Are Benton Shifts&Grins Cradles Supposed to Be Tight And Oriented Toward Inside

Updated 09/08/2025 | Published 06/03/2025

Question:

I just assembled this rack that Ii purchased from etraler. Two questions about the the wheel cradels. 1 They are tight. I had to use a mallet to get them on the rail, and there is no way they will slide without one. Any tips? 2 The wheel cradles are shown in illustrations and the instructions opposite to the way I believe they should go - that is, the higher side of the cradel is shown ~inside~ the bike wheels, rather than on the ~outside~ of the tire. My old Thule has the higher side of the cradle on the outside, which makes intuitive sense to me. Is anybody else in agreement on this issue? 3 the wheel straps and rachet locking mechanism are very light guage compared to my thule. Are replacement straps/latches available? The rack assembled pretty easily. Screw holes lined up pretty correctly, nothing had to be forced. I have not yet used the rack.

asked by: Craig P

Expert Reply:

Hey Craig! The cradles on the Benton Shifts&Grins # B54FR are definitely tight. I would try working them back and forth some, they do loosen up over time. I just went down to our demo model and with the knob fully released I had to beat it with my hand to get it to slide on the rail and it has seen quite a bit of use.

The wheel cradle orientation is correct. I understand why you would think that, and honestly I'm sure it would work if you flipped them. However, it is designed for the wheel cradles to have the high part on the inside. We don't have extra straps yet but plan to add them in the near future. If one fails from regular use give us a call and we can help you out.

expert reply by: Robin H

Benton Wheel Cradles
(click to enlarge)

Robin H.

9/8/2025

Hey Craig, did you have a chance to try working the cradles back and forth to see if they loosened up? I'm curious to know how it worked out for you, as it could help others facing the same issue.

Craig P.

9/8/2025

@RobinH thank you for your reply and comments. I use a rubber mallet to move the cradles on the rail. Fortunately, once they are in the right place I don't have to change them again unless the new Bicycle comes into the picture. If it does, then I will use the mallet once again. Thanks again – love the support that Etrailer provides!