Can I Mount My Burley Recumbent Bike To Thule Apex 5 Bike Carrier

Question:

Ive been browsing the Thule and Yakima 5 bike racks. Both nice. My question is this, how well will my Burley recumbent and 3 other bikes work on either of these? Ive been looking at the 5 bike to allow a bit more room to load the Burley. Thanks.

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you to carry your Burley Recumbent bike and 3 other bikes, but the Thule Apex XT 5 Bike Carrier # TH9026XT is not intended to be used with Recumbent bikes.

Since you will be carrying so many bikes, there are a few options you have. One would be to carry your recumbent bike and one of the other bikes on a hitch bike rack and then carry the other 2 on a roof rack bike rack. For a hitch bike rack to accommodate your recumbent bike, I would recommend the Swagman XC-Extended Platform-Style 2 Bike Carrier, part # S64650-EXT. This bike rack will work with bikes that have a wheel base of up to 66 inches and has a maximum weight capacity of 80 pounds.

The other option would be to use a roof mounted recumbent bike rack like the Thule Tandem/Recumbent Bike Rack, part # TH558P. This roof bike rack is designed to carry recumbent bikes and a bike can be loaded easily by one person. Then, you would use a hitch bike rack to carry your other 3 bikes, like the Yakima RidgeBack Bike Carrier, part # Y02458.

If you decide to go with a hanging bike rack like the RidgeBack, and will be carrying womens, childrens or alternative frame bikes, I would recommend using the Swagman Easy-Out Frame Adapter Bar, part # 64005. This adapter bar will make attaching those types of bikes to the rack easier and allow them to be mounted level.

I have linked a video review and instructions for the Thule Tandem/Recumbent Bike Rack, part # TH558P.