Recommended Bike Rack for Electra Townie with Step Through Frame and Fenders

Updated 11/13/2024 | Published 02/08/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(342)

$398.00

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

(454)

$379.99

Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(132)

$49.00

Question:

I have a 2011 Ford Edge with a 2inch hitch and an Electra Townie step through with fenders. I do not want to spend a fortune on a rack, yet, I do want to have a secure bike on the rack. Will the Kuat KU64FR suit my needs?

asked by: Denise D

Expert Reply:

The Kuat Transfer 1 Bike Platform Rack # KU64FR that you referenced is an excellent carrier but I don't recommend it for your Electra Townie because of the fenders that you mentioned. The Kuat Transfer will need to clamp down right where that front fender is which would likely lead to a unsecure connection or maybe even damage to the fender.

All of the 1-bike racks we have available feature a wheel mount design that would run into the same issue so your best option is going to be with a 2-bike frame mount rack. This also gives you the flexibility of adding another bike if the need arises.

I recommend taking a look at the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack # S64683 that features spring-loaded levers to let you tilt the carrier down for rear cargo access and the ability to secure 2 bikes that are up to 45 pounds each. The rack uses a ratcheting padded hook to hold the bikes by the top tube so for the step-through frame on your Electra Townie you will just need to add an adapter bar like # UB01, which will provide a horizontal attachment point.

This rack is similarly priced to the single bike carrier you were looking at but locks are included so you can save on that extra expense.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this bike rack that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R

click to enlarge

Beth

11/13/2024

I, too, have an Electra Townie with fenders. Specifically, I have a Townie 7D Step-Thru. It is the smaller one with 24” wheels and with fenders. I was looking through the reviews for the alternative rack that you referenced: the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack # S64683. I found one review that mentioned a Townie step thru bicycle and had a photo showing it mounted on the rack. It didn’t have fenders but it didn’t seem to matter. It also did not appear to use an adapter bar. The padded hook was pushed down to hook over the low, step-thru part of the bike. Is that feasible? Would also like to confirm that this rack, the Swagman Chinook, can be used on a diesel pusher class A Motorhome. Thank you. P.S. I found the review by searching for Townie. It was submitted by Kara on 6/14/2020.