Saris Freedom and Clem 64

[Max Faingezicht]

Does anyone here know if I can fit a Clem 64 on a Saris Freedom EX-2 hitch rack?

The spec for the rack says up to 50” wheelbase and this Clem measures 52” center of hub to center of hub.

Thanks
Max

PS I saw there used to be a long wheelbase bar but they seem to be out of stock everywhere.

[Nick Shoemaker]

I’ve gotten my 64 to fit in an older version of that rack - you can make it work, but the tires won’t quite fit down in the tray. It’s secure, if not confidence-inspiring.

I recently upgraded to a 1up and it’s dreamy - plenty of space for all that wonderful wheelbase!

[maxcr]

Thanks Nick, this is super helpful! I'm picking up the bike tomorrow and I'll report back this weekend - fingers crossed since I know the bikes have grown long over the years and the latest iterations are very long (which ironically is part of the reason I'm getting it)

Max

PS. I also managed to track down a bike store in Wisconsin that had an extension bar from Saris meant for recumbents that seems to solve the problem. The issue is they aren't made anymore and nobody locally had them in stock.
here is the description: "Add Saris' Freedom Long Wheelbase Bar to your Saris Freedom rack (sold separately) to carry an extra long wheelbase bicycle like a tandem or recumbent. The rack holds two bikes of up to 35 pounds each, and the Long Wheelbase Bar holds a bike that measures up to 57 inches axle to axle."

[maxcr]

I managed to get this long wheelbase extender bar from a Saris dealer in WI, for whatever reason they don't make it anymore:

I'm confident this would've worked to carry the Clem, but I ended up not getting the 64 Clem (I imagine it will come up for sale soon and make a tall rider very happy. Tom is a list member and he was the most gracious to work with even after I backed out of buying it... I think I'll regret it, the price was right and the bike was beautiful)

To close the loop, I ended up getting this Xtracycle Medium Mtn Rosco Bubbe in rainy Boston last night! (apologies for the bad photo)

It'll be a kid hauler, grocery getter, commuter, do-everything-bike. The frame has switched hands on the list over the last years and the seller was great (thanks Peter), he is a Riv fan just 30m from my place. It's a joy to ride and even though it's a smaller frame than I'm used to, I will be able to share it with my wife which is awesome.

It's insane that two of these rare beauties showed up in each coast at the same time. Someone go and buy Drew's - if it's still up for sale - it rides like a dream!

Max