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
- Wall-mounted Bicycle Rack: Bike wall mount allows bicycles to be hung vertically on the wall to save floor space. Perfect for apartments, homes, garage bike storage and sheds. Fit most bikes including road bikes, mountain bike, scooters, cruisers, and even bikes with fenders. Do not fit deep wheels more than 3.54 inches/9 cm from the rim to the outside of the wheel.
- Heavy Duty Bicycle Hooks: Our bike racks are made of heavy-duty solid steel with angled hooks for easy installation and removal. Holds bikes weighing up to 30 kg/66 lbs. Vertical bike wall racks can hang and store your bikes vertically for easy storage and removal.
- Save Space, 150° Swivel Design: Swivel design with bearing system, bike storage rack easy to store your bikes in the center, left, or right angle position, offering a convenient storage solution for parking around your car and in your apartment. The swivel system also allows you to store your bikes close to the wall. Simply hang the front wheel in place, place the rear wheel on the stabilizer, and rotate the bike wall rack to the desired angle.
- Easy to Install: Garage bike racks offer detailed step-by-step instructions as well as includes upgrade mounting accessories. Swivel bike rack wall mounts come with mounting screws for concrete, masonry or stud walls. Tips: Mount the bike wall rack only to sturdy post, beam, masonry or concrete wall. Do not install on an "unsupported" wall (e.g. plasterboard wall) unless there is a sturdy wooden post behind it.
- Protective Coatings and Pads: The bike hook features protective coating and rear wheel stop pad that not only protects the integrity of your bike frame, but also prevents scratches and damage to walls. This thoughtful addition gives you peace of mind that your bike and your home are keep original.
- EXTENSION CORD HOLDER: Designed specifically for large extension cords, these heavy duty straps are the perfect garage wall organizer for extension cord storage, hanging tools by handles and more
- STRONG AND DURABLE EXTENSION CORD MANAGEMENT: Holds 100 pounds of weight and easily wraps a 100ft extension cord; made from heavy duty ballistic nylon webbing
- MAKE GARAGE STORAGE SIMPLE: Easy-open red pull tags make them easy to use; lighter and simpler than an extension cord reel, easy storage for garage
- EASY RV STORAGE: Extension cord organizer is perfect for RV and camper organization and storage; tame unruly cords hoses and more, keep the area tidy and maximize usable space
- WORKSHOP ORGANIZERS AND STORAGE: Keep power cables, hoses and more tidy, hang tools from peg hooks for easy access, these straps are the perfect shop organization and storage tool
- RUST RESISTANT GROMMET: For durability, makes this extension cord wrap perfect for shed, garage or camper storage
- TOUGH ON THE TOUGHEST RUST STAINS: Easy to use to remove iron & rust stains on white sinks, toilet bowls, colorfast fabrics and carpets
- NO SCRUBBING NEEDED: Liquid stain remover formula quickly works to break down even the toughest of iron & rust stains
- LOW ODOR: Safe for use in all septic systems and piping
- DESIGNED FOR WHITE SINKS & TOILETS: Not a general-purpose rust stain remover
- SIZE: 32 oz. bottle
- 【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
- 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
- Designed for Bicycle Tire – fits closely to the contours of Bicycle Tires and is easy to remove for repair and replacement.
- Self Lubricating Engineered Plastic – Rounded edges and a 'glide' finish make it easy to 'lever and glide' off the rim and won’t scratch your rims.
- Comfortable Safe to Use - The front, back and sides of the bike tire levers are designed with thumb press grooves and an extremely fine sandblasted finish increases friction with the palm for an excellent ergonomic use experience.
- Double the durability – Bike Tire Levers are made from military-grade plastic for high strength and reliability, and are reinforced on the back to resist breakage and ensure good toughness.
- Reliable Customer Service - We are so confident in the quality of our products that if you are not satisfied, you can contact us at any time to offer a replacement or return with our Lifetime Guarantee.
- Emergency & Permanent Fix: The bike tube patch kit contains 18PCS tire patches (3 Sizes) & 2 tubes of high-strength repair glue. Use this Rapid-drying high-viscosity vulcanizing fluid for 10-minute roadside repairs & long-lasting repairs
- Pro-Grade Tools: This bike tire patch kit also comes with 2 high-strength tire levers with non-slip grip. Effortlessly remove tires without scratching rims
- Ultra-Light & Travel-Friendly: Our bicycle tire patch kit comes in a compact case that weighs only 3oz and fits in pockets. Ideal for cycling, camping, or kayaking trips
- Universal Compatibility: This bike patch kit fixes inner tubes on bicycles, Ebikes, motorcycles, wheelchairs, and inflatable boats. Using it is very simple (see User Manual)
- Essential Tube Patch Kit: This tire repair kit is a must - have for smooth rides. It equips you for any repair situation, so you'll never be left stranded due to a flat again!
- Lightweight and Portable : This conventional air adapter conform to eronomic design, lightweight and portable. The adapter allows you to use the air compressor around your home, portable inflator when in the car, and your bicycle pump to inflation. SUP Air Adapter takes the hassle out of going to the service station.
