Tray/DUO 1-Bike Add-On Tray. Easy, fast, tool-free installation. Priced at $29.99.
MHS UNO Single Arm, 1-Bike Tray: Single-hook arm, platform bike tray that secures your bike at the wheel with no frame or fork contact. Integrated Security: locking hook arms compatible with Saris lock cores. Carries one bike up to 40 lbs. (Add-On: 35 lbs). Priced at $249.99 and weighs 46 lbs.
MHS Cargo Basket: A cargo basket for Saris’ Modular Hitch System (MHS) or the top of your vehicle. 5.5 sq ft storage footprint. Carries up to 200 lbs*. High-quality steel and weather-resistant coating. Priced at $399.99 and weighs 25 lbs.
MHS Ramp ($189.99): Designed with the e-bike enthusiast in mind, the MHS Ramp eliminates heavy lifting and awkward bike loading. The American-made ramp easily connects to any MHS DUO Tray and allows users to roll bikes up to 80 lbs. onto their rack. The Ramp also collapses after loading for easy storage, and the tray extends to 80″ for hitches up to 32″ high.
MHS Lighting ($189.99): The new MHS Lighting will provide additional safety and ensure that vehicle lights remain visible while on the road. Compatible with MHS bases, the 4-flat pin connection provides power to a set of DOT-certified powerful LED lights with full vehicle OE. The wiring is designed to fit within MHS Base to keep it out of the way. A 4-flat to 4-square pin accessory is included.
Final Remarks on the Saris Modular Hitch System
The Saris Modular Hitch System stands out as a beacon of adaptability in the world of many standard fixed bike racks. Whether you’re a casual rider or an avid adventurer, the MHS offers a personalized solution that evolves with your needs. If you can swallow the high expense and weight, you will experience why modularity is the pinnacle of practicality.