If it has a lot of movement or makes a knocking or rattling noise, it's not secured properly. Overloaded equipment rarely fails parked in the driveway - it fails on the freeway at 65 MPH. If this is you and I happen to be driving behind you, I will not stay there for long. They do their best to build something that is acceptable across the board regardless of where it's sold. There will be pros and cons to any bike rack but many problems can be avoided with proper foresight and planning. If you have to use one - there are those rare cases where these are a viable option - otherwise buy new technology in a new hitch rack and save yourself the grief. The 5 most common bike rack complaints and how to avoid them are listed below. A hitch bike rack from Thule is a great choice if you and your friends or family want to head out on new adventures with your bikes. Place your bike on the rack Place your bike on the rack in the location closest to the bus with the front wheel and the handlebars towards the curb. Luckily, with a little bit of information, you’ll be able to get your bike securely locked up in no time! Leaving a bike rack on a vehicle only increases the chances of it damaging your car. It sounds silly but it happens! Put this around your bikes wherever they clamp or sit on a rack, or wherever they may rub against another bike. Racks are brok en down into two main types: the hitch bike rack and the roof bike rack. Click here https://www.roofbox.co.uk/bike-carriers/roof-mounting-bike-carriers.php to see our full range of roof mounted bike carriers. How to Put a Bike Rack on Your BMW - Bimmerforums.com says: March 24, 2020 at 11:46 am If your BMW already has a roof rack or crossbar, you won’t have to do a lot of work. Put The Bike In The Bike Arms: You need to follow this step carefully, so you don’t damage the car or the bike. To learn how to properly lock up your bike, read more from our Biking co-author. Some racks aren’t attached to the ground either so make sure that the rack you are attaching your bike to is firmly grounded by either cement or a locking mechanism. % of people told us that this article helped them. On the Thule website www.thule.com and in the catalogue, a bike rack which is suitable for electrical bicycles is indicated by the following symbol: . Always buy the best lock you can afford as the cost of buying a lock may be high but the cost of replacing your bike is even higher. Thule is a bigwig in the bike rack industry, and one of the most popular products from this company is the XTR. This however will require drilling into the bike rack. Protection is provided by a lockable knob. Submit a support request I dont have any experience with strap on's ( !!! ) The arms should be slightly angled upward as they come away from the car. The second option you have is to use a dual hitch adapter like the Curt Dual 2" Receiver Tube Adapter part # D-192. • Use the rack while traveling on dirt roads. If you have a wheel-off rack… don’t forget to put the removed wheel in your car. Here is another option for kids bikes--the Yakima Hold Up. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Recently we were taking the bikes on a trip down a country road when someone flagged us down to alert us my bike was falling off the rack! Many manufacturers offer this option, which is why most caravans these days come with ready-installed fixing points for a bike rack. Now includes Stay-Put cradles for better stability, an integrated locking cable, and a second adapter plate to fit more tire sizes. Bike Rack Placement; In the past, most bike racks were installed on top of a vehicle. Remove any valuable accessories, like lights or bags, before leaving your bike locked up. For coupes and sedans, the rack mounts to the top and back of the tunk. This article was co-authored by Ikaika Cox. If your car does not have a hitch (or you are worried about being rear-ended), choose a Thule roof bike rack or Thule trunk bike rack. Bike beak $100-$150. Do I need a specific bike rack for my E-bike or can I use any of your racks? This means that when you turn corners, accelerate, and slow down, the rack won’t move around the back of your car. This article has been viewed 26,374 times. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. The Passage is the value priced trunk mount rack that's packed with features you'd expect to only find on a premium bike rack. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Then you can be sure they’ll look just as good when … How to put womens and kids frames on your bike rack without adapters. Available in 2-bike and 3-bike options. • Put more than 2 bikes on a class 1 hitch. Just make sure your bike is out of the way of pedestrian and automobile traffic. How do I use the Bike Holders? Security is a big issue with all forms of bike car racks that carry your bike outside the car. With everything from fork-mounted carriers that include thru-axle options to frame or wheel mounted roof bike racks. The manufacturers are limited by the requirements of different states usually and what's allowed (and how far) something (in this case bike rack) can stick out. If you look at the length of the arms for a 4-bike hitch rack - it really is a tight space to fit 4 bikes comfortably. You’ll find truck bed bike racks, for the roof, and more.Deciding which style is best for you mostly depends on your vehicle and the bikes … This is also a good decision if you ever bring a kayak or sled with you on your biking trips, since those items are more easily stored on top of your car. What solutions are there - is there a way to display it on the rack? Will my bike fit your bike racks? