Thule Apex Bike Carrier Straps Not Long Enough for Alternative Frame Bikes

Question:

I have the Thule Apex bike rack. Does Thule make rubber straps that are a bit longer? One of our straps broke already trying to get it over the bike frame.

asked by: Jennifer G

Helpful Expert Reply:

The straps that are on the Thule Apex bike carriers are all # 852-3006-001. This is a 8-3/4 inch long strap unstretched meaning the diameter, if you made a circle with it, would be around 2-3/4 inches. The frame on the bike would either have to be a large diameter or more of an elliptical shape for the strap not to fit.

In this situation first make sure that you are not over tightening the straps. They don't have to be as tight as you can get them, just snug. And if that isn't working then using a bike adapter bar, such as # 64005, could work because the straps would go around the adapter bar and not the bike frame.

None of the longer straps would work because the hole diameter is not the same on the Thule straps.

expert reply by: Michael H