Recommended Best Womens Bike Carrier Versus Hanging Bike Carrier

Question:

Is there a bike rack that works better for Womens bikes rather than the Yakima Hang Out rack?

asked by: Diane

Expert Reply:

The Yakima HangOut 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms # Y02638 and similar hanging style racks are not ideal for women's bikes simply due to the frame design without a top frame tube. Because of this, manufacturers came up with the adapter bar like the Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar # Y02531 to fit under the seat and connect to the handlebars creating that top frame tube to allow you to transport the bike level and with necessary ground clearance. If you go with a hanging style rack, then I do recommend this.

For a trunk mounted bike rack, I recommend the Security Strap for Yakima Trunk Mounted Bike Carrier # Y02623 to secure your rack to your locked trunk and cable lock like # e98891.

The only way to get a bike rack that works better for a women's bike is to use a platform style rack or a tray mounted rack that is more common with a hitch mount or roof mount carrier. This is a better option simply because of the way it holds the bike by making the wheels a connection point and then supporting either the frame or forks or using wheel hooks. These styles are not impacted by a lower top frame rail.

There are also trunk mounted platform bike racks like the Thule OutWay 2-Bike Platform Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms # TH65Jv.

One final option is the SeaSucker Komodo Trunk Bike Rack - Fork Mount - Vacuum Cup Mounted - Black # 298-BK1910-BK which holds the bike by the fork and rear tire.