Top tube adaptor safe?
 

So my wife has a step through bike. We are taking a cycling vacation in a few weeks, I have a hanging bike rack for our SUV. So my options are a tray bike rack or get a top tube adapter. Adapter is WAY cheaper, but they seems hinkey to me. if you got one are they safe? do they work alright? I can an adapter for 50 bucks and would solve my issues. just want to be sure they are ok to use.

thanks!

I've used one from the to time for years. I really can't see a failure point in the design of the ones I have. But I can't tell you which ones I have. Sorry

I'd stick to the name brand versions (Saris, Yakima or Thule), but they're pretty foolproof and have been around for years.

Could you hang her bike upside down?

A friend used one for years before she bought a pickup. She never had a problem with it. Don't know which brand.

I have the Saris and use it for my wife's mountain bike. Never had a problem with it. We normally keep our road trips under a few hours, though.

No-name user here, it's worked fine for trips up to about 1,000 miles.

One note: it may be best if you attach it to the seat tube under the seat stays. No sense reverse stressing the saddle by hanging the bike from the seat tube.

I just don't see how....been messing with it and its just such a weird frame. I ride traditional shaped road/CX bikes but her Specialized Roll has a really deep step though and it just won't sit right in my Thule 2 up.


Thanks, we are going 6 hours, pretty far for us for a bike trip but not worried about that. If it will make a couple hours 6 wont matter.

thanks!!

I was going to get the either the Saris or Thule version, both get the better ratings. My rack is a Thule and its a really nice rack so probably Thule.

I would not get a cheap carrier like this. Seems like inviting a bad situation.

I assisted a friend and his wife load up their bikes after a ride. They had a bar for her step through. At first look seemed like a good idea, but when I looked closely it was really, really well conceived and executed, a real accomplishment for a "universal" solution. It was a name brand solution that matched their carrier. What was impressive was it was well padded at the points of contact with her frame and had, even after many uses, not marred the frame. I believe they have a Thule or Yakima hitch rack, as it was mounted on a VW Golf.

UPDATE****


got the Saris version, liked the build and got is for $32 at my local shop. Feels really well built and holds great.

thanks all!