Will The RockyMounts MonoRail Solo Bike Rack Work With the RAD Mini ST ebike

Question:

Im looking for a single-bike rack and this seems to be the only one available that gets good reviews. BUT—will it work with a RAD Mini ST ebike, which has 3.5inch fat tires and fenders? Im concerned the latching mechanism that hooks over the front wheel/fork will not work well with the fender and/or damage the fender or push it out of whack when its tightened down to hold the bike.

asked by: Marianne

Expert Reply:

The RockyMounts MonoRail Solo Bike Rack for 1 Bike, # RKY10007 fits either a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" or 2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers. This has a weight capacity of 60lbs and can work with fat tire bikes up to 5". The carrier itself weighs 25 lbs. This is a hitch-mounted, platform-style rack with a ratcheting hook on a pivoting upright arm that hold your bike by the front wheel. I see that the front fender is short and does not extend very far forward of the front wheel, but the arm of the RockyMounts MonoRail Solo Bike Rack for 1 Bike, # RKY10007, does set at the top of the wheel and I think the fender will interfere with it.

For a single-bike bike rack, currently, I am not seeing anything that will work with your RAD Mini ST because of the fenders. My suggestion is that you go with the The Thule EasyFold XT 2 Bike Rack, # TH903202. This will fit tires that are up to 4-11/16" wide using Fat Bike Straps # TH985101. The EasyFold XT is one of the best bike racks available due to it's ability to transport many different types of bikes and has a weight capacity of 65 lb. per-bike. Please compare this to the weight of your RAD Mini as I think most step through models are close to 70lbs. Please note that if you can remove the batteries for transport this will reduce the weight of the bike if it is above the 65lb (per bike) weight capacity of this bike rack. In most situations it is best to remove the battery for transportation anyway. You do not want to exceed the max weight rating of the bike and bike rack combined against that of the hitch mounted to your 2018 Subaru Outback. Not knowing what hitch you have I cannot tell you what that rating is, please review the manual for your specific model. However, from the information available to me it looks like most any hitch for the 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon will be at least 350lbs. of tongue weight and most models are up to 600 lbs. So I doubt this will cause you an issue but please verify for safety.

expert reply by: Michael R