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Some Thule bike racks can transport electric bicycles, but not all. Today, there are several d ifferent styles of bike racks from which to choose. Place the top part of the frame (that is flat and runs from the front wheel all the way back to the seat) on the arms of the rack. When can I use a “Bike Cover” during transport? Choose a standard trunk-mounted rack to save space on top of your car. Our #1 Pick. For some vehicles, Thule has created complete carrier options that include the load bars, feet, fit kits and locks in a single package. If at some time in the future you decide you want to carry 2 additional bikes, a 2 bike expansion accessory is available as part # TH9036XT. https://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/article/workshop-how-to-use-a-car-boot-rack-and-bike-box-26492/, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2423/6599/files/Maddox_Instructions_final_1.pdf, https://momentummag.com/bike-curious-the-right-and-wrong-ways-to-lock-your-bike/, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/green-living-blog/2010/sep/13/bike-thief-stolen-tips, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If yours doesn’t have such points, putting a bike rack up here is probably going to be a no-no. Rhino-Rack Bike Carrier Hitch Bike Racks & Roof Bike Racks Explained. Can I mount a hatch-mounted bike rack, if my car has a rear spoiler? Opt for a Thule bike rack for SUVs. Can't find the answer you're looking for? You need a lot of patience and a geometry degree to get women's frame, alternative frame, or kids bike to set on the rack properly. Thule bike racks are well-known throughout the world, and that is why we wanted to provide you with an in-depth overview of their ten best bike racks. A hitch-mounted bike rack is a great option for hauling bikes on your Jeep. Always buy the best lock you can afford as the investment is definitely worth the potential downside of not having one. Hold the bike rack on the wall where you want the bike to hang. Be really careful while you’re doing this so you don’t damage either your car or your bike. If you have the Thule T2 Pro XTS 2 Bike Platform Rack like part # TH9034XTS then you can mount it to the rearmost crosstube, preferably on the side with the rear wheel holder. The fit kit consists of custom items like brackets that are made to secure the Thule roof rack to your car perfectly. Tighten these straps to keep the rack firmly in place. Shake the bike when you're done securing it. Price range. You can find these locks online or at a bike store. If you’re having trouble figuring which side should be facing upwards, look at the clamps that hold the bike in place. You can carry more than one bike on your roof, but you will need a rack for each bike. or "My bike doesn't have a level top tube, will it still fit?" Thule T2 Hitch Bike Carrier: Installing & Uninstalling Your Bike Rack. At least, it is when you choose a bicycle rack made by one of the most-trusted brands in the biz, like Thule, Yakima or Allen. Now in a lot of bicycle racks these cradles can be rotated and moved front to back, it depends on the manufacturer. The exact open shape of your rack will vary depending on the make and model but most form a big arc when fully opened. Be careful that when you insert the lock, it actually goes through both the rack and the frame. Now includes Stay-Put cradles for better stability, an integrated locking cable, and a second adapter plate to fit more tire sizes. These folks that get a great deal from their neighbors old hitch rack usually end up regretting their purchase when they find out they have to purchase one of the frame adapters below. If yours doesn’t have such points, putting a bike rack up here is probably going to be a no-no. Getting different styles of bikes on a bike rack can sometimes be a real challenge. He received his BA in Literature & Philosophy from Utah Valley University in 2015, and has been a bike mechanic since 2012. You can unsubscribe at anytime. Will my bike rack also fit on a non-Thule roof rack? The Yakima HoldUp EVO is fast, secure, and easy to use. The Thule Upride 599 roof mounted bike rack is also recommended for bikes with sensitive frames such as carbon, since it clamps onto the bike's wheels. Avoid cable locks or cheap combination locks as these are easy to cut through and easy to pick. It quickly attaches between the handle bars and bike seat. Wheel support style bike carriers have an arm that attached to the cross bar. Built to handle new bike standards, like fat tires and boost hubs, but it easily carries all the classics too. To mount bikes, you'll have to lift them higher than you would for a hitch- or trunk-mounted rack. By using our site, you agree to our. A trunk bike rack from Thule lets you and your friends or family take your bikes with you wherever you go – and still leave space for carrying gear on the roof if space is tight. Put the bike on the rack by placing it on the arms. Please note that not every Thule bike rack is suited for any type of bike: a certain type of bike might require a very specific type of Bike