Yakima Spare Time 2 Bike Carrier Compatibility with Giant Simple Bike on a 2009 Toyota RAV4

Expert Reply:

I would always recommend mounting your bikes as level as possible on a bike carrier. I am not sure of the exact bike that you have, but most giant simple bikes have an angled crossbar and depending on how extreme the angle is, an adapter bar like the Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter, part # Y02531, may be necessary.

The low hanging tire issue is usually only a concern with womens bikes because their crossbar is very low. Once you mount the bike you will want to check the ground clearance and make sure you are comfortable with the height of the tire from the ground. A low hanging tire could be hazardous in rough terrain because the tire could hit the ground or an object protruding from the ground and damage the bike. You may also have difficulty mounting the bike at that awkward angle and have difficulty mounting an additional bike.

The Yakima Spare Time 2 Bike Carrier, part # Y02598 would be an excellent fit for your 2009 Toyota RAV4 and if you feel you do need an adapter bar, I would recommend the Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar.

expert reply by: John H