How to Get Wheel in Front Cradle of RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack
Updated 09/29/2025 | Published 09/02/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
How do I get the front wheel of a Rocky Mounts front wheel lifted over the high inside edge of the front wheel cradle? is that cradle needed if I use the stationary front wheel cradle only? It is very hard to lift the front wheel up and over the tilting edge of the cradle.
asked by: Connie R
Expert Reply:
Hi Connie; you have to use the back stop on the RockyMounts BackStage # RKY10002. Lifting it up and over the cradle is the only way to get it on there. As long as the wheel is forward of the backstop when you lift it you don't have to actually take it as high as the back stop to get it in there. You only have to lift it high enough to get it over the lower edges of the cradle.
I could see how it might be difficult on a taller vehicle like a truck or SUV. However, unless you get a bike rack with a ramp like # Y88DJ you're still lifting heavy e-bikes up and onto a bike rack no matter what rack you get.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Swing-Away Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Tire Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- RockyMounts
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Can I Fit Yakima SkyBox NX Skinny Along With Kayak Carrier On Roof Rack?
- Q&A: Bike Rack Needed to Clear Rear Doors of a 2016 Ram ProMaster
- Q&A: Will The RockyMounts BackStage Fit On My 2021 Ram ProMaster 2500 Without A Hitch Extender
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch Extension to Clear a Spare Tire on a Ford Bronco
- Q&A: Comparing Curt and Draw-Tite Hitch Receiver Locations for a Bike Rack on a 2024 Ford Bronco
- Q&A: Which Swing Away for Bike Racks Would You Say is Beefier in Design the Kuat or Swagman?
- Q&A: How to Determine if RockyMounts BackStage Swinging Rack would Clear Rear Spare of Wrangler
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips
- Article: Anti-Rattle Devices
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Fat Bikes
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Replace or Install an RV Roof Vent
Robin H.
9/29/2025
Hi Connie, did you find lifting the front wheel over the cradle easier after trying the backstop method on your RockyMounts BackStage? I'm interested in hearing how it worked for you, as it could help others facing similar challenges with their bike racks.