Adapter to Mount Yakima Raptor Bike Rack on Rola Aero Bar Roof Rack

Updated 08/22/2016 | Published 08/20/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Thule XADAPT2 AeroBlade and Xsporter Load Bar Adapter for Roof-Mounted Carriers

(37)

$49.95

RockyMounts BrassKnuckles Roof Mounted Bike Rack - Wheel Mount - Black

(24)

$349.99

Universal MightyMounts for Yakima Roof Mounted Accessories

(69)

$58.95

Question:

The new car has Rola t-slot aero bars on the roof. Our old Thule 566 and Yak Raptor bike carriers have clamps for square bars. Do you know if the Xadapt2 will work to fit our old Thule carriers to the new bars? If not, do you know of any solution to use these old Thule and Yakima square bar carriers with the new aero bars? Thanks!

asked by: Dooley

Expert Reply:

To adapt your older Yakima Raptor bike rack from the square/round bar clamps to mounts that will work with your Rola Aero roof rack, you will want to use the Yakima Universal MightyMounts # Y03590. Based on the Rola aerodynamic racks that we offer, the dimensions of the crossbar should be 3-1/8 inches wide x 1 inch tall. If this is what your crossbars measure, the MightMounts will work well to install the bike rack.

Unfortunately, Thule does not offer any adapters to allow the Standard Upright Rack 566 to be mounted to aero crossbars. I cannot guarantee that the # Xadapt2 will work since it is not designed to fit this bike rack. The best solution is going to be to update this rack with a newer rack that will allow you to mount to aero bars.

If you're interested in a different bike rack, I recommend is the RockyMounts BrassKnuckles Roof Mounted Bike Rack # RKY1201. This rack is similar to the Raptor in that it will not require you to remove the front wheel of the bike. The BrassKnuckles will actually secure the bike by the front wheel using a ratcheting, padded hook, and a ratcheting strap secured the back wheel. I've attached a review video of this rack for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B