Is an Adapter Needed to Mount a Mens Schwinn Beach Cruiser on the Thule Bike Rack

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

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$358.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

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$39.96

Question:

I have a 2009 Toyota Highlander with a 2inch hitch. I will be carrying three bikes about 400 miles at highway speeds. I know I will need an adapter for the womens beach cruiser. My question is related to mens Schwinn DelMar beach cruiser. Im worried that because the top bar of my Schwinn DelMar beach cruiser is rounded/curved instead of straight, like on a mountain bike, that it wont carry safely. Please let me know if the Apex can safely accommodate this type of bike. Thanks for you help!

asked by: Shawn C

Expert Reply:

It is always best to carry a bike as level as possible on a bike rack to keep the tires from hitting the ground when driving. Mounting a bike with an angled frame on a bike rack will bring the front tire closer to the ground than bikes with straight, horizontal top tubes. This can be dangerous if you are driving on rough terrain or over bumps.

Based on the photo that you attached, you should be able to carry your mens Schwinn beach cruiser without needing an adapter bar. To be certain, I would recommend measuring the length of the top tube to make sure it will fit on the arms of the Thule Apex Bike Rack, # TH9025XT. The arms of the bike rack measure 13 inches wide (outside to outside). Again, always mount the bike as level as possible.

I would also measure the width of the top tube. The cradles on the Vertex can support a bike frame up to 1-3/4 inches wide. If you receive the bike rack and find that the front tire hangs lower to the ground than you are comfortable with, I would recommend using the top tube adapter, # TH982XT.

expert reply by: John H