Bike Rack Options For Downhill Mountain Bike With Slanted Frame

Question:

Our current bike rack doesnt work with my sons downhill bike - because of the frame shape picture attached. Do you know if this bike rack will work for this mountain bike?

asked by: Jana M

Expert Reply:

I can see how the frame of your sons bike has a slanted cross tube which may make it difficult to properly hang it on a hanging bike rack because there is not a horizontal surface to hang the bike from. That would be the same issue you will have with the Malone RunWay part # MPG2130 because it's a hanging bike rack.

One way to possibly fix this is to use a Rhino-Rack Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes part # RRRBCA021 which attaches at the handle bar stem and bike seat stem. Taking a look at your photo, it doesn't look like the bike has a handle bar stem and the bike seat is still slanted. If you do have a handle bar stem that is at least 2" then this adapter bar will work for you. The bike will still hang crooked on the bike rack but the adapter bar will give you a surface to hang the bike from on the rack at the very least.

If you would rather not deal with the bike still hanging at an angle the only option is a platform rack. I recommend to use Hollywood Racks Trail Rider 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches part # HR200Z which uses ratcheting hook to hold the bikes by the frame along with wheels cradles to keep the bikes secure. I have attached a video for your reference.

expert reply by: Heather A