Will The Swagman Chinook Bike Rack Work With Townie 7D Step-Thru Non-Electric?

Updated 12/02/2024 | Published 11/14/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman Chinook Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(433)

$264.11

Hollywood Racks Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(513)

$39.99

Question:

I have an Electra Townie with fenders. Specifically, I have a Townie 7D Step-Thru non-electric. It is the smaller one with 24” wheels and with fenders. I was looking through the reviews for the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack S64683. I found one review that mentioned a Townie step thru bicycle and had a photo showing it mounted on the rack. It didn’t have fenders but it didn’t seem to matter. It also did not appear to use an adapter bar. The padded hook was pushed down to hook over the low, step-thru part of the bike. Is that feasible? I would also like to confirm that this rack, the Swagman Chinook, can be used on a diesel pusher class A Motorhome. Thank you. P.S. I found the review by searching for Townie. It was submitted by Kara on 6/14/2020.

asked by: Beth B

Expert Reply:

Hey Beth, thanks for reaching out. The Swagman Chinook Bike Rack # S64683 works well with step thru bikes like your Townie 7D Step-Thru, but there are a few things to consider. First, it is a frame mount rack, so your fenders will not be an issue.

I found the review you mentioned and the main thing I noticed is this customer was using the rack to carry only ONE step thru bike. The bike on the inner position has a more standard frame.

This is important because the long ratcheting hook on the inner position cannot be lowered as far as the short hook on the outer position. So, the long hook likely would not go down far enough to accommodate the step-thru. If you plan to carry two step-thru bikes an adapter bar like part # HRBA-PRO will be needed for at least one of the bikes.

If you plan to carry just your one Townie 7D with this rack, your bike will need to be placed on the inner position closest to the vehicle, so you will want to make sure to use the short hook for the inner position. Again, simply using the adapter bar would easily allow the rack to work for any number of step thru bikes.

Also, I can confirm the Swagman Chinook Bike Rack # S64683 is approved for RVs so it is fine to use on the back of your class A. Overall it is a very solid rack for the price. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Swagman Chinook With Townie Step-Thru Example.
(click to enlarge)

Beth B.

11/29/2024

Would it be a problem to carry a single Townie step thru (non-electric) on the outer position, with no bicycle on the inner position. This would be on the back of a class a Motorhome with a 5000 lb hitch capacity? We haven’t actually mounted the rack on the Motorhome yet, but our measurements indicate we might not have enough clearance for the handlebars when mounted on the inner position. Thank you.

Jesse M.

12/2/2024

@BethB technically it would be possible, but it isn't recommended. All bike rack manufacturers specify that if you are only carrying a single bike on a 2 bike rack it should be stored on the innermost position closest to the car. So while it may technically fit, you would be taking a small risk.