Using an Adapter Bar on a Step Through Bike on a Swagman Chinook

Updated 07/08/2020 | Published 01/24/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(455)

$379.99

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

(835)

$48.99

Question:

One of your answers for the Swagman Chinook stated if you also used the Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005. This adapter bar attaches between the handlebar stem and seat post to give you a horizontal mounting point for the Chinooks ratcheting hooks to attach to.inch I can see how such an adapter bar would work for a rack from which the bike hangs. As the handlebars, seat and gravity are holding the bar horizontal However, in the case of the Chinook the ratcheting hooks pull down on the bar. In this case the adapter bar would simply fall down as there is nothing to support it on the seat post. Or am I missing something? The bike I am considering the Chinook for is the 2014 Trek 7.3 FX WSD.

asked by: Mark K

Expert Reply:

Normally, you can use an adapter bar like part # 64005 to secure a bike with a step through frame on a platform rack like the Swagman Chinook, part # S64683. A lot of times the seat tube and connection to the rear wheel will be higher, and this creates the platform that we generally will use to support the bar and give the frame clamp something to hold on to.

With the 2014 Trek 7.3 FX WSD, the seat bar is much lower than normal, and so is the rear support, so the bar will sit at a sharp angle towards the crossbar and rest on some of the braking mechanism, which isn't a great situation.

For your bike, I would recommend a wheel mount carrier, or a Saris Freedom EX, part # SA4412B, which will be able to adjust its cradle down to the crosstube of your bike and secure the bike to the rack.

expert reply by: Jacob W

James L.

7/4/2020

I have ordered the E bike rack Item # S64678. I have a Verve 2 step though. Will I need a frame adapter?

Chris R.

7/8/2020

That's a pretty large step-thru frame on the Verve 2, so an adapter bar like the Swagman # 64005 will likely be needed. With that being said, it wouldn't hurt to wait and see - the hooks on the Swagman Current # S64678 reach down pretty far.