Recommended Bike Rack for Trek Verve 3 with Step-Through Frame for a 2004 Volvo S40

Question:

I am planning to purchase a hitch mounted bike rack Swangman Chinook. My wife has a Trek Verve 3 womans bike with a sloped top tube. Will the handle of the rack which secures the bike from the frame go low enough to secure the bike frame or do I need to consider a different bike rack?

asked by: Bob

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Swagman Chinook # S64683 is a great bike rack that can be adjusted to hold kid's bikes so I don't think that the hook being able to come down far enough will be an issue.

My only concern is that the 3rd point of contact will be lower so I am not sure how secure a bike with a low step-through frame will do.

To ensure that your wife's bike will remain secure in the bike rack there are 2 options. You could either use an Adapter Bar # 64005 which is typically used for hanging style bike racks, or you can go with a wheel mount bike rack. I recommend going with a wheel mounted bike rack.

Wheel mount bike racks are great because as long as your bike(s) does not have a fender you can carry a bike with pretty much any frame style since the bike will be secured by the wheels. One thing that you will want to take note of is the different measurements that the bike racks have from the center of the hitch pin hole on your trailer hitch receiver to the bike rack while it is in certain positions.

The Kuat Transfer # KU74FR is a great option for a wheel mount bike rack. It is lightweight, easy to install, and is pretty cost-effective for a platform bike rack. When the bike rack is folded down the closest part of the rack is 6 inches to the center of the hitch pin hole and when it is folded up that same measurement is 6 inches.

If the Transfer is not compatible with your setup just let me know what the measurement is from the center of the hitch pin hole on your vehicle to the edge of the rear bumper and I will be happy to make a different recommendation for you. I have also attached a link to our selection of wheel mounted platform bike racks that are compatible with a Class I trailer hitch receiver like what your 2004 Volvo S40 will have.

expert reply by: Jon G

Jim Y.

7/28/2020

We have two step through trek electric bikes. A verve 2.0 plus and a verve 3.0 plus . Because the bikes don't have a center bar and they have fenders what is the 2" hitch rack recommendation.?

Jon G.

8/5/2020

You're going to want the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202. It uses maneuverable clamps (with padding) to secure your bikes by the frame which is perfect for unique frame style like what you have.