Rack. If the rack moves around when you do this, go back over each strap to make sure they are all securely fastened. Thule makes a range of racks for outdoor sports. Do your best to get the weight of the bike as evenly distributed as possible. Get the right stuff and use it correctly! All you need is the bike's serial number. Once you have the rack in position, mark where all of the screw holes on the rack line up with the wall. The Thule 963PRO Spare Me heavy-duty bike rack is the perfect solution for any vehicle with a rear mounted spare tire. A 4-bike into a 5-bike, and you know the rest. To learn how to properly lock up your bike, read more from our Biking co-author. If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission… Using the roof of a vehicle was a practical way for motorists to transport their cycles. These racks are easy to mount and remove, just slide them into the hitch and secure them with a pin or lock. • Use the rack while traveling on dirt roads. Stick a clean rag between the bike and the rack to avoid scratching the paint. Squeeze the silver release lever by pulling the silver handle upward, and then gently lower the rack to the horizontal position. Finding the hitch bike rack that’s perfect for … Thule now produce a carbon frame protector for the Thule ProRide 598 frame holding carrier, so if you'd rather not have to remove the front wheel, or are carrying a carbon bike with close fitting mud-guards, this could be the solution. The bike rack is mounted at the back of your vehicle using connecting parts. This article has been viewed 26,374 times. Thule bike racks are well-known throughout the world, and that is why we wanted to provide you with an in-depth overview of their ten best bike racks. Once it’s secure, pull up the 2 bike arms and lock them into place. asked by: Dave. The Thule Pro ride 591 and 598 roof rack is a popular option with Helios users. Submit a request. Passage Trunk Mount Bike Rack by Thule®. It’s really easy to accidentally miss the rack and just end up putting the lock on your bike without attaching it to anything. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The Thule # TH9034XT T2 Pro 2 bike rack does come partially assembled. Prior to this bar I had a Saris one that I purchased with the bike. Learning to properly secure your bike on a bike rack will give you peace of mind while traveling. There will likely be 2 arms that you lock into place. If you go to a bike store you have the advantage of being able to ask the store clerks questions. Finding the hitch bike rack that’s perfect for … Do you have a bigger vehicle? There is writing on each clip so you know where it is supposed to be attached. Ikaika Cox is the Director of Operations at the Provo Bicycle Collective in Provo, Utah. If your Model X has the tow package and you haven’t installed the hitch receiver yet, you may want to follow our guide on how to install the Tesla Model X hitch receiverfirst to understand how the assembly works. Well rather than banging your head on the wall trying to get all the bikes to fit, now you can add a simple adapter bar to help arrange the bikes on the rack, neat and easy. This is to allow gravity to hold the bike up if the straps fail until you can secure or replace them. How to Put a Bike Rack on a Car. How to Put a Beach Cruiser on a Bike Rack? How do I secure my bicycles on the bike rack? You’d be amazed how often that is overlooked. If your car has a standard metal-sheet rear spoiler, there is a chance that the car can have a rear door mounted rack. The Thule ThruRide is a fork-mounted roof mounted bike rack that clamps onto the original Thru-axle and can support most Thru-axle bikes made out of … The Thule 982XT Frame Adapter is a new and improved frame adapter that modifies women's, BMX and non-standard bike frames in order to be carried on hanging style hitch mount racks. There will be pros and cons to any bike rack but many problems can be avoided with proper foresight and planning. When we put out bike into place well go ahead and put it on the cradles. Tow ball mounted bike carriers. Any other questions - call the Rack Attack Experts 1-888-777-2257. All the new racks have gone with the 2 arm supports and small cradles specifically to give a more modular design to carry a variety of bikes. Recommended Trunk-Mount Bike Rack for 2013 Mini Cooper S Hardtop; Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Small Kids Bikes on a Thule Apex 5 Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack; Will a Girls Bike Fit on the Yakima SwingDaddy Bike Carrier; Bike Rack Recommendation for 2 Adult and 2 Kids Bikes … The roof bike rack range from Thule gives you a full choice of different mounting and loading/unloading options. While not perfect (kids' bikes have shorter wheelbases than an adult's), it sure is easy. If you look at the cradles on this old Yakima Rack you will see quickly that those large "ROC Cradles" would not fit any of the frames pictured above easily. What are the requirements for my tow bar? • Put more than the intended number of bikes on the rack. ... Did put it on with the front of the bike facing backward to avoid the rack interfering with the boot lid. But cyclists have been hit with penalties and tickets for having their bike incorrectly mounted on a rack or because the rack they were using was not a good fit for the car, often causing a visibility issue