How to put on a Bike Rack the correct way
The market for bike racks caters to the diamond frame, which features a straight top tube across the top of the bicycle frame.
Step-through bikes, once called Ladies bikes, often are missing or have an adjusted top tube on the frame to allow easier mounting and dismounting. Kids bikes also feature frames differing from the norm. If you’re trying to mount either of these, you could run into issues.
Bike racks come in three main types, which each have their own restrictions. They can hold between 2 and 5 bicycles and can be installed on the Trailer Hitch, the Roof, or attached to the Trunk.
Different bikes
Invented in the 19th century, bicycles have gone through many design changes. Most bikes today use diamond frames, which have a straight top tube. Step-Through Bicycles and Kids bikes have lowered, slanted, or absent top tubes.
Step-Through Bicycle
These bicycles were once known as Womens or Ladies bikes because of their lower top tube, allowing a rider to wear a dress or skirt during use. They have several advantages over the diamond frame.
Step-through frames are more suited for elderly and restricted agility riders. Their lower or absent top tubes allow for easier mounting and dismounting. They’re often used for utility bicycles, where the rider would have to make many stops.
These bikes are also often heavier and more difficult to mount on a bike rack because of their design.
Kids Bikes
Kids bike frames are miniaturized diamond frames or step-through frames. Most bike racks use the top tube of the bicycle frame as a mounting point.
This can lead to problems with mounting kids bikes because of the smaller area available.
Types of bike rack
Depending on the bike rack you have, you could face different issues. We’ll walk through the three main types, and how to mount a bike onto each bike rack correctly.
It’s very important to note – always strap down your bikes when mounting them on your bike rack. Immobilize the tires and the handlebars so they can’t turn and strap them securely to the supports of your bike rack.
Trunk Bike Rack
This is the cheapest option. Trunk mounted bike racks are suited for use by many vehicles, mounting on the trunk, rear bumper, or hatchback. While these are inexpensive, they are more likely to cause damage to the vehicle or bikes than the other options.
On a trunk mounted bike rack, two supports carry the weight of the bike. These supports can be padded or not, depending on how much you pay.
To properly mount a step-through bike, the best option is to purchase a top tube adapter – an accessory that creates a top tube for mounting.
If you can’t do that, mount it as best you can between the two supports – paying special attention to keep the center of gravity of the bike down. Strap it down firmly, making sure that it won’t wiggle around if you hit a pothole. Make sure you’re padding any areas that come in contact with the supports. If you are in the market, then take a look at the best trunk bike rack reviews.
For children’s bikes, there is less of a need for a top tube adapter. Mount the child’s bike onto the supports as best you can and lash it down well.
Roof Bike Rack
Roof bike racks come in a couple of varieties – some attach to existing roof racks, such as those found on SUVs, while others mount to the upper door frame using clips and mounting feet. They can be either upright, holding the bike by the frame or pedal crank, or use a fork-mount that requires the front wheel to be removed.
These carriers shouldn’t have an issue with most step-through and kids bikes – attaching to the lower parts of the frame instead of the top tube. Their major downsides are how complicated they can be to install, as well as decreased gas mileage because of wind resistance.
Similar to the Trunk Bike Rack, always ensure that your bikes are lashed down securely, with their tires and handlebars immobile.
Trailer Hitch Bike Rack
These are the most expensive option but have the easiest installation if the hitch hardware is already present on your vehicle. These can come with either a tray that holds the bikes from their tires, or supports that hold the frame similar to a trunk-mounted rack.
The tray mount version should safely accommodate most bicycle frames without issue.
If using the support mount version, the steps are similar to a trunk bike rack.
Place the bike onto the supports, doing your best to keep the center of gravity down between the two supports. For step-through and children’s bikes, you may need to macgyver it a little if you don’t have a top tube adapter. The most important thing, though, is to strap your bike down. An improperly mounted bike will go flying at the first pothole.
Immobilize the tires and handlebars by strapping them to the frame of the bike. Lash the whole bike down and make sure it won’t wiggle if you go over a bump or hit a pothole.
Staying safe and doing it right
No matter which bike rack you’re using, there are a few universal truths when mounting your bike for travel. No matter how well you strap it down, it will probably wiggle at some point. Always pad between your bike and anything that might scratch it. If you’re carrying multiple bikes, pad between them.
