Hitch Mount Bike Racks
I'm acquiring a bike to take along on trips It has a step-through frame. I'm looking for advice and experience with platform-style bike carriers which mount on the 2-inch trailer hitch of my Class ...
Forum Discussion
rich85704 wrote:
And there's another issue: my bike has a step-through frame. What used to be called a "ladies" frame. Some of the platform-style carriers say they'll accommodate these, some say you need an extra cross-piece, some seem to say no.
You'll probably need to get one that hold the bike on via the wheels, and not attaching to the frame. Something like the Thule T2 or the Yakima Holdup. These can hold any tire size between 20" and 29", and only touch the bike's tire, so the design of the frame does not matter. Racks like the Swagman have to be able to reach the top tube on the frame, and so they are not as versatile. (note -- Swagman may make a wheel-mounted tray rack, I'm not sure).
You'll spend a bit of $$, but the Thule and Yakima are quality products. I have the Yakima version, and like it quite a bit. I, for one, wouldn't trust my bike bouncing around on the back of my TT on a $100 rack. Actually, I wouldn't put any of them on the back of my TT, but I really like my bikes, and want them where I can see them. So they go in the back of the truck, on top of the Suburban, or inside the TT.
And they are very easy to install. They have the models I'm talking about at REI or other outdoor retailers. The Swagman, probably not -- I have never seen one in a store. But there is nothing to the installation -- you just slide in to the receiver, and there you go.