wherein the license plate cannot be seen. A call we get probably weekly during the summer is "How am I suppose to fit my 4 bikes onto our new Yakima or Thule Hitch rack?" We put it to the test along with other top selling hitch mounted-racks to see how the faired when loaded up with bikes for the whole family. Rear-mounted three-bike platform rack $570-$1200. Thule's product line includes hitch-mount bicycle racks designed to fit into a vehicle's tow hitch receiver mount and carry up to four bicycles. If you’re loading more than one bike onto your car rack at once, alternate the direction of each bike so that the handlebars don’t conflict with each other. Each clip is there for a purpose so be sure to look around the rack to check you haven’t missed any. The last tip is to try to put your bike rack away if you are not using it. So, you bought a beach cruiser and you now need to transport it on a bike rack for your car. If you still want to be able to drive under low-hanging branches and underpasses, opt for a trunk mount. I can’t even repeat the words that have come out my mouth when that happens. However, sometimes these bike racks can be a little bit tricky to navigate. Bike racks are an incredibly useful tool that can be used for both attaching your bike to your car, and locking your bike up while you travel around a city or town. Thule's product line includes hitch-mount bicycle racks designed to fit into a vehicle's tow hitch receiver mount and carry up to four bicycles. • Use the rack to carry tandems or recumbents. Finally, you can put your bikes on a rack on the back of the caravan. Last Updated: April 26, 2020 Don't put the rack up too high or the bike might touch the ceiling when it's hung up. Many manufacturers offer this option, which is why most caravans these days come with ready-installed fixing points for a bike rack. Before using your bike rack make sure all parts are intact. The Saris bar seemed awkward and bulky and never seemed to latch tightly, plus it was difficult to put on the bike rack. Ikaika Cox is the Director of Operations at the Provo Bicycle Collective in Provo, Utah. Well go ahead and put our bike into place and its a good idea to start off with your heaviest bike close to the car and then work your way out back. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 26,374 times. The XTR is a fork mount carrier, so you’ll not have to take off the front wheel. This writing will either say “top”, “bottom”, or “side”. This will never happen with the Thule T2 Pro XT. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Keep the bikes weight balanced with the center of gravity down and get creative - both the arms rarely fit into the "triangle". Place your bike on the rack on top of the 2 arms. It makes the bikes harder to lock - and they also hang lower on the rack (the wheels are closer to the ground). Then, clamp down the arms on the frame. Keep the larger easier bikes to mount closer to the vehicle. Installing the bike rack was no more difficult than installing anything into a hitch receiver. Your Thule Dealer can help you making the perfect choice. Available in 2-bike and 3-bike options. 0. Can't find the answer you're looking for? If, for some reason, a clip won’t tighten and you can’t get the rack securely in place, don’t use it. Currently, most bike racks are assembled on the back part of an auto. Thule makes a range of racks for outdoor sports. If your car is equipped with a plastic rear spoiler, there is a very high chance you will not be able to mount a bike rack on the hatch as these plastic spoilers are too weak to support the weight of the rack and mounted bikes. Which bike rack would fit my vehicle? Every bike rack has 3 different systems: Bike Holders, which ensure your bicycle remains vertical on the bike rack. How is a bike rack mounted onto the vehicle? • Install on a trailer or other towed vehicle. A Thule hitch-mounted bike rack can cost between $270 and $780. The Yakima Tubetop bike rack frame adapter connects easily between a bike's seat post and handlebars. If you’re using a rack on the back of your car, start by opening the rack so it looks like an arc. Most bike racks have two screw holes. On hatchbacks and SUVs, one end mounts against the rear window and the other mounts against the bottom of the trunk. Whatever it is, make sure it is securely fastened on both arms so the bike can’t move at all while you’re driving. Well here at Rack Attack we pride ourselves on having lots of answers for tough questions and we take lots of pictures to make it really, really easy. Available in 2-bike and 3-bike options. Thule 963PRO Spare Me Pro Bike Rack. The 5 most common bike rack complaints and how to avoid them are listed below. Once the rack is unpackaged, you'll simply put together a few sub assemblies to complete the rack. In addition to the base rack, Thule offers accessories to build your rack up and customize its usage. The Thule 982XT Frame Adapter is a new and improved frame adapter that modifies women's, BMX and non-standard bike frames in order to be carried on hanging style hitch mount racks. • Put more than 2 bikes on a class 1 hitch. If you have a hitch receiver on your adventure, installing a bike rack that doesn’t have you reaching for the roof of an SUV, crossover, truck or van is easy. The rack can hold as many as four bikes, so whether you and your buddies are going off to conquer