Follow these general guidelines, and you can’t go wrong:
- Keep the bike weight balanced, and the center of gravity down
- Always use padding to prevent scratching your bike frames
- Mount heavier and easier to mount bikes closer to the vehicle if using trunk or hitch racks
- Always immobilize the wheels and handlebars with straps
- Make sure that your bike is securely strapped down to the supports
- Make sure that no part of bike hangs below the bumper or obstructs exhaust
- Keep license plate and rear vehicle lights unobscured
Conclusion
Between different bike frames and multiple bike racks, it can be difficult to know if you’re mounting yours correctly. Hopefully, this guide has helped to answer some of your questions.
Just remember – safety first. Always assume that you will hit a pothole and strap your bikes down securely. Don’t let your bike become another highway casualty.
BIKE RACKS ON SALE
- Made of super elastic rubber rope, providing strong elasticity, strong and sturdy. The ABS-coated hook prevents your car from being scratched
- Anti-UV polyester cord jacket for extended outdoor use and vinyl coated hooks prevent scratches to your cars, and the rope's rugged properties allow long-term use.
- Assorted sizes: 6pc 18”, 4pc 24”, 2pc 32”, 2pc 40” bungee cords in 8 mm diameter, 6pc 10"mini cords, 8pc canopy ties and 4pc tarp clips.
- Color coded convenient storage: Color coded by length, each color represents a size, and comes with a transparent jar that allows you to quickly identify the required length. And after use, they can be put away and stored for next use.
- Widely use: Whether you’re packing for a camping trip, storing packages in the garage, moving boxes, fastening items to your ATV, bicycle, boat, motorcycle, trailer, kayak or SUV - there is a bungee cord to help make it happen.
- Three powerful stain removing ingredients formulated to dissolve grease stains
- Our only stain remover product specifically designed for grease and oil stains
- Foaming action lifts and removes stains from clothing
- Tough on stains, but gentle on your fabric
- Safe for all colorfast washables and works in all water temperatures
- 2 Gatorade 32 ounce bottles
- Each bottle holds 32 ounces of liquid
- High-Flow valve prevents liquid from leaking or spilling
- Fast-Cap makes it easy to remove, fill and go
- BPA-free
- Sport type: Trainer supply & protection
- Cozy Dry Every Morning: Step into warm, dry footwear every morning. Dries wet boots, shoes, or gloves safely overnight with fanless thermal air that rises naturally without over-drying or shrinking
- Helps Reduce Odors: Keeping your boots, shoes, and gloves dry is the key to keeping them stink-free. Dry time: Warm-up (30 mins); Damp (8 hours); Wet (12 hours)
- Quiet Dry: Safe, silent, simple. Zero noise, convection heater with no fan, motor, or moving parts. Energy-efficient heat uses less electricity than most light bulbs (36 Watts)
- Great For: Heavy-duty boot dryer for work boots, kids' boots & sports shoes, boxing gloves, leather boots, rubber boots, running shoes, hiking boots, ski & snowboard boot liners, winter gloves and socks
- Trusted Brand: Includes a 2-year warranty. Built tough like you by 'The Brand That Works'. JobSite is run by a Michigan-based Small Business
- Soft cotton fabric, two-ply thickness for added warmth, blocking wind away and very soft-comfortable, fast drying, good sweat absorption, more comfortable.
- The fleece neck gaiter for men are elastic and perfectly suitable for your neck，keep warmer and fashionable knit neck gaiter designed for women, men, girls or boys.
- NovForth neck warmer is dry way better than a scarf; High quality thermal yarn for max heat retention;
- The winter men is very suitable for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile, riding, cycling, hiking, motorcycle, ATVing, hunting, construction, walking the dog, warehouse work and shoveling snow.
- The best way is wash by hand below 58 degree water.
- 【Card shuffler 2 deck】：FEIERYA Card shuffler battery operated,easy to use.Elderly,young people,children can use ,help you shuffle 1-2 deck playing cards in seconds,save your time
- 【Fits for various card game】: Perfect for playing bridge,Uno,Texas Hold 'em,Phase10,Blackjack,Hand and foot,five crowns,Skip-Bo,Samba games and so on
- 【Dimensions in inches】: 8.12''(L) x 4''(W) x 3.75''(H).Lightweight and portable,holds up to 2 decks of cards at one time.Requires 4 AA batteries (not included).Poker cards are not included
- 【Easy to use】 - Firstly,insert 4 AA batteries；Next,put your card into two feed ; Then,keep pressing the buttton to shuffle ; Last,take out the shuffled card to enjoy your card game
- 【Replacement service】Support replacement service within 6 months without reason.(If it jams or only one side works, you can try to adjust the position of the gear slowly with a screwdriver or a small knife)
- ✔HIGHLY VISIBLE & SAFE – Excellent 360 Degree reflective bands keep you safe in all weather conditions(rain, fog, dark) at day or night. Super reflective running gear can be seen from 800 feet or more.Your family at home can relax, knowing you are wearing high performance reflective gear and are so much safer.
