Is an Adapter Bar Required for Alternative Frame and Kids Bikes on the Thule Gateway Bike Rack

Question:

Hello, I want to purchase the Thule OutWay 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount for my Volvo XC90 2012 from etrailer.com. However, Im not sure if I will need an Thule Bike Adapter Bars for my wife's Linus Dutchie 3 or my 3 year old's little bike? How do I know for sure? Since they are additional cost I don't want to waste funds.

asked by: Neil

Expert Reply:

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # TH982XT. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my sons bike at all.

There are other adapter bars that you could use that cost less. I have used a lot of them and the easiest one to use is the Swagman Easy-Out, # 64005. I have linked a video showing how it works.

A bike for a 3-year-old is going to be very small, possibly too small even when using an adapter bar. It may need to be loaded inside the vehicle. If that is the case then you can go with the 2 bike version # TH45JV and get one less adapter bar. I have linked a video review of this rack for you. You might want to just get the 3-bike rack since your child will grow and use bigger bikes.

expert reply by: Michael H