- Easy to Use and Quickly Inflation : With the valve in the closed position, align the adapter with the air valve and insert and tighten it. Connect to a standard electric pump, bike pump and compressor, until it is starting to get firm. Monitor board pressure frequently while inflating and avoid over inflating.
- Sturdy and Strong Sealing : This inflatable boat SUP pump adapter is made from high quality environmental friendly rubber, premium metal brass and durable PA66. Which is sturdy, strong sealing,abrasion resistance and shock resistance. We would recommend getting one of these to add to your dry bag.
- Wide Application : This inflatable boat SUP pump adapter fits for most inflatable kayaks, surf boards, dugout canoe, inflatable fishing boats. No more inflation by hand with a pump. It easily connects to you inflatables and saves you energy for more fun on the water !
- Kindly Remind : This adapter is only suitable for conventional electric air pumps. The speed of inflation depends on the inflatable pump you are using. You should follow the inflatable boat instructions to adjust the PSI data.
- High-performance Vulcanizing Fluid: The bike tire patch kit contains 24 ml quick-drying vulcanizing fluid with high viscosity, which can repair tires quickly and efficiently. Combined with the patch, you can start riding again in just a few minutes
- Durable Patch Plate: The bike tube patch kit provides a patch plate with good elasticity, which contains multiple sizes to accommodate different puncture sizes
- Bicycle Inner Tube Repair Kit: Contains all necessary tools, 2 tire levers, 4 metal rasps and 4 durable sandpapers, which can help you grind the damaged part of the inner tube to meet the needs of bicycle tire maintenance
- Widely Compatible: Bicycle tire repair kit is suitable for bicycle, pneumatic rubber, ATV, scooter, motorcycle, stroller, wheelchair inner tubes and more. Whether you've been impaled by a nail or a sharp shard of glass, it's the answer to your emergency needs
- Easy to Carry: We provide you with a portable storage box, which is easy to store and carry, suitable for various scenarios
- 【Heavy Duty 5-Digit Bike Lock – Keyless Anti-Theft Protection】 This bike lock heavy duty anti-theft cable uses 5-digit resettable combination for over 100,000 code options—offering higher security than traditional 4-digit bicycle locks. The design of the password saves you the trouble of carrying the key. This lock is keyless, please compare carefully.
- 【Strong Braided Steel Bicycle Lock with Cut Resistance】 Made of high-tensile braided steel, this bicycle lock cable resists up to 2.4KN tension and 7KN shear force. The PVC outer layer protects your frame from scratches and weather damage. Dimensions: 4 Feet Length, 1/2"Diameter (120mm x 12mm).
- 【Mounting Bracket Included – Quick and Easy to Carry】 Equipped with a free mounting bracket, you can easily add the bike cable locks to other objects; quick installation button, easy to install or remove the lock. Self-rolling design, easy to carry.
- 【Waterproof & Outdoor-Ready Bike Lock Cable】 Engineered with a thick vinyl sheath, the lock prevents water penetration, rust, and corrosion—even in rainy or humid conditions. Ideal for outdoor use in all seasons without compromising durability.
- 【Usage Tips – Warm Reminder】 No bicycle lock is completely theft-proof. Please avoid long-term outdoor parking, especially in high-theft areas. Default code is 00000 – change it after first use. Note: Some e-scooters may not support wheel-through locking – check compatibility before purchase.
- VERSATILE BIKE RACK: Organize your garage with this adaptable storage solution for all bike types from kids' to mountain bikes. Fits wheel sizes 12"-29" and tires up to 3" wide
- WEATHER-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION: Durable powder-coated steel frame withstands harsh conditions, protecting your bicycle stand from rust and corrosion while keeping its sleek look year after year
- TOOL-FREE ASSEMBLY: Skip the complicated setup - this bike stand needs no hardware or tools to assemble. Get your storage system ready in minutes with simple, intuitive installation
- MODULAR DESIGN SYSTEM: Connect multiple wall bike mounts to build your ideal storage setup. The expandable system lets you mount bikes efficiently, maximizing space while keeping them accessible
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Engineered to accommodate bikes with disc brakes, wide tires, and various frame designs. The adjustable rack positions ensure proper spacing between stored bicycles
- MADE FOR YOUR BIKE: This platform-style, hitch-mount bike rack supports most road and mountain bikes. Transport 1 or 2 bikes weighing up to 60 lbs total using your car, truck, or SUV with a 1.25 inch hitch receiver (2 inch hitch receiver adapter included).
- SECURES YOUR BIKE: Keep your bike safe driving around town or across the country. This rack features a heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frame, adjustable wheelbase trays, padded frame hooks, and a safety strap included for added peace of mind during transport.
- NO-SWEAT SETUP: Assemble and install this double bike rack quickly and easily for more time on the trail (check out our assembly video). Step-by-step assembly instructions and all installation hardware included.
- SPACE SAVER: Navigate crowded parking lots, your garage, and offseason storage. This flat bike rack folds behind your vehicle’s bumper when not in use, giving you the freedom to maneuver any tight space.
