Should The Thule Frame Adapter 982XT Move When Not In Use

Updated 05/29/2025 | Published 08/30/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(350)

$49.90

Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock - 6' Long

(112)

$49.95

Question:

Should the Thule frame adapter 982Xt move up and down on the handlebar and seat stems when not installed on a bike rack? The video appears to show a tight fit but my ladies bike adjuster moves down the stems when not in use.

asked by: Brenna M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, there will usually be some play in the # TH982XT adapter bar and that is normal. That will not be the cause of problems.

The ends of the bars do have different sizes. Typically it's the steering stem that requires the wider portion but as long as you get both the seat post and stem secured either way will work fine.

If you haven't gotten a lock for your bike rack, the # TH538XT is a great option for securing your bikes once loaded.

expert reply by: Patrick R

Himanshu P.

5/27/2025

My bike is carbon frame, and im worried if hitting a big speed bump the bike could bounce up and hit the frame adapter, is there a way to tighten and prevent this?

Kate F.

5/28/2025

@HimanshuP There is not a way to tighten up the adapter bar # TH982XT onto your carbon fiber bike. For carbon fiber bikes we recommend a wheel mounted bike rack, that way you will not damage the frame of your bike. Here are some different wheel mounted options: - Benton Shifts&Grins Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount # B54FR - Hollywood Racks Crosstrack Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitch - FREE Loading Ramp # HLY66RR - Thule Verse Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount # TH64SA Do you already have a rack that you are trying to make work? If so, what kind of rack do you have?

Helpful Links

tv-install-benton-shifts-and-grins-2-bike-rack-2023-gmc-terrain-b54fr.aspx

tv-review-thule-hitch-bike-racks-2023-kia-seltos-th64sa.aspx

Himanshu

5/28/2025

@KateF I have a hitch mounted bike rack as well as trunk mount both are hanging, the problem is my car is small and I usually ended up renting a car for longer drives. Rentals almost never have hitch mounts for platform bike racks so my only option is to hang with frame adapter. For full suspension bikes the trek shop told me frame adapter is always needed due to shocks, but im concerned about the bike bouncing up on a bump and hitting the frame, as gravity its seems that the only thing holding it down on the seat and handle bars is gravity. does the frame adapter have a way to prevent the bike from sliding when hanging? None of the videos I Found on YouTube seems to show the bike locked down just hanging by gravity?

Kate F.

5/29/2025

@Himanshu Yes, it would just be hanging by gravity. I guess you could try to maybe use some kind of foam, or maybe a towel to make it have a better grip on your bike so that it will not move if you his a bump. They do have rubber on the inside, which is supposed to help as well. If you go to the # S57FR product page and go below specs you will see 2 pictures, the one on the left better shows how the bar is attached below the handle bars and seat, you should be able to do some kind of padding to hold it in place better. Those bikes are so delicate, which is why we recommend the platform style, by I understand why you are trying to make this work.