Can Thule OutWay # TH45JV Accommodate 26 Inch Road Bike and Girls 20 Inch Bike

Updated 04/25/2013 | Published 04/22/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(14)

$449.95

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(822)

$35.00

Question:

I very much appreciate your help and suggestion for a trunk mount bike carrier for my 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid. One of the bikes I need to transport is a Schwinn Mist girls 20-inch. Is the Thule made to accommodate two different types and sizes? The other is a regular Cannondale 26-inch road bike.

asked by: Mary M

Expert Reply:

The Thule OutWay 2 Bike Trunk Mounted Rack you mentioned, part # TH45JV should be able to handle both bikes you mentioned, if the top tube on the 20 inch bike is at least 10-3/4 inches long.

Because the top tubes of women's and girls bikes are not level, we recommend a frame adapter bar like part # 64005 be used when carrying Women's or Girl's bikes. The adapter bar spans the distance between the seat post and the handlebar stem or gooseneck, providing a level attachment point so that the bike will be carried level. (This will also allow you to carry the bike if the top tube is shorter than the dimension mentioned above.)

You should be able to attach the smaller girls bike to the rack without using the bar since the arms are adjustable, but the bike would be carried at an angle, possibly compromising your ground clearance.

If you click the provided link, you can see a product demonstration video showing how the adapter bar is used.

expert reply by: Mike L