How to Mount Women's Bikes on Car Racks
You can mount women's bikes securely on car racks with a few minor adjustments or the addition of optional mounting hardware. Women's bicycles have a low top tube in the frame that makes them easier to get onto than traditional frames. The altered design of women's bike frames may not line up with car rack mounts in factory settings. Make sure the bike arrives on location every time by properly mounting it on the car rack.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Owner's manual
- Women's bike rack extension (optional)
- Bungee cords with hook ends (optional)
Instructions
-
-
1
Read the owner's manual for the car rack system you are using to see if any additional accessories are required for mounting bike frames without a top tube. Roof racks that do not attach to the frame and fully adjustable trunk strap systems may require no additional hardware.
-
2
Open all the straps and locks on the bike-rack mounting system and hold the women's bike in position on the rack to see how well it lines up with the current settings. Set the bike down and make adjustments to the strap and lock locations on the bike rack so they will line up with the intended connection locations on the bike.
-
-
3
Load the women's bike onto the retrofitted or adjusted car rack and tightly secure the straps or lock bars. Try to wobble the secured bike from side to side and front to back to make sure it is completely locked in position. Wrap a couple hook-end bungee cords around the frame and the car rack to add stability to the mount.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Removing a wheel makes the women's bike lighter to reduce rattle and sway in the mount. Take the front wheel off and toss it in the trunk prior to mounting the bike if you have quick release wheels.
Grease and road grime from a car-mounted women's bike may get on the exterior of the car. Protect the paint by strapping a towel to the car beneath the car rack.
References
- Photo Credit bike image by mangia from Fotolia.com
