Do you Need a Bike Adapter Bar when Carrying Womens Bikes

Updated 05/23/2016 | Published 05/17/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(827)

$36.12

Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(314)

$549.00

Question:

Can you please tell me if an adapter is needed to be able to carry a womens bike?

asked by: Buzzy

Expert Reply:

If you are mounting any women's, children's or alternative frame bikes without the top horizontal cross tube, it can be very difficult to secure your bike to a bike rack. I highly recommend, if you are carrying a women's bike without the top horizontal crosstube on a hanging bike rack, to get a bike adapter bar so your bike is as secure as possible when carrying it.

I recommend the Swagman Bike Frame Adapter # 64005 for your bike. This adapter can carry one bike and it has easy push-button hooks to clamp around your bike seat and handlebars for installation.

If you do not have a hitch mounted rack, I recommend the Thule Camber Rack # TH9058. This rack can carry up to two bikes and you will need a bike adapter bar for any bikes you carry without the horizontal crosstube. However, if you want to avoid using a bike adapter bar when carrying your rack, I recommend the Kuat Transfer Platform Rack # KU74FR. This rack secures bikes by the wheels, eliminating the need for a bike adapter bar. Platform racks are a little more expensive, but you will not have to worry about extra parts to fit bikes on this rack.

I have attached a demonstration video on how to use the Swagman Bike Adapter bar and a review video of the Thule Camber you may want to check out.

expert reply by: Sarah H