- ✔ELASTIC & ADJUSTABLE – Reflective safety vest shoulder to waist expands from 13" to 21", waist circumference expands from 27" to 40"; You can freely adjust the size of the reflective vest, allowing you to move freely.Our reflective bands are perfect for any age and gender!
- ✔HIGH QUALITY – Reflective bands are made of a top quality Nylon fabric and super-bright reflective silver stripes with a belt buckle and strap adjusters made of strong ,hard plastic which will withstand a lifetime of repeated use.
- ✔COMFORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT – Unlike vests, these straps are more comfy.Fully adjustable and breathable design allows for a full range of motion. It is also super lightweight easy to carry. Fits over any clothing in any season.
- ✔UNLIMITED VERSATILITY: High visibility suspender type reflective harness vest for ANY outdoor activity; including Trekking, Running, Cycling or motorbiking, Walking, Jogging, Construction or traffic work,Roadside emergencies where high vis clothing is required.
- BE SEEN FROM A LONG DISTANCE - Topward LED Reflective Vest is an upgraded, new generation safety vest with LED flash lights both in front and back; Keep you safe for running, (dog)walking, riding, skiing and motorcycle, etc.
- HIGH VISIBLE SAFETY REFLECTIVE GEAR - Incredibly 360 degrees of visibility keep you safe in all weather conditions(rain, fog, dark) at day or night. Super reflective running gear can be seen from 1000 feet or more.
- USB RECHARGEABLE LED LIGHT - 70% of pedestrian fatalities happen between 6pm & 6am. It’s a better alternative to traditional safety vests thanks to durable build-in led flash lights. 100 times safer than any other reflective bands at night.
- COMFORTABLE & ELASTIC & ADJUSTABLE - The ergonomic design of this LED reflective vest ensures your comfort when you wear it over any dress typically t-shirt, sports gear, jacket as per the season. Waist circumference expands from 23" to 49"; Shoulder strap: 12 - 26 inch; perfect gift for men/women/kids/teens/the elderly
- PARAMETER - Reflective gear visible range:1000 feet; LED Light visible range:1400 feet; Charging time:2 hours; Lighting time:5-9 hours; Weight: 5.1oz / 145g
- ECONOMICAL PACK : Combo Package include 2 rolls of Black hockey stick tapes: Size of each tape roll is about 1” inch x 22 yards. You can easily tear a narrow cloth tape roll by hand in half ( 1/2”in or 0.5” inches ) to suit your needs. Save by buying this affordable multi pack of hockey stick tape & Guard your accessories like a Pro.
- HOCKEY GRIP TAPE: Just Wrap & Go! These hockeystick tapes works perfectly on modern composite hockey stiks & blades, traditional wood or fiberglass blades. Blade tape extends the life of the stick blade by protecting the surface and edges from breaking. Professional team players wrap the hockey blade & add hockey stick wax on it to get better control over the puck on hickey Ice field as this fabric tape resists ice or snow buildup. It also bonds well to socks, pads and other sports gears.
- EASY TO APPLY + NO STICKY RESIDUE: Our cloth hockey stick tape is made up of Woven cotton which is flexible, Easy to Tear, strong, Non-Reflective adhesive. No scissors required for these cloth protection tapes. Just tear when you finish wrapping or applying the tape. The strong hockey wrap adhesive will stick to metal, tile, plastic, concrete, marble, rubber, skin, glass or smooth surfaces and ensure high performance. It’s water resistant, waterproof and abrasion resistant cloth tape.
- All-purpose strong adhesive tape: Cloth sticktape can be used as a general purposes tape like gaffer tape. It’s not the same as gaff tape but it’s NON-REFLECTIVE tape for photography sets, instrumental players, convention organizers, wire management to Secure & Organize cables, setup display areas, decorate automotive, add friction to tech gears, gadgets & equipments, golfers tape - thumb & finger sleeves or Caddies to prevent Golf blisters, athletic or Athlete wrap, Medical Trainers.
