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
- 【Quality Material 】Made of super elastic rubber rope, providing strong elasticity, strong and durable.
- 【Prevent Scratches】The ABS-coated hook prevents your car from being scratched, and the rope's rugged properties allow long-term use.
- 【Crocodile Mouth Tarp Clips】Contains 4 tarpaulin clips, which can clamp and release the tarpaulin, and tarpaulins of various thicknesses; the teeth are stable and safe to prevent the tarpaulin from falling
- 【Multiple Sizes】(6) pc. x 18”, (4) pc. x 24”, (2) pc. x 32”, (2) pc. x 40” bungee cords; (6) pc. x 10"mini cords; (4) pc. x 8” canopy ties UV resistant cord jacket; (4) pc Crocodile Mouth Tarp Clips.
- 【Convenient Storage】Each color represents a size that allows you to quickly identify the required length.
- What You'll Get: One 18oz can of Shout's Advanced Grease and Oil Busting Foam Stain Remover
- Formulated to fight tough stains: three powerful stain removing ingredients specifically formulates to dissolve grease and oil stains
- Clings, Penetrates, & Lifts: 50x more concentrated than in-wash powered when applied directly to stain
- Quick & Easy To Use: works on all machine-washable whites and colored fabrics, and works in all water temperatures and in HE and standard washers
- Spray, Wash, and Done: our only stain remover designed to fight grease and oil stains, and stays gentle on your fabric
- [PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIAL] Crafted with top-quality materials, the TICONN plastic tarp is built to last. We offer 5.5, 10, and 16 mil thick water proof, UV resistant polyethylene fabric large tarp with size like tarps heavy duty waterproof 20x30, tarps heavy duty waterproof 8x10 and so on.
- [REINFORCED CORNERS] The corners of the waterproof tarp are reinforced with double-stitched, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material. This innovative design ensures extra strength and resilience of the tarp waterproof, preventing premature wear and tear.
- [EASY TO USE] We've made sure that setting up the TICONN tarps heavy duty waterproof 16x20 is like a breeze. It comes with rust-resistant aluminum grommets placed along the edges, allowing for effortless and secure tie-downs. The grommets are spaced approximately 18" apart, ensuring a tight and reliable fit.
- [VERSATILE AND MULTI-PURPOSE] The tarps heavy duty waterproof 10x12 is incredibly versatile, catering to a wide range of applications. Whether you need to cover your camping gear, protect your vehicle from the elements, or secure construction materials on a job site, this camping tarp has got you covered.
- [TICONN BRAND QUALITY COMMITMENT] We stand behind the quality of our products. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us. We provide 30-day money back and 12-month warranty. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for risk-free shopping!
- EXTREMELY STURDILY MATERIAL: The garage hooks is made of premium heavy-duty solid steel and the plate are reinforced with three layers, providing superior load capacity, the utility hooks are great for ladders, sports equipment, lawn trimmers, gardening equipment and other bulky items!
- NON-SLIP PVC COATING: The ladder hooks with sturdy non-slip PVC rubber coating, can grab the item firmly and protect the item surfaces from getting scratched or marred well. Preventing the hooks for garage storage from rusting, can be used many years!
- EASY TO INSTALL: Comes with two kind of screws and anchors, can suitable for plaster walls, wooden, brick or concrete walls, simply with a drill, hammer and screwdriver, can easily install them to hold any item to storage.
- VARIOUS SIZES: There are 14 garage hooks heavy duty with 5 Sizes: 5 small U hooks, 3 medium U hooks, 2 large U hooks, 2 large J hook and 2 small J hook. We also provides 2 extension cord organizer straps for hanging tools of different sizes and weight.
- EFFICIENT STORAGE FUNCTION: Design with double hooks, utilize the vertical storage method to create additional space, the garage wall hooks can be used wherever you need, such as garage, shop, shed, garden, warehouse, basement, ect. Perfect garage wall hooks to keep everything organized and clear at a glance.
