Do I Need to Use an Adapter with the Malone Runaway Trunk Bike Rack for a Step Through Bike?

Updated 07/01/2026 | Published 06/27/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Malone Runway Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(39)

$130.95

Malone Bike Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes

(61)

$35.95

Question:

Can a ladies step thru bike be mounted easily on the 3 bike rack without bunny cords and add on cross bar? In other words can I safely mount to frame near wheels? Or will top be too unstable?

asked by: Lisa L

Expert Reply:

Hi Lisa,

To use the Malone Runaway Trunk Bike Rack part # MPG2142 with a step through bike, you will need to use an adapter like the Malone Bike Adapter Bar part # MPG2165. Because the bike rack mounts to the frame of the bike, you'll need the adapter to give you a horizontal mounting point and level out the bike to work with the rack. All of our trunk mounted hanging bike racks hold the bikes by the frame, so there isn't an option that won't require an adapter bar. If you have a trailer hitch on your vehicle or another vehicle, a hitch mounted platform rack that secures the bike by the wheels would be able to carry the step through bike without using an adapter.

How often are you planning on using your bike rack?

expert reply by: Claire H