How to put on a Bike Rack the correct way

Bike Rack on Car

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

  • 1.SWEAT OUT OF YOUR EYES & WRIST: Wearing this headband will absorb all your sweat before it flows down from forehead , wick moisture away and dry quickly, making you totally focused in your sports!
  • 2.SUPER COMFORTABLE & SOFT: Our headband & wristband are made of 85% Cotton, 10% Spandex, 5% Nylon , which is rather comfortable and soft and It is Non-slip and Light-weight. Warm in winter, cool in summer!
  • 3.PERFORM AND USE IN: Commonly used in playing basketball , Tennis, doing Yoga, Running, Working out in Gym, outdoor working activities. Wearing those fashionable and nice headband &wristband will not let you down.
  • 4.SIZE & QUANTITY: Normal Length 7.97 inches, Max to 12.60 inches, Width 2.0 inches , Thickness: 0.60 inches , one size fits most ! 3PCS/6PCS headband,6PCS/12PCS wristband many models above for your choice!
  • 5.STYLISH : You can easily match a headband with your favourite outfit and look awesome.Its easily machine and hand washable and we recommend drying by hanging for maximum life-span.
  • 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.
  • Secure and Sturdy:The water bottle cage is suitable for bikes with pre-drilled screws holes, if the package received is missing screws, please contact us! The water bottle cages has arms that wrap around the bottle for a secure and firm hold so you don't have to worry about it falling out during you ride on bumpy trails. Make sure a full water bottle is securely fastened while riding
  • Wear-resistant Quality:The bike water bottle holder made of high quality PC material, ultra-light, only 35g, will not attrit the bicycle frame and easy to install. Great for road, mountain, hybrid, touring and electric bicycles
  • Easy to Install: With installation tool and two pairs of screws. Even if your kids go to Install. It takes less than 60 seconds to install these bicycle water bottle holder. Use an 3mm Allen wrench to secure the stainless steel bolts to the bike rack. IMPORTANT: Check if your bike frame has threaded holes before you buy
  • Universal Fit:This lightweight water bottle holder is designed to fit most sized of cycling water bottles. Specifically designed for a cyclist, it allows you to access your water bottle while riding easy access at all times. NOTE: if you receive your shipment and are missing bicycle bottle pocket accessories, please inform us and we will follow up closely
  • Colorful Design: Has a nice finish that doesn't scratch or mark the bottle. Perfect color match to your frame. It is more safer and flexible, not only suit for standard size bike water bottles, likes 20 21 ounce size, but also the disposable water bottles or coke
  • 【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
  • Adjustable Length and Any-Angle Stance: Features a spring-loaded latch for tool-less, on-the-go adjustment of kickstand length, allowing any-angle stance—great for balancing bikes on uneven ground.
  • Durable and Secure Foot Design: Non-slip sole with a wide reinforced plastic foot prevents slipping and sinking in mud, while the steel hexagonal bolt secures the foot from sliding off and deters vandals.
  • Easy Installation with Compatible Bolts: Requires an 8mm Allen key and wrench (not included). Includes 2.4 cm and 4.2 cm bolts; due to varying bike designs, these may not fit all models. Use bolt sizes suitable for your bike.
  • Center-Frame Mounting: Designed exclusively for center-frame installation. If you lack mounting plates, ensure your frame is no more than 1 inch thick for proper mounting.
  • Clearance Requirements: Confirm there's space between your chainstays for mounting and at least 2.75 inches between pedals and rear wheel or disc to prevent rubbing.
  • Maximum Load Capacity: 55 lbs. Do not sit or place heavy loads on the bike when the kickstand is engaged; avoid forceful impacts.
  • Installation & Support: Refer to the images below for installation instructions or contact us with compatibility questions.
  • Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle is a non-greasy skin lubricant for cyclists, with menthol and witch hazel to produce a cooling and soothing effect
  • Apply to skin or cycling shorts pad prior to riding to prevent chafing
  • Improves riding comfort immediately
  • This is the high end European style version of Chamois Butt'r, prized by elite cyclists and contains no artificial fragrances or colors
  • Washes off skin and clothing with soap and water. Made in the USA.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • DISCO BIKE LIGHT – Designed to emit a full spectrum of vibrant red, blue, and green lights our disco LED bike lights is a fun colorful bike light for night riding and is a great gift for kids, boys, girls, men, and women
  • QUICK-CLAMP MOUNT – Easily attachable to bike frames and bike or scooter handlebars with the included quick-clamp making CruzinBrightz our most popular burning man bike light year after year, keeping you look cool, safe and seen while riding at night
  • MULTIPURPOSE USE – These colorful bike lights for night riding are perfect burning man lights, burning man decorations, and burning man accessories for bicycles of all sizes making them great gifts for adults and boys and girls of all ages
  • BATTERY POWERED – Our LED bicycle light is AA battery powered, produces up to 20+ hours of lighting, and turn on and off easily with a simple switch making it great LED lights for bikes riding at night and pairs well with bike wheel lights
  • GO BEYOND THE BIKE RIDING – Not into riding but love colorful lights? These blinking, tri-colored LED lights for bike are also great for parades, music festivals and burning man rave, glow rides, burning man accessories, burners, birthday gifts
  • 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
  • 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
  • ►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.
  • 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.
  • 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



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