Should Trunk or Hitch Mount Bike Rack be Used to Transport a Womens Bike with a 2018 Toyota Prius

Question:

From other postings, I see that the recommendation for the 2018 Toyota Prius is the Yakima FullBack part # Y02634. Is the Bike Frame Adapter Bar necessary for womens bikes? Are there any less expensive bike racks for the 2018 Prius on the market? We are not very tech/car-savvy, so assumed the trunk mount would be easiest, but are open to a hitch option if that is actually easier we just dont have experience with that style. Thank you.

asked by: Benay

Expert Reply:

The Yakima FullBack # Y02634 is a great option for a trunk mount bike rack that fits your 2018 Toyota Prius. There are a few other bike racks from Yakima that are more cost effective but it is worth noting that this rack comes with integrated bike and rack locks so by the time you add those features to the less expensive racks they are going to be at about the same price point.

An adapter bar like part # Y02531 is recommended to use with any hanging style bike rack if the bike doesn't have a horizontal top tube. Not all women's bikes need an adapter but it is much more common to need one for a woman's bike than a man's bike due to their typical design differences (some men's bikes do have alternative frame styles so it isn't a hard and fast rule). I have attached a video of this adapter being used for you to reference.

Since you sound open to using a trunk mount bike rack I highly recommend going this route instead. Trunk mount bike racks don't have to be removed to open your rear hatch and they are actually very easy to install (arguably easier than trunk mount racks). To carry a hitch mount rack you will need a trailer hitch on your Prius. I recommend the Draw-Tite # 24966 over the Curt because Curt requires the use of a support strap for bike rack and cargo carrier applications. A sample installation video has been linked for you to check out. If you don't feel comfortable installing it yourself a local trusted shop should easily be able to do this.

Then for a bike rack I highly recommend the Kuat Beta # B202-114 because it comes fully assembled and ready to install plus it has a shorter distance between the hanging arms which reduces the need for an adapter bar. This has an aluminum construction so it only weighs 12.6 lbs which makes it extremely easy to maneuver for when you are installing it in the hitch receiver. The Beta doesn't come with locks but those can easily be added with part # HL1 and # e98891. I have attached a sample video of this installed on a 2013 Prius that you can reference.

The hitch mount bike rack option costs a little more up front due to the extra expense of the trailer hitch but for an easy installation and the ability to access the rear hatch without removing the bike rack it is well worth it.