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

  • Single over the door hook is very convenient, which can be hung over the interior door, bathroom door, closet door, cabinet door, dorm door, bunk bed, shower rack, towel rack, etc. They fit nicely without slipping or wobbling.
  • The round part of the over door hook is wide, which holds lots. The plastic / rubber / vinyl coating prevents potential snagging of fabric and prevents objects from sliding around. The coating also keeps the hook from scratching the paint.
  • Doesn't make noise or move when hanging things. Thin enough at the top to eliminate difficulty shutting door. Organize your bathroom, closet, cabinet, bedroom, office, bunk bed well.
  • The heavy duty over door hangers are perfect for hanging heavy objects like curved leg ironing board, straight leg ironing boards, step ladders, heavy towels, robes, purses, tote bags, backpacks, bookbags.
  • Individual white rubber coated metal (steel) over door hooks 4 pcs, L=5.5", fit doors of different thickness up to 1 3/8" that is optimal.
  • 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
  • HIGH VISIBILITY TAPE FULL PRISM REFLECTIVE - The night reflective tape consists of numerous tiny prisms, large wide-angle reflection, close to 0 degrees of flat angle still has excellent reflective effect, better reflective performance. On the road, the night sticker improves recognition, reduces accidents, effectively protects people at intersections, turning safety
  • PASTING OPERATION - Wipe, clean the spot you want to stick and dry it with a towel. Remove, peel off the back of the high reflective tape. Apply, align the sticker to the desired location and slowly apply from one side to the other. Press, press highly reflective tape for 10 seconds after applying
  • MATERIAL- Reflective decals front made of reflective film, waterproof pit scratch wear-resistant, folding-resistant, can be easy to use for a long time. Self adhesive reflective tape back made of hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, stick firmly, not easily fall off, not hurt the car paint
  • SPECIFICATION - Night reflective tape size is 3x8cm, 1.18x3.15 inch​. Available in 3 colours, yellow, silver and red reflective stickers. 12 sheets for each colour, 36 sheets in total. 36 pieces of night reflective tape are more, when you stick the wrong reflective sticker is not afraid to use enough. Small reflective stickers also weigh less and are lightweight
  • USAGE - Waterproof reflective tape have many uses. Safety stickers are suitable for helmets, mailboxes, fences, backpacks, and clothing. Reflective stickers are also suitable for many vehicles. Such as cars, trucks, scooters, motorcycles, bicycles, trailers and golf carts, etc
  • 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
  • 【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.
  • 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.
  • NEW DESIGN – Tyre Monkey is the revolutionary new bicycle tyre lever designed to make removing and fitting tyres a breeze. Developed to be the fastest and easiest tyre-changing tool on the market.
  • INNOVATIVE - Conventional levers are fiddly, frustrating to use, and often very difficult to remove and refit tyres, not to mention the constant risk of hitting your knuckles on the spokes.
  • EASY TO USE - Our patent-pending Tyre Monkey allows anyone to remove and refit tyres in no time, with minimal effort. Its geometry keeps your hand at 90 degrees to the wheel to prevent the problem of hitting your hand on spokes while also only requiring one Tyre Monkey tool rather than multiple conventional tyre levers.
  • COMPACT - Its compact design means it can easily be kept in a pocket, jersey, or saddle bag without taking up more room than a standard lever. Designed and developed in the UK and manufactured from lightweight, super strong, hard-wearing composite material.
  • TRU-TENSION - From lubricants and cleaning products to tools and accessories, Tru-Tension's innovative designs have helped motorcycle and motorsport enthusiasts across the globe achieve optimum performance with precise chain and belt tension.
  • 【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
  • 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
  • ►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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • Touch screen is fully compatible with the smartphone pocket, adding an extra layer of convenience
  • Main compartment is securely stored through a zip closure
  • Installation process is made easy with a hook and loop attachment system that requires no tools
  • Compatible with most adult bikes
  • 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
  • MULTIPLE COMPARTMENTS AND EXPANDABLE DOUBLE SIDE POCKETS: 12L capacity bike panniers with removable panels in the main compartment and interior pockets to help organize small items. Expandable pockets on both sides to hold a variety of small items
  • MATERIAL: Made of 1000D polyester material. Padded with PE board at the bottom. The compartment is made of PP cotton. 12L STORAGE SPACE: 1 main compartment has 12L capacity to keep your clothes or other daily necessities. Small multifunctional pockets can store your carry-on items while you're riding, such as your phone, phone charger, wallet, cable, earphone, power bank, map and so on.
  • PORTABLE: Package with the rain cover and the carry strap. You will want to take this trunk bag with you if you go on a stroll and don't need to worry about it being stolen. The water bottle holder with adjustable drawstring design are helpful for avoiding the water bottle fall out on a bumpy ride
  • SIMPLE INSTALLATION: Front 1 buckle strap and bottom 2 velcro straps securely fasten the bag to your bike rear rack.
  • REMOVABLE SHOULDER STRAP: There is an adjustable nylon shoulder strap in the package, with easy locks on both sides, the strap can be installed and removed effortless, and you can carry the bike pannier on the shoulder while not cycling.Size:12.6*7.1*8.27cm(L*W*H) Weight: 1.76lbs
  • 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



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

Visit NH Living New HampshireE Magazine



We SHARE
the Best of
NEW HAMPSHIRE


Contact Us

NH Living Magazine Advertising

Amazon Prime Deals
Prime Deals

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor Florida Vacations




Red Sox Gifts at
Red Sox Network

New England Vacations


Shop Boston Red Sox Wear Gear and Gifts

Amazon Prime Deals
Prime Deals

Secure Server Web Hosting Hosting Packages