Is Adapter Bar Needed To Carry Trek Bikes In Thule Gateway Trunk-Mount Bike Carrier

Question:

Good day. My son and I have Trek 8.2 DS and 8.3 DS bikes and we plan to buy a Thule Gateway 3 bike carrier which is specd to fit my 2011 Kia Sorrento. My question is will I need to also buy the adapter bars since the Treks crossbar is not parallel to the ground or does the fact that the arms on the Gateway adjust separately allow me to use this carrier without the adapter. Thx and have a big day!

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

The Thule Gateway 3, part # TH78VR is a nice bike carrier that does have the adjustable arms as you mentioned. Since the frame of your bikes are not shaped just like a women's bike, and the Sorento sits a little higher than many other vehicles, the adjustable arms on the carrier may work really well for you.

If you find the bike rear wheel sits up high enough to block your view I recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005. Since this attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem the bikes would be more parallel to the ground.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L