- Buy with confidence: EAGLES hockey tape provide ONE YEAR WARRANTY from date of purchase.
- STANDARD INDEX PLAYING CARDS: Enjoy the ideal balance of size and functionality with our Bicycle Black Playing Cards. Perfect as poker cards, these standard index cards cater to everyone from beginners to experts
- TRUSTED BICYCLE QUALITY: Experience the feel of perfection in every game with these high quality playing cards. Each card is engineered with an Air Cushion Finish, providing an easy handling and shuffling experience
- VERSATILE GAMING: These cards open the door to countless games of skill and chance. From poker and blackjack to euchre, pinochle, rummy, and canasta. Unleash your inner gamer with this versatile deck of playing cards
- CLASSIC RIDER BACK: With the classic Rider Back design, this deck of cards bring a sense of nostalgia and traditional charm to your gaming table. A perfect blend of style and functionality, adding a touch of class to your card games
- ECO-FRIENDLY & MADE IN USA: Crafted in the USA with 100% recyclable FSC paper, our Bicycle Cards embody an unparalleled blend of sustainability and quality. Feel good about your purchase knowing these playing cards contribute to a greener planet
- AMERICAN OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED - Join the Rhino Family & Support a USA based Father/Son Business!
- ANTI-THEFT HITCH PIN - Solid Forged Steel Ensures Protection to Your Trailer & Hitch From Theft
- COMMON HITCH SIZES - Our Unique Hitch Pin Fits all Class III & IV Hitches (2" x 2") With Ease.
- PATENT PENDING DESIGN - Newly Added Weatherproof Slide Cap Protects From Dirt, Mud & Gunk
- 5-STAR EXPERIENCE - If you aren't 100% Satisfied for any Reason, We'll Refund your Money
- Patented design fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUV's consult manufacturer web site for specific vehicle fit information.Comes fully assembled set up and installs in seconds 12 inch long carry arms easily accommodate a wide range of bicycle styles and 115 inch wide carry arms for greater bike compatibilityShips in certified frustration free packaging 70 pounds max capacityFolds fully flat for easy storage.Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellersImportant, please consult manufacturer web page for specific vehicle fit.Target gender : unisex.
- Side straps for increased lateral stability. Single configuration design eliminates setup hassles and headaches during installation
- Individual tie downs secure and protect bicycles
- Padded lower frame keeps bicycles away from vehicle
- Comes fully assembled set up and installs in seconds 12 inch long carry arms easily accommodate a wide range of bicycle styles and 115 inch wide carry arms for greater bike compatibility
- Ships in certified frustration free packaging 70 pounds max capacity
- Folds fully flat for easy storage.
- Allen's warranty does not cover items purchased through third-party sellers
- Important, please consult manufacturer web page for specific vehicle fit
- COLOR-CHANGING FORMULA - Watch as DeCon Pro transforms from clear to purple, indicating the presence of iron deposits and contamination.
- ADVANCED CONTAMINATION REMOVAL - Effectively removes stubborn brake dust, iron deposits, and metallic contaminants from wheels and body panels.
- PROTECT AGAINST CORROSION - Neutralizes corrosive chemical reactions caused by iron deposits, preventing rust and paint damage.
- DEEP WHEEL CLEANING - Targets and eliminates hot, corrosive, and filthy brake dust that regular washing can't remove.
- PROLONG VEHICLE LIFESPAN - By releasing and neutralizing iron deposits, DeCon Pro ensures a longer life for your car's paint and finish.
- Constructed from heavy duty steel plate with powder coat finish and includes industrial grade U-bolt, washer and nut with galvanized finish to resist rust and corrosion
- Eliminate or reduce wobbling, rocking, rattling and hitch play on hitch mount bike racks, cargo carriers and other hitch mount towing accessories.
- Quickly installs on Class I, II, III and IV or 1. 25" or 2" receiver hitches.
