Using Thule Frame Adapter Like Part # TH982XT on Step-Through Frame Bike

Question:

Love your co. and web site - wish I had found it months ago...before my parents gave me this as a gift from REI who are not experts when it comes to racks. Anyway, I have a ladies low step through bike and even with a bike bar adapter, the bike still slants heavily toward the front but I just reviewed the video again and the guys bike is fairly close Specialized Expedition. So my questions are 1 How far off the ground should the bike tire be at a minimum? 2 Can the bike adapter bar be used in the forged frame area below the handle bars as this would elevate the front on the rack? All the adapter videos online use ladies mid-bar bike not total step through. Thank you!

asked by: Ann D

Expert Reply:

The frame adapter, like the Thule # TH982XT can be attached in the way you describe, as long as there is enough clearance for the for the hook on the end of the bar to attach securely. I would make sure that the lowest portion of the bike tire is no lower than the bottom of the trailer hitch receiver. It would work well with the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack you'd looked at, part # TH9043PRO. If you click the provided link, you can see how the adapter bar works.

expert reply by: Mike L