Platform-Style Hitch-Mount Bike Rack for 2 Electra Townie Step-Through Frame Bikes

Question:

Suggestion for a hitch mount bike rack that will support a step thru design bikes. We both have Electra Townie with fenders both front and back. Im getting a little older and cannot move the bikes like I use to. I do not trust the hanging design but want something that the wheels ride on. Thanks for you help!

asked by: Steve K

Expert Reply:

Your Electra Townie step-through-frame bikes pose a challenge to finding a suitable hitch-mount carrier since the bikes lack both a top frame tube and since they have fenders. These features make most carriers unsuitable since most use either the top frame tube or the front tire as the contact point for the arm that holds the bikes in place.

One carrier from Thule, their EasyFold 2 Bike Rack # TH903202, includes some great features that may make it a good choice for you. It has a ramp to help with bike loading - less lifting - and its clamps can be adjusted to grab other parts of the bike to secure it, such as the seat post. Please have a look at the linked video. This rack has a high weight capacity, 132-lbs total, and it offers a full 14-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole. Plus it fits both 1-1/4-inch (Class II only) and 2-inch hitches.

Another option is to use a standard platform carrier like the highly-rated Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670 along with two adapter bars to give the bikes the mounting surface needed by the carrier's ratcheting arms. Kuat offers their # UB01 adapter bar that attaches to the seat and handlebar posts to provide that mounting surface. The XTC-2 fits all 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches.

Please feel free to let me know your hitch class and what vehicle you drive (year, make, model, version) and I will be glad to look into additional recommendations suitable for your bikes and vehicle. The two linked articles will help guide you as you consider your options. A link is provided to show you all 2-bike platform carriers that fit both hitch sizes.

expert reply by: Adam R

Bob G.

5/19/2020

Similar I ride a step through Townie Car is a 2015 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback Most cases 1 bike rarely 2 No hitch on car What is the correct rear bike rack?

Chris R.

5/21/2020

Since the step-thru Townie bikes tend to be a bit on the heavier side, I highly recommend adding a hitch to your Elantra GT and going with a hitch-mounted rack. This will allow for much better support and prevent any damage on the rear of your vehicle. For a hitch the Draw-Tite # 24905 will work great and for a bike rack I highly recommend the Saris Freedom # SA4412F, which features adjustable cradles that can attach to the step-thru frame on your bike.

Pam H.

7/2/2021

@ChrisR I’m finding he Saris Freedom 2 horrible for the Townie Go 7d step-thru. It is impossible to get the bike on to the rack in the first position as it needs to lifted over the bar. The holding mechanism is not in a good spot for this bike. I struggled to get it on in the outer position. And had to wedge the holding clamp from the top (it should be on the bottom). I’m still looking for a carrier rack that will work while bemoaning throwing away $[XX] on a rack that won’t work for this bike.

Jon G.

7/7/2021

@PamH You might be interested in the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 or the Yakima OnRamp which comes with a 1-1/4" shank # Y96FR or 2" shank # Y36FR.