How to Fit Thule EasyFold XT Clamping Arm with Odd-Shaped Bike Frame

Question:

I have a Trek Powefly FS9 E-bike and the sloping cross bar is 2 3/4 inch wide with a thickness of 1 inch. I have a very frustrating time of lining up the short arm jaws to the bikes frame without it releasing from the hitch grab bar. The dealer has tried to help me with my problem but I continue to struggle without success in using the short arm and trusting that it will hold. Now I am using two, 3 inch wide velcro bundle straps instead of the short arm. The EasyFold XT rack is otherwise the answer to loading my 58lbs E-bike by myself. Is there a foolproof, easy and secure way of attaching the short arm to the hitch grab bar?

asked by: Maryann L

Expert Reply:

Thank you for all of the details!

One of the strengths of the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack # TH903202 are the clamping arms that can be moved individually, but sometimes that can be a weakness like what you're seeing in your situation.

For your application I recommend using the Thule Bike Adapter Bar # TH982XT so you have a standard-sized top tube that the clamp can easily attach to. This bar will fit around the handlebar and seat posts so you have a little freedom of movement on where to connect the clamp.

Attached is a photo of someone doing this with their RAD step-thru e-Bike for you to get an idea of what I'm talking about.

expert reply by: Jon G