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
- Retractable and Foldable: Through snaping buckle, bicycle wall mount hook is easily to be adjusted from 8.9 inches to 12.5 inches. Not only saves space, but also allows the bicycle to be placed at the correct angle and desired position. With folding feature, the bike hook can be folded when not in use to save space.
- Bicycle Compatibility: Compatible with most bicycles like MTB, road bikes, mountain bikes, commuters, off-road motorcycles, hybrid and children's bike, each wall mount bike rack can bear maximum weight of 48.5 lbs/22 kg per one. Not fits step-through or ladies bikes (unless using frame adaptors), or fat tire beach cruisers bikes with curved frames or long wheelbase. Importantly, it is not compatible with bicycles with wide handlebars (over 31.5‘’/50cm), long wheelbase, or fat tires.
- Secure Storage, Save Space: Made of high-grade sturdy steel, the bicycle wall hanger keeps your bicycle safe. With the Max 90° adjustable angle, the rack can accommodate various frame shapes, keeping the bicycle level and fixed. Housolution bicycle wall mount is an ideal space saving option for apartments, houses, garages, and sheds by horizontally hanging the bicycle on the wall.
- Bike and Wall Protection: Designed with ultra-soft EVA foam, the bicycle holder protects aluminum, carbon and steel frames from deformation. Includes an elastic rope to stabilize the front wheel, the holder prevents scratching wall and wheel movement, preserving the decoration of bicycles.
- Please Note: Only install on wooden studs and beams, concrete and brick walls. Do not install the bike storage rack directly on gypsum board or drywall surfaces unless installed behind supporting bolts or beams. Package comes with expansion screws and metal screws.
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- 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.
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- 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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- 【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
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- 【Convenient Storage】Each color represents a size that allows you to quickly identify the required length.
- 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
- ►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
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- Secure Bike Transportation: Safely transport up to 4 bikes with ease. The rack's towing capacity is 150 lbs and includes a hitch pin for secure attachment. An added reflector enhances safety during travel
- Convenient Swing-Down Feature: The swing-down feature provides effortless access to the rear of your vehicle, ensuring convenience when needed. Ideal for vans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and sedans with receiver hitches
- Easy Installation: Installing the MaxxHaul Towing Products 70210 Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack is a breeze and takes just minutes. The support arms, equipped with adjustable hold-down straps, firmly secure and transport your bikes
- Broad Hitch Compatibility: This rack fits 2" x 2" hitch receivers, offering versatile compatibility with a variety of vehicles
- Durable Construction: Built from rigid all-steel construction and powder-coated for durability, this rack is designed for longevity. The adjustable bike cradle with hook and loop straps ensures secure transportation
- Compatibility Note: Please note that the 70210 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)
- Weight Limit and Reflector: With a towing capacity of 150 lbs, the rack includes a hitch pin and reflector for added safety
- 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
- 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
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- 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
- STASH RACK: Retrospec all-new proprietary rack is designed to fit most bicycles including children's bicycles and bicycles with disc brakes.
- RELIABLE BUILD: The weather-resistant fine powder steel coating protects from damaging weather conditions. Modular design allows for multiple racks to be combined to meet your exact need for bicycle storage.
- ACCOMMODATES MOST BIKES: Fits most wheels sizes from kids to Mountain Bikes (12"-29") and tire widths from 23C-3 0".
- SIMPLE CONSTRUCTION: Retrospec's Stash Rack is incredibly simple to assemble. Plus, your new rack doesn't require any hardware to get it up and ready-to-go.
- 5 BIKE: Sturdy floor rack that is easy to assemble and holds 5 bicycles Dimensions 70''L x 14 75''W x 14''H.
- 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
- 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.
- ★【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!
- 12" long carry arms easily accommodate up to two bicycles (70 lb max capacity)
- Individual tie-downs secure and protect bicycles
- Padded lower frame keeps bicycles away from vehicle
- Side straps for increased lateral stability
- Comes fully assembled; set up and installs in seconds
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