Recommendation on Bike Rack for a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

Question:

I have a 2012 vw beetle, a womans cruiser style bike and trikke pon-e. I am considering the Sagman semi 2.0. Would I be able to add a cargo basket and make a combo or use either independently. What would be the best hitch. I saw the Hollywood version, but did not think it would work with a woman's style.

asked by: Mary B

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Semi 2.0, # S64686, would be a good option for your woman's style bike. The ratcheting clamp will mount and secure you r bike's wheel to the bike rack. You will not need a bike frame adapter because the Swagman does not use the bike's frame as an attachment point.

However, this platform style rack can weigh a lot and put stress on the rear of your Beetle. The issue is you need to know your tongue weight to see how much weight is allowed on the rear of your VW Beetle.

In this case I recommend the Thule Camber 2 Bike Rack, # TH9058. This rack weighs only 28 lbs and can carry two bikes with a total weight capacity of 75 lbs. It has a per-bike limit of 37.5 pounds. You will need a bike frame adapter, # UB01, to allow your bike to hang on the rack. The adapter connects to the seat post and under the handle bars and will allow your bike to ride more level.

Unfortunately, Volkswagen does not supply what the tongue weight limit for the 2012 Beetle.
On the hitches that we sell the standard tongue weight limit is 150 lbs. In this case a bike rack can weigh between 35-75 lbs on average. Add a couple of 40 lbs bikes your looking at weights of 115 to 155 lbs. Because of this limited weight capacity, you may not be able to mount your Trikke Pon-e to this bike rack.

expert reply by: Jared P