Bike Adapter Bar With Tension

Question:

Can you recommend a bike top tube adapter that provides tension? I recently purchased a Swagman 64005 adapter to go along with a Yakima Fulltilt rack purchased from eTrailer. The Swagman adapter provides no tension and does not seem secure enough. I have used a Yakima Y02531 adapter before and it seemed to provide some tension. Is there any adapters that you can recommend?

asked by: Garry R

Expert Reply:

Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar # Y02531 and Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005 will fit loosely on the bike until the bike is placed on a hanging style bike rack. These adapters have tension pushing out on them both ways. At that point gravity pulling the bike down, and the bike rack arms holding the adapter bar up, will keep it secure.

The Thule Bike Adapter Bar # TH982XT has a telescopic bar that allows you to adjust for different bike sizes and has A locking point to help keep the bike sturdy. It attaches to your bike's seat post and handlebar stem post, providing a horizontal bar for the bike rack to grab. When setting this adapter bar it does not move unless you unlock it.

I recommend doing a test run with the Swagman # 64005 and the bike loaded on the rack. Just a drive at a low speed, around the neighborhood to test. If you find that the adapter is behaving oddly consider the Yakima # Y02531 and the Thule Bike Adapter Bar # TH982XT.