Are The Buckles On The Tie Down Straps Metal? Have You Noticed Any Issues?

Updated 09/04/2025 | Published 08/31/2025

Question:

This rack seriously has metal buckles that sit right inside the bike wheel? That’s terrible. Folks are on with the buckled chewing up their wheels?

asked by: Jerome W

Expert Reply:

Hey Jerome,

The buckles on the straps to secure the wheels on the Swagman # S64720 are metal. But the are not fixed and can be moved to different positions around the tire and wheel base. I have not seen any issues with the buckle damaging a bike in my time here. Since you can adjust where it sits it does not have to sit right on the wheel or tire and can sit off the side.

I have not seen issues but if it is a concern I have seen people use simple straps or bungee chords. Since the straps are not connected to the bike rack it is easy to find an alternate solution if you are worried about it scratching any part of the wheel.

expert reply by: Nick S