Best Bike Rack for a 1980 Schwinn Cruiser on a 2004 Honda Odyssey

Question:

My daughter will be going to college this fall and I will need to transport her 1980 Ladies 26 Schwinn Cruiser bike model CC9-6 and other belongings using our Honda 2004 Odyssey minivan. We will be driving from Los Angeles to Sacramento about 8 hrs. I was planning to purchase the Class III 2inch Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver item #75270 and the Pro Series Eclipse 4 Tilting Bike Rack for 2 Hitches item #63124 for this purpose and also for transporting our bikes on future trips. To mount the Cruiser to the bike rack I understand that I will need an adapter bar as the Ladiesfoot Cruiser bike does not have a top tube. What do you recommend for this bike 22 from head set to seat post, not sure about weight, but it is heavy. I am also concerned that the bike may not have adequate clearance with the ground when the adapter bar is used. If so, could you recommend a different rack with adequate clearance? Finally, I would like to lock the bike to the rack while transporting. Will a standard 6 cable bike lock suffice? Please advise. Thanks!

asked by: Given C

Expert Reply:

For starters the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Class III # 75270 is a great choice for your 2004 Honda Odyssey. However, your concerns on ground clearance and weight make a good point. To solve those issues I recommend a platform rack. The Platform-Style will keep you from having to worry about ground clearance at all.

You did mention carrying more bikes on future trips. I assume this means you could be carrying more than just two bikes. If that's the case another option is the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Platform-Style 2 Bike and 4 Bike Rack # HR1400Z. This gives you the option to carry up to four bikes if necessary. And when you don't need to carry four the add-on can be left off.

For the Schwinn (and other women's and alternative style frame bikes) you will still need an adapter bar with this type of platform bike rack in order for the hooks to grab the bikes securely. I recommend using the Kuat Ubar Bike Frame Adapter # UB01.

A 6 foot cable lock should be fine. A longer option is the 10 foot Long Cable Lock # e98891.

I've attached installation and review videos for each product for you to take a look at.