mountain trails, or you’re taking your kids for a ride in the park, Thule has you covered. Can I extend my Bike Rack with an extension for an extra bike? Finally, you can put your bikes on a rack on the back of the caravan. Kids' bikes and traditional women's frames seem to be the most troublesome with sloping top tubes and small geomotry. It quickly attaches between the handle bars and bike seat. Keep in mind, though, that a hitch-mounted rack must extend out far enough from your Jeep's hitch to clear the spare tire. 2 x roof bike rack system (clamp style) $370-$660 A hitch bike rack from Thule is a great choice if you and your friends or family want to head out on new adventures with your bikes. You are probably wondering just how I do that, and the answer truly depends on a variety of factors. Is it really that simple to install a bike rack and uninstall a bike rack? Does Thule sell a bike rack that can be mounted on both an a-frame and a tow bar? Bike racks are designed to add convenience to the lives of bikers who enjoy the active lifestyle biking provides. Passage Trunk Mount Bike Rack by Thule®. Register your bicycle with your local police department if possible. Join our email list for new products, deals and expert advice. Bike racks are designed to add convenience to the lives of bikers who enjoy the active lifestyle biking provides. Another option is to use a tandem bike rack. In order to safely transport your bike or bikes, you will likely be mounting the bike on a bike rack on your car, van or truck and then heading out. It's called JRA Syndrome - "I was just RIDING ALONG when all the sudden my bike rack broke and all my bikes fell off..." Use your equipment the way the manufacturer intended to keep yourself and others safe. Is it possible to have a rack on this kinda bike. The FullSwing bike rack slides right into Tesla’s 2″ hitch receiver and then clicks into place. For many, it is the most desirable option because it provides the best protection for the bikes and the vehicle. 2 x roof bike rack system (front wheel off style) $510-$760. hitch-mounted racks like the Thule T2 slip right into your vehicle’s hitch receiver.They’re designed to carry up to five steeds and they come off and on the vehicle with ease. The smaller of these bikes has 16" wheels. Technology and frame building changes just like everything else. If you walk around a city, you can see many front wheels attached to bike racks where thieves have just detached the rest of the bike from the front wheel. The average roof of a sits about 6 feet off of the ground. Thule bike rack hitches are easy to install on any vehicle that has a standard trailer hitch. • Do not “overstretch” the straps. Open up the rack so it has a nice arc shape. SubaruPartsPros offers high-quality OEM bike racks designed to fit the genuine Subaru trailer hitch. The Passage is the value priced trunk mount rack that's packed with features you'd expect to only find on a premium bike rack. Learn More. Installing a bike rack on your vehicle will make it easy for you to bring your beloved bike with you on your next road trip. Lower the rack before placing the bike upon the rack. The standard mounting material is provided with your Thule bike rack. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The Passage is the value priced trunk mount rack that's packed with features you'd expect to only find on a premium bike rack. The Thule 963PRO Spare Me heavy-duty bike rack is the perfect solution for any vehicle with a rear mounted spare tire. Hitch. Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack. , but my bike fell of of my rood mounted rack first time I put it on.. who know I was supposed to tighten that little bolt thingy to the front forks. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If you can’t find any bike racks around, use the poles of street signs or parking meters that are wide enough at the top that the bike can't just be lifted over. He received his BA in Literature & Philosophy from Utah Valley University in 2015, and has been a bike mechanic since 2012. Place the top part of the bike on the arms. Or EMAIL US. Thule has a wide range of bike racks currently on the market as well as a variety of replacement parts you can purchase separately to upgrade or fix your current bike rack. This article was co-authored by Ikaika Cox. This can make it difficult to load a bike. If your bike does get stolen, file a claim with the local police department to report the bike stolen, and contact your insurance company (if you have one). How much weight can I put on the bike rack? If a rack comes loose while you are driving, it poses a huge risk to you and other motorists. Make sure to imagine the bike’s weight in your hands and then distribute it evenly. In addition to the base rack, Thule offers accessories to build your rack up and customize its usage. This allows much easier loading and transporting of bicycles that don't have a top tube frame that runs straight between the handlebars and. Attaching Your Bike to the Back of Your Car, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Put-a-Bike-on-a-Bike-Rack-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-a-Bike-on-a-Bike-Rack-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Put-a-Bike-on-a-Bike-Rack-Step-1.jpg\/aid10257398-v4-728px-Put-a-Bike-on-a-Bike-Rack-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"