Carrying a Cannondale Cujo Mountain Bike on a Thule Raceway Pro Installed to a Ford C-Max

Updated 08/17/2017 | Published 08/15/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(827)

$36.05

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(102)

$190.89

Question:

I recently purchased a cannondale Cujo mountain bike. My brother in law sold me his Thule raceway pro to transport. The frame is fatter than most and does not fit snugly in the slots. Are there any rear mounted bike racks that accommodate a fatter bike frame?

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

One of the easiest ways to fix this is to use an adapter bar like the Swagman Frame Bar, part #64005. This is an easy to attach part that will attach below the seat and handlebars of the bike and allow it to ride parallel to the ground, minimizing the risk that the bike will hit the ground on a bump. You may need to ratchet the arms on the Thule Raceway Pro, part # TH9001PRO to raise it from the 2-3 inches you will lose in terms of height from riding it on its existing frame.

If you do want a new rack, you're best bet will be to install a hitch and purchase a platform rack like the Thule Doubletrack, part # TH92BJ. You'd need a Class II Trailer hitch, like a Curt Class II, part # C12092, that would fit a 2015 Ford C-Max.

I've included a video of the Swagman frame adapter, part # 64005 so you can see how it interacts with a bike, as well as a video of the Thule Doubletrack in action.

expert reply by: Jacob W