- Great to use on different tow and carry vehicles such as SUV, pickup trucks, RV's, vans, sedans, minivans, campers and more
- Use on ball mounts, drop hitches, hitch adapters, hitch extenders and other trailer accessories
- Enhanced Durability: This bike rack is equipped with a hitch adapter to fit standard 1-1/4" and 2" hitch receivers, ensuring broad compatibility
- Versatile Hitch Compatibility: Designed to be used on Class I, II, III, and IV hitches, this bike rack is adaptable and suitable for various types of vehicles
- Secure Bike Transportation: Transport up to 2 bikes securely with the improved rubber bike cradles and buckle-type straps. These features allow your bikes to remain stable during travel
- Sturdy Design: The built-in locking knob keeps the main upright sturdy, minimizing wobble and enhancing stability while on the move
- Weight Capacity: The rack supports a maximum capacity of 100 lbs, with a limit of 50 lbs per bike. This ensures safe and reliable bike transportation
- Color Variation Note: Please be aware that the pad color may slightly differ, offering a variation in appearance
- Compatibility Note: Please note that our 50025 Bike Rack is designed for bikes with a horizontal top bar frame. For different style bike frames, the addition or installation of a horizontal crossbar may be necessary (not included)
- Important Note: Due to the increased distance between the rear bumper and the axle on trailers or RVs compared to cars or SUVs, using bike racks and cargo carriers in this scenario is not advisable.
- Bikes mounted on RV's, trailers, fifth-wheels may experience increased bouncing, swaying, and stress. Always use tie downs and straps during transport for added safety
- 200 CFM OF FORCED AIR VIA DUAL FANS blow air directly into gear for quick drying times
- HEATED OR AMBIENT AIR and CUSTOMIZABLE TIME SETTINGS. GearDryer heats the air temperature approx. 35 degrees above ambient air temperature for gentle drying and warming and allows for timed drying options from 15-minutes to 24-hours
- EASY WALL MOUNT INSTALLATION. Optional Freestanding and Rolling Wheel Kit sold separately
- CUSTOMIZABLE PORTS can dry or warm 6 pairs of boots, shoes, gloves, helmets, waders, and more
- SPECIFICATIONS Plugs into any 120-volt outlet--no professional installation needed | heavy-duty steel construction with a durable powder coat finish | 16” W x 6”D x 46”H | 46lbs
- Smart phone bag makes it easy to take your phone with you on your ride, compatible with regular or plus-size phones up to 3.5 inches width and 7.8 inches tall
- Quick and easy installation frame mounted bike bag with tool-free hook and loop attachment system ensuring compatibility acorss different bicycle models
- Secure zipper closures for main compartment keep your belongings safely enclosed, helps keep out dust, dirt, and moisture, add an extra layer of security
- Fully touch-screen compatible smartphone pocket can help you interact with your smartphone without removing it from the pocket, making it easier and safer to check maps, or control music while riding
- Top tube bag is compatible with most adult bikes perfect for additional storage space for your essentials like tools, keys, or small wallet
- Silent, radiant heating to dry up to four garments at a time
- Includes 3 mounting options; wall, floor and free standing
- Energy efficient using only 7.5 watts per boot
- No moving parts and simple to Use
- Organize mud rooms, work shops and your cabin
- Hanging hitch-mount bike carrier for 4 bikes
- Rack tilts down for rear of vehicle access
- Designed to fit 1.25" or 2" hitch receivers
- Superior bike stability and fit
- Integrated anti-sway cradles prevent bike to bike contact
- Quickly attach and secure bikes with ratcheting straps
- Compact design fits a wide variety of bike sizes/frame styles. Please note some frame styles may requrie a Thule Frame Adapter to securely attach to hanging bike racks.
- 7" spacing between bikes
- Bike arms fold down when not in use | Load capacity: 150 lbs
- Please check the Compatibility Guide (under Product Details) to confirm the fit with your vehicle's receiver hitch.
- DIMENSIONS: 10 X 7 X 3 INCHES (WHEN ROLLED)
- The Mini Pannier is the Mini-Me of our Roll Top Backpack Pannier. It is identical to the Backpack Pannier in every way but is one-third of its size. This means that you have to settle for carrying a Tablet instead of a Laptop.
- A small price to pay when you see that this badass can hold just about everything you NEED, all this without compromising your motorcycle's looks in any way. Its compact dimensions mean that your bike gets to be the Batman to the Mini Pannier's Robin.
- ADDITIONAL ACCESSORY - We also offer a bespoke mount that enables the Mini Pannier to be mounted on the big daddy Pannier just so you can take them both on your adventures. The Mount does not come with the Backpack and is to be bought SEPARATELY.
NH Lodging Guide | Weddings
Products | NH Town Guides
New England Living Magazine | New England Attractions
Free World Mall
Country Weddings | New England Recipes
Paradise Coast Living | Boston Red Sox Gifts
Vermont Living | ME Living | MA Living
We SHARE
the Best of
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Contact Us
Prime Deals
Red Sox Gifts at
Red Sox Network
Prime Deals