- INCLUDES – TWO 5 lb neoprene coated dumbbells in Black
- CONSTRUCTION – Iron core made from ASTM A48 Grade 20 grey iron then precision dipped in 3mm of neoprene for safety and comfort
- FEATURES – Original Hex Shaped heads prevent rolling; Medium diameter handle provides essential grip and security during use; Neoprene coating is durable and protective; Color coded and poundage marked on ends allow for easy identification
- VERSATILE – Dumbbells offer the ability to target specific muscle groups or get a full body workout; Great for any workout including HIIT workouts, strength training, yoga, walking and more
- FUNCTIONAL – Adding resistance to your workouts provides many benefits, including building muscle, boosting balance and mood, burning more calories and more
- Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R
- ►HEAVY DUTY - Tubular steel construction makes this two bike rack one of the sturdiest bike racks on the market
- ►EASE OF USE - Quickly store 2 bikes with ease. No clamps, no brackets, no lifing. Just roll the bike into the rack and walk away
- ►VERSATILE - Bikes Can Be Stored In The Same Or Alternate Directions
- ►SIMPLICITY - So simple even children can use it without assistance. It doesn't get any easier than this.
- ►DURABLE FINISH - The gloss black powdercoated finish will protect your rack from the elements for years.
- DURABLE and SAFE: Young Electric bike rack is constructed with reinforced steel and aluminum which makes it durable and powerful enough to carry 2 bikes weighing 100 lbs each. Comes with 2-arm fix, patent secure wheel cradles and anti-wobble structure, that secure your E-bikes in place without swaying and knocking against vehicle.
- 200 LB TOTAL CAPACITY: Built for durability and strength, this bike rack boasts an impressive 200lbs capacity, securely accommodating heavier electric bikes or multiple conventional bicycles with ease. Trust in its robust construction for reliable, strain-free transportation.
- RV Approved: Specially designed for RV compatibility, this bike rack is RV Approved, ensuring hassle-free installation and safe, stable transport of your bicycles while on the road. Travel with confidence knowing it's tailored for motorhome adventures.
- Easy to use: Effortlessly load and secure bikes with our user-friendly bike rack. Its intuitive design allows for quick attachment and detachment. Also equipped with a ramp so that bikes can be easily rolled onto the rack. The ramp can be easily mounted and neatly stowed in the frame when not in use. Please note: If a part seems missing from the accessory pack, it may have been pre-installed on the product for your convenience. Please check before contacting support.
- 2 INCH HITCH RECEIVER: ONLY fits vehicles with 2" receivers, the rack is sturdy and does not wobble easily. Most parts come pre-assembled for easy installation. Parts including locking hitch pins, instruction manual and hardware.
- Features. Hitch insert fits 2-in receiver hitches. Patented tie-down cradle system individually secures and protects bicycles.
- Carry arms fold out of the way when not in use. Rack tilts back for easy lift-gate access. No-wobble bolt eliminates movement of rack inside of hitch.
- All retainer clips attached with lanyards to prevent lost parts. Minor assembly required. Black powder-coated finish.
- SAFE AND SECURE: Comes with soft padded hooks, that secure your bikes in place without swaying and scratching the paint. Slide down over the vertical frame with hitch tightener to fit different size bike frame for safe. With rear Safety Reflector to enhance the visibility in the dark.
- FOLDABLE & TILT BACK DESIGN: Users can fold up this rack to save space when not in use, convenient for garage parking. Quick release tilting down feature allows easy access to trunk without detaching the hitch rack.
- 200 LB TOTAL CAPACITY: Easily transports up to 100 pounds per bike. Universal tire holders and wheel straps are compatible with mountain bikes, road bikes with up to 5-inch fat tires and 20" to 29" tire sizes. The maximum wheelbase is 58" to fit on this rack.
