Carrying a Womens and 2 Childrens Bikes on a 2013 Lexus RX 450h

Updated 07/02/2018 | Published 06/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(828)

$48.99

Saris Bones Hitch Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(316)

$239.94

Question:

Too many options I need a few suggestions please. I will be driving 14 hours on vacation bringing three bikes female and kids 16”. I have a Lexus RX with a hitch. Seems all the kids and women’s bikes need adapters. Anything you recommend? Thank you!!

asked by: Tara M

Expert Reply:

Most 16 inch children's bikes and women's bikes need an adapter bar, like the Swagman # 64005, to be able to carry them level on a hanging bike rack. For that long of a trip I definitely recommend the bikes be as level as possible. The solution is often to use a wheel mount platform rack instead; however, they only fit as small as 20 inch wheels.

With that being said sometimes the small bikes do fit hanging bike racks. It depends on how much space there is for the arms to fit under the horizontal crosstube used to hang the bikes and how far apart the arms of the bike rack are. For example the Saris Bones, part # SA883, has 11-7/8 inches from the outside of one arm to the outside of the other. If this is enough for your bikes you may not need an adapter bar. The women's bike will still likely need one since it probably doesn't have a straight crosstube at all and this is also assuming the smaller bikes are both boy's bikes with the traditional frames. If they aren't then an adapter is probably needed.

If you decide to to this route I recommend the Bones because it's a light rack that will hold the bikes well.

expert reply by: Charles S