- Dakine Baja Tie Down Straps
- Heavy duty 1-3/8 in. (35 mm) cam buckle with neoprene buckle housing
- Integrates with Dakine surf/ski/snowboard travel boardbags
- Included storage bag
- 100% nylon webbing
- Holds 6 bikes
- Quick access to the loading flap lever.
- Fold-away flap for rear view camera
- 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
- FREE UP GARAGE SPACE: Looking for a solution to organize your garage to save floor space? This is the one you've been looking for. This wall mount rack is great for use in a garage or apartment with limited space. Get organized by hanging the bike on the wall to free up some valuable space so there can be more room to store other items. The easy-to-take design makes it simple to take out or hang up your bikes and lets you hang or detach your bikes in a second. No more mess!
- SUITABLE FOR MOST BIKES: This bike hanger is designed to fit most bikes, including Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Kids Bikes, Hybrid Bikes, Cyclocross, and Lady Beach Cruiser Bicycles. Fit all wheels size from 14" to 29" in the range of the following: Max Tire width: 2.3”. Max rim depth for 700c: 50mm with Max tire width: 25C. Each hanger can hold up to 20kg/44lbs (each bike), and the whole rack can hold up to 100kg/220lbs, 5 bikes in total.
- HEAVY-DUTY PATENTED DESIGN RACK: Easy to install, suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. Great for shed corner and garage storage. This rack is fixed to mount on the wall with 4 screws, making installation a breeze! To ensure a secure and stable mount, For plaster wall and drywall, this MUST mount on studs ONLY. This rack is compatible with standard wood studs and solid walls, which is a flexible option for all spaces. Please watch the video in our listing for installation information.
- PRACTICAL & DURABLE: Made of premium Aluminium alloy. High-quality stainless steel screws and nylon anchors are included. As the hooks on the rack are covered with rubber, there's no need for you to worry that the hook will scratch the rim of your bike. Also comes with bonus hooks for hanging your helmets and other accessories. The holder position on the rack can be adjusted as well.
- ORDER NOW, WORRY-FREE! We're so confident about our product quality that we can provide a lifetime warranty!
- ★【Durable Material】- Made of 600D twill fabric, abrasion-resistant and water-repellent. Can provide maximum protection for the contents of the bag. Reflective strip for increased visibility and safety at night.
- ★【Like the Warm or Cold Bag】- The insulated main compartment keeps food and drinks warm or cold. It's well insulated and will keep drinks very cold for hours with an ice pack. Allows you to enjoy the coolness on long journeys.
- ★【Create More Space】- Elastic bungee cord on the top to keep your clothes or cards securely on the bag and increase storage space. With a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap, this bicycle case bag can also be used as a shoulder bag.
- ★【Easy Installation】- Don't worry about the stability while driving. Simple attachment to the bike rack with two adjustable Velcro straps for quick installation and removal.
- ★【Versatile】- It's huge, it's simple, it's isolated. Ideal for packing lunch on the go, groceries, snacks, groceries, hot or cold drinks, bike tools, jersey, towel, etc, no space is wasted here!
- 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
- 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.
- ADVANCED TRUEGAUGE SCREEN: This air pump includes updated sensor technology, capable of collecting pressure data from tire inflators at a frequency of 200 times per second. Its valid data rate is higher than 80%, which is 60% better than the market average. Wherever you go, accurate readings help you drive safely.
- 2X FASTER INFLATION & COMPACT: Weighing less than 1 pound, this portable bike tire pump is easy to carry and store in any limited space, such as cars, bike racks, or backpacks. The compressor’s 150 PSI maximum pressure, coupled with its 17L/min airflow delivers 2X faster inflation. It can refill a 195/65R15 tire from 30 to 36 PSI in 1.5 minutes.
- LONG RUNTIME & AUTO-OFF: After fully charging, the built-in 4000mAh large-capacity battery allows the car tire pump to refill up to 8 tires (195/65R15) from 30-36PSI. The preset function and auto-off function deliver a hands-free inflation experience. With just one press, the cordless bike tire pump will easily inflate car tires, motorcycle tires, bicycle tires, ebike tires, balls, and more. (Note: Incompatible with heavy-duty tires, like those on offroad vehicles, RVs, trucks, and trailers.)
- EASY TO USE: You can choose 4+N smart modes (car, motorcycle, bicycle, ball, and custom) based on your various inflation needs. You can also easily choose between 4 pressure units as needed (PSI, Bar, kPa, kg/cm²). The custom mode allows you to freely preset the desired pressure value (3-150PSI) based on the inflatables you want to inflate like ebike.
- VERSATILE EMERGENCY TOOL: The bike pump can be used as more than an air pump, it is also a multifunctional emergency tool. The flashlight on the top has 3 modes (flashlight, SOS, and strobe) to illuminate the night for easy operation. The air compressor is equipped with USB-C and USB input/output ports, providing backup power for your phones and other electronic devices. Note: Please fully charge the Tire Inflator (using a 5V 1A battery charger) before using.
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