- DESIGN FOR RV. WARNING!! - DO NOT exceed 120 lbs of capacity when installed behind a RV. DO NOT use this bike carrier for transporting or carrying other items or materials besides bicycles.
- 2 INCH HITCH RECEIVER: ONLY fits vehicles with 2" receivers, the rack is sturdy and does not wobble easily. Most parts come pre-assembled for easy installation. Parts including instruction manual and hardwares.
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY: If anything ever goes wrong with your hitch mounted bike rack , please contact our 24H Service Team.
- DO NOT use this bike carrier for transporting or carrying other items or materials besides bicycles. Using the bike rack for rough off-road terrain is not recommended.
- 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
- Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R
- DURABLE and SAFE: Young Electric bike rack is constructed with reinforced steel and aluminum which makes it durable and powerful enough to carry 2 bikes weighing 100 lbs each. Comes with 2-arm fix, patent secure wheel cradles and anti-wobble structure, that secure your E-bikes in place without swaying and knocking against vehicle.
- 200 LB TOTAL CAPACITY: Built for durability and strength, this bike rack boasts an impressive 200lbs capacity, securely accommodating heavier electric bikes or multiple conventional bicycles with ease. Trust in its robust construction for reliable, strain-free transportation.
- RV Approved: Specially designed for RV compatibility, this bike rack is RV Approved, ensuring hassle-free installation and safe, stable transport of your bicycles while on the road. Travel with confidence knowing it's tailored for motorhome adventures.
- Easy to use: Effortlessly load and secure bikes with our user-friendly bike rack. Its intuitive design allows for quick attachment and detachment. Also equipped with a ramp so that bikes can be easily rolled onto the rack. The ramp can be easily mounted and neatly stowed in the frame when not in use. Please note: If a part seems missing from the accessory pack, it may have been pre-installed on the product for your convenience. Please check before contacting support.
- 2 INCH HITCH RECEIVER: ONLY fits vehicles with 2" receivers, the rack is sturdy and does not wobble easily. Most parts come pre-assembled for easy installation. Parts including locking hitch pins, instruction manual and hardware.
- Features. Hitch insert fits 2-in receiver hitches. Patented tie-down cradle system individually secures and protects bicycles.
- Carry arms fold out of the way when not in use. Rack tilts back for easy lift-gate access. No-wobble bolt eliminates movement of rack inside of hitch.
- All retainer clips attached with lanyards to prevent lost parts. Minor assembly required. Black powder-coated finish.
- SAFE AND SECURE: Comes with soft padded hooks, that secure your bikes in place without swaying and scratching the paint. Slide down over the vertical frame with hitch tightener to fit different size bike frame for safe. With rear Safety Reflector to enhance the visibility in the dark.
- FOLDABLE & TILT BACK DESIGN: Users can fold up this rack to save space when not in use, convenient for garage parking. Quick release tilting down feature allows easy access to trunk without detaching the hitch rack.
- 200 LB TOTAL CAPACITY: Easily transports up to 100 pounds per bike. Universal tire holders and wheel straps are compatible with mountain bikes, road bikes with up to 5-inch fat tires and 20" to 29" tire sizes. The maximum wheelbase is 58" to fit on this rack.
- DESIGN FOR RV. WARNING!! - DO NOT exceed 120 lbs of capacity when installed behind a RV. DO NOT use this bike carrier for transporting or carrying other items or materials besides bicycles.
- 2 INCH HITCH RECEIVER: ONLY fits vehicles with 2" receivers, the rack is sturdy and does not wobble easily. Most parts come pre-assembled for easy installation. Parts including instruction manual and hardwares.
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY: If anything ever goes wrong with your hitch mounted bike rack , please contact our 24H Service Team.
- DO NOT use this bike carrier for transporting or carrying other items or materials besides bicycles. Using the bike rack for rough off-road terrain is not recommended.
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
Shop Free World Mall
Today's Deals
Today's Deals