Bike Rack Recommendations For a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI With 1-1/4 Hitch

Question:

2002 Jetta TDI with a 1.25inch hitch. Do you have either hardware or a rack that can carry a womans bike as well as a mans bike at the same time? Thanks

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

We have exactly what you will need to carry a womens and a mans bike with your 2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

The first decision you will want to make is the style of bike rack that you want. You can get either a platform-style bike rack or a hanging style bike rack. The main difference between the two, other than the mounting style, is that an adapter bar, like the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, # TH982XT, may be necessary for angled or alternative bike frames with the hanging style bike racks.

Most womens bikes have angled frames and it can be difficult to mount them on a bike rack, but the adapter bar will clip to the seat post and the handle bar post to create a level crossbar so you can mount the bike easily. I have attached a review video of this adapter bar for you to check out.

I have provided you with two links, one contains all of our platform-style bike racks that will fit your vehicle and the other contains all of the hanging-style bike racks that will fit your vehicle.

For a hanging-style bike rack, I would recommend either the Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack, # S63360, or the Thule Helium Aero 2 Bike Rack, # TH9042PRO. Both bike racks have many useful features such as anti-sway cradles to reduce the movement of your bikes on the rack and folding design that will allow you to access your truck without having to remove the rack. The Thule Helium bike rack features a high quality, light weight design whereas the Swagman Trailhead will be the more economical option.

I have attached the installation instructions for both bike racks as well as a review video of the Helium bike rack for you to check out.

The platform-style bike rack is a very popular style that only requires an adapter if the bike has an extreme angled frame and makes it much easier to mount your bikes.

Two of our most popular platform-style bike racks are the Swagman XTC-2, # S64670, and the Thule Doubletrack Pro XT, # TH92BJ. I have attached a review video for each of these bike racks for you to check out and compare.