Putting a bike with a rounded top tube on a bike rack can be a problem since some rack types require a level top tube to be able to properly secure a bike on a rack. Jumping forward, there are basically two workarounds to solve this problem:
- Buy the right rack type from the very beginning. There are different bike rack types, and for some of them, it won’t be a problem to transport a rounded-frame bike. These rack types are all frame shapes compatible due to their design: Hitch bike racks (only platform and vertical hanging racks will do the job, don’t buy horizontal hanging racks for this purpose), Roof bike racks (both wheel and fork-mounted sub-types). Learn more about bike rack types,
- Buy an adapter (a premium quality adapter costs around $50 for each bike). If you already own a trunk-mount bike rack/a hitch horizontal hanging rack or it is not an option for you to buy the above-mentioned racks which are rounded-tube compatible, then an adapter will help in most cases.
Bike racks that can carry rounded top tube bikes
Let’s go through each bike rack type and learn which one can carry rounded-frame bikes out of the box without buying an adapter.
Wheel-mounted roof racks
Fork-mounted roof racks
Platform hitch racks
Vertical hanging hitch racks
Horizontal hanging hitch racks
Trunk-mount racks
Adapter is a good solution for most rounded-frame bikes
With the help of an adapter, you can put a rounded top tube bike on a trunk rack or on a vertical hanging hitch rack. There are two things though that you have to keep in mind:
- Be aware of the gap between the seat and the handlebars. For most adapters, it must not exceed 31 inches. Most bikes fall into this category so you most likely won’t have any problems but keep it in mind anyway. Moreover, the gap must be at least 18-20 inches,
- Be aware of the load capacity of your bike rack. Most likely you are planning to transport a curved top tube bike on a trunk rack. Even though the bike fits since you are using an adapter, some rounded-frame bikes are too heavy for this rack type (for example, e-bikes) so it won’t be possible to transport it even if it technically fits.
How do you put a step-through bike on a car bike rack?
Bike rack types that can carry step-through bikes: Hitch racks (only platform or vertical hanging, don’t buy horizontal hanging), Roof racks (both wheel and fork-mounted).
For trunk-mount racks and horizontal hanging racks: buy an adapter to carry a step-through bike.
Buying an adapter, keep in mind the gap between the seat and the handlebars. For most adapters, it must not exceed 30-31 inches.
Most step-through bikes are not too heavy so the weight won’t be a problem in most cases.
How do you put a women’s bike on a car bike rack?
Bike rack types that can carry lady’s bikes: Hitch racks (only platform or vertical hanging, don’t buy horizontal hanging), Roof racks (both wheel and fork-mounted).
For trunk-mount racks and horizontal hanging racks: buy an adapter to carry a lady’s bike.
Keep in mind that most adapters will fit bikes with the gap between the seat and the handlebars no more than 30-31 inches.
How do you put a kids bike on a car bike rack?
Bike rack types that can carry kids bikes: Hitch racks (only platform or vertical hanging, don’t buy horizontal hanging), Roof racks (both wheel and fork-mounted).
For trunk-mount racks and horizontal hanging racks: buy an adapter to carry a kids bike.
Buying an adapter, remember that most models can carry kids bikes with the gap between the seat and the handlebars at least 18-20 inches.
How do you put an e-bike on a car bike rack?
Bike rack types that can carry kids bikes: Hitch racks (only platform or vertical hanging, don’t buy horizontal hanging), Roof racks (both wheel and fork-mounted).
For trunk-mount racks and horizontal hanging racks: unfortunately, buying an adapter is not an option when it comes to e-bikes. Even though they will fit with the help of an adapter, e-bikes are too heavy (a typical trunk rack can carry 30-35 lbs per bike) so it won’t be possible to carry them without exceeding the load capacity, and we definitely don’t want to do it.
So for e-bikes, it becomes super important to buy the right rack in the first place since buying an adapter won’t solve the problem.
How do you put a folding bike on a car bike rack?
Bike rack types that can carry folding bikes: Hitch racks (only platform or vertical hanging, don’t buy horizontal hanging), Roof racks (both wheel and fork-mounted).
For trunk-mount racks and horizontal hanging racks: buy an adapter to carry a folding bike.
Most folding bikes are not too heavy so the load capacity limits that a typical trunk rack has (30-35 lbs per bike) won’t be a problem in most cases.
How do you put a cruiser bike on a car bike rack?
Cruiser frame bikes are not all the same so some of them won’t fit on a car bike rack out of the box. You will have to buy an adapter in this case.
Most cruiser bikes can be carried on all bike rack types without an adapter.