Trunk Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle to Carry a Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Question:

Trunk Bike Rack Recommendation to fit a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle and Carry a Beach Cruiser.

asked by: Midge

Expert Reply:

There are a number of trunk-mount bike carrier options to fit your 2001 Volkswagen Beetle provided it is a hard top model and not a convertible.

Racks are available from both Thule and Yakima and are offered in 2- and 3-bike capacities. Some come equipped with locks for the bike, the carrier or both, while others do not. The link provided will take you to our main page for trunk bike racks for the 2001 Beetle; you can use the filters at the left-hand side of the page to narrow the results to those carriers with the features and characteristics you prefer. We offer products in a variety of price ranges.

Carriers vary in their weight, and if your beach cruiser is especially heavy then you might consider a carrier that is light in weight; this will help to minimize the stresses on the vehicle. Note that most carriers are rated for bikes that weigh up to 35-lbs.

For example, the Thule Passage 2, part # TH910XT, weighs only 12 lbs (and does not include locks) while the OutWay 2, part # TH45JV, offers heavy-duty construction, includes locks for both the carrier itself and your bikes, and weighs about 13-lbs.

Since many beach cruiser bikes have unusual frame designs (without a main horizontal top frame tube) an adapter bar may help support your bike on the carrier arms. For example, Thule offers their adapter bar, part # TH982XT. This simple device attaches to the seat and handlebar posts to provide a level surface to mate with the carrier arms. It will help to keep the bike level on the carrier to ensure safe ground clearance at the wheels.

I have linked an article about trunk racks that might be useful to you as you consider your preferences.