Submitted by
qazokm
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln, RI, USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Easier to use than Yakima and Thule frame adapters; feels sturdy.
Weaknesses:
Location of two screws can scratch bike's top tube; make sure the grips close securely when purchasing.
Similar Products Used:
Yakima Top Tube & Thule 982 Frame Adapter
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Pro (stock with Time ATAC XS Carbon pedals).
Bottom Line:
This frame adapter is easier to use than the ones from Yakima and Thule. Those have small buttons to press in order to release the locking arms which care difficult to push down (relatively speaking). Also, the Yakima feels unstable when extended too much. The Saris felt secure and was easiest to use. However, there are two screws that protrude from the bottom of the adapter that can scratch the bikes top tube. I want the scratches on my bike to come from the trail, not the adapter.
Also, be sure that the grips close securely when you buy them. When I bought mine, there was another one in the store that would close, but you could open the grips without pushing the release button. After using mine a couple of times the grip that attaches to the seat post is already getting loose (it still remains closed, but you can pull it apart a little bit - could have developed into be a bigger problem down the road if I had kept it).
Finally, when using any one of these types of frame adapters make sure your seat post is securely clamped. If not, you could have a serious problem when transporting your bike. Using a bungee cord on the this side of the bike is a good idea for this reason.
I'm giving the Bike Beam 4 chilis for value since it's only $25 and is cheaper than the Yakima and Thule. I'm giving 3 chilis for overall rating because of the design problem with the screws and the weak grips (if I could give 3.5 stars I would since it's easier to use than the competition).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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