Question:
Do I need an adaptor to hold a step thru frame bike
asked by: Joan
Expert Reply:
The padded ratcheting hooks on the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack # HLY74FR that you were looking at can slide up and down the length of the vertical mast, so they should be able to grab onto the frame of a step-thru bike like yours. With that being said if the step-thru is more dramatic than most you may just need to add an adapter bar like # HRBA-PRO to create a horizontal attachment point for a secure connection.
In either case I think a better option for your particular bikes is actually with the Hollywood Racks RV Rider # HR1670. Instead of standard hooks like on the Sport Rider, this e-bike rack uses padded clamps that are fully adjustable and can be used to attach to various points on the bike such as the seat post, so you don't have to rely on matching up with the step-thru frame. This type of design was produced specifically for applications like this.
This 2-bike carrier can handle two bikes that weigh up to 80 pounds each and have tires that are as wide as 5 inches.
Hollywood Racks Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
Follow up Questions
I'm looking for a 1 1/4" hitch fat bike rack that would support 4" wide tires and handle 70 lbs. I have a RadRover Step Thru1 ebike. What would you recommend? And do you have a single fat bike rack option? 95596
The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 2 Bike Rack # HR1465Z-E is what you're looking for, but you need to make sure that your 1-1/4" hitch has at least a Class II rating so that it's strong enough for this application. 70637
@DavidG Hi - Looked through your answers and I bet you will recommend me one or two, but we have 2 bikes and I'lm looking for a 2" hitch rack. We have a step through Trek Verve 3+ for my wife and a Giant Explore E. We have used a Yakama extension bar for other bikes with a hanging rack but don't know about the fit with the Trek bike. Not sure if stem and seat tubes are standard size for that to fit. What are our options. Thanks. 77446
@LarryJ The step-through of the Trek looks pretty dramatic, so a wheel-mount rack like the Kuat NV 2.0, part # NV22G , is a good option. It can handle up to 60 pounds per bike and fits 2" hitches. 77498