Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

by: MN.Biking01/30/2021

This adapter bar works well. I like that it extends to different lengths. Just make sure to measure your bike before ordering to get the right one for your bike. It's lightweight as well. 947658

This rack is excellent. Easy to install and easy to get the bikes on and off. We bought the adapter bar for my bike (women's). We live in the city and wanted a rack we could easily take on and off and store in the cargo area of our Renegade. This rack fits perfectly! The tilting function is worth spending the extra money so that we can still access our hatch back. Also etrailer is a great company. The rack came quickly, well packed, and they opened the rack box and put the other parts we ordered inside the rack box to cut down an waste from extra shipping materials. We order all our racks and related gear for toting our skis and bikes from etrailer. 817232

Kat at etrailer was very specific and knowledgeable as to what I needed for my car. The installation was done by a mechanic but I probably could have figured it out. My husband was grateful that he didn't have to install it but he was super impressed on how it looked and its sturdy strength. Haven't had a nice day in Texas since it was installed so I will report back as to how the bike rides on the rack. Overall, very impressed. Shipping was fast too! 188798

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Today I installed the Gateway XT 2 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount and used the Thule Bike Adapter Bar - Womens & Alt. Frame Bikes to hang two bikes on the back of my 2013 Mustang, 2 dr, with factory spoiler. I read the instructions over breakfast. It seemed pretty simple, and it was. Of course, being the first time installing the carrier it was a little slow as I figured out what went where but referring back to the instructions made the install go smoothly. A couple points of note: 1) Not too comfortable that the strap clips won't scratch the paint. They're coated but not padded. I'll probably glue a thin rubber padding to the inside of the top and bottom clips. The side clips just barely slide on and there is no room for any additional padding. 2) Discovered that I needed to secure the inside pedal upward to ensure it did not bang against the bumper. I used a mini-bungee cord but weaving the supplied tie down strap might do the trick. Not sure (yet) which is fastest/easiest method. Definitely need the tie down strap to keep the front wheel of the inside bike from beating against the car. 3) Although the Adapter Bar does hold my wife's bike level, the bar at its shortest position is a few inches too long leaving gaps at the front and back. There did not appear to be a way to lock the bar length and only the ripple straps to keep the bar from vibrating looser. Hopefully not a problem on long drives or bumpy roads. I'm attaching a couple photos from the install process that you are free to use. Sincerely, JP Hanover, PA 407339

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Bought this Thule bike adapter bar for my wife's Mango Longboard fat-tire beach cruiser. We already had the Thule 2-bike carrier, not sure what model number. The bar works fine for hanging the bike on the carrier, but we haven't traveled with it yet; it will get a 1000+ mile trial run soon. With this bar and this particular bike the bike's front wheel hangs too low to leave it on the bike. It's a quick-release style wheel, so not a big deal to remove, but the wheel takes up extra space inside the vehicle. I don't like that the weight of the bike is being held by the handle bar post and the seat, but that's just the nature of these adapters and there is really no other way to put this type of bike on this type of carrier without it. The bar is rated for 50 lbs. and the bike weighs 37 lbs., including the front wheel, so I expect this bar to work fine for us. 272842

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Good sturdy tool. Would not be able to load the women's hybrid on the Thule Raceway 2 Bike Carrier without it. It's somewhat of an awkward fit and that's just because the bike is a bit of a beast. 106617

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by: Donald B.08/17/2018

This adaptor bar works as advertised. Each of the two collars at either end has a push-button release to raise and lower a segment of the collar, enabling you to capture the seat post at one end and your handlebar neck on the other. You can adjust the length of the tube as needed; though, the movement does not work as smoothly as I might like. Once in place on the bike, the adaptor fits loosely on the rack, but gravity, the rack straps, and a bungee cord or two keep everything in place. Don't expect it to fit as snugly as a bike frame that doesn't require an adaptor; this thing is merely a jury-rig to get a step-through bike frame to rest on the rack in a conventional manner. To that end it does a satisfactory job. The price is perhaps a bit high for what is otherwise a two-dollar pipe and some interlocking, plastic collars, but overall construction is sturdy enough for normal wear and tear. Keep it stored out of the weather and it should last for years. 554917

After a year the product operates just as well as it did when purchased. I use it several times a summer and dont have any major complaints. I would likely buy it again.

Donald B - 08/17/2019

Very pleased with quality and engineering of Thule bike rack. Assembly was easy and instructions well written and easy to follow. Excellent product! 446254

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This thing works great, my mtb has a top tube that drops down and it makes it awkward to hang on my bike rack. With this adapter it's no longer hanging down at a weird angle. I just keep it in my jeep when I'm not using it. 874793

It’s exactly what I needed to secure my unisex bike to the trailer properly. It’s well made & the quality one would expect from a Thule product. 908188

by: Ryan S12/12/2020

Works great. I wish it had more position options because the shortest position is still too long for the bike, but it still works! Used it the first week for a 7 hour road trip after Xmas and had zero problems. 922247

I never even thought about ordering this part, but was so glad Dan at etrailer.com suggested it. It worked perfectly and actually made it easier to lift my bike up onto the bike rack itself. Would recommend getting to anyone who has a mountain bike like myself. 529824

Its been a year since I purchased this item and Im so glad I did. I even went and purchased another one for my sons bike.

Alena - 08/11/2019

Bar works well with the Thule rack. Look at instructions on how to open it up. Wasn't intuitive just looking at it, but pretty easy to use. It was a good buy and would recommend it if you get a Thule rack. 92285

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I purchased the Thule TH982XT bike adapter. It appears to work as advertised, however, there is no minimum length specification provided. The video claims this model will work on women's, as well as kids bikes; but when the adapter is fully reduced, it is still about 2-3" too long for my wife's bike. This causes the unit to drop down so the bar is not level, nor tight. I suppose it will still perform as intended. 554149

Per the product description, the Thule TH982XT has a span that is adjustable from 16 to 31-12 inches. The bar with the shortest span would be the Yakima TubeTop, part # Y02531
Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar
$49.00 which is adjustable from 14-12 to 31-12 inches. As long as the clamps on either end are secured and the rack is secured to the adapter bar, the bike wont go anywhere.

-- Mike L - 08/16/2018

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I'm from a generation that's still very skeptical about making purchases online, sight unseen, without ever putting my hands on it. Yes, I'm that guy. I surfed around looking at different bike carriers for my Jeep with 17" wheels. I mention that because I wanted to use my trailer hitch for the carrier. I even went to a few brick and mortar stores so I could "touch" it. Couldn't find the right one so I went back to the web and found etrailer.com. It was the only site that I felt offered the best selection and had enough reviews to back them up. Still being a skeptic and missing that "touch" I put off the purchase for a few more weeks. Gave me time to look a little more at the brick and mortar shops for kicks. Finally I was ready. I came back etrailer.com and phoned in to order. Still wanted to have a human in the process. Times are changing and I'm changing with them, so when a woman answered the phone I had a momentary reaction that made me think that she wouldn't be able to help. Before I took another second to doubt, I just started with questions and she knew all the answers. The reviews were right and that was a pleasant surprise. She gave me some options but we both agreed that for what I wanted, my original selection was the best option. No pressure to upsell me, just the right equipment for the job. I paid for the carrier and she said I'd have it by the end of the week. I doubted that even though it was Monday evening. Thursday of that week my order arrived. Two bolts and it was attached to my Jeep. Just like that I was ready to go. Thanks to all the helpful folks at etrailer.com 290387

Thanks, I’m very happy with them. They work like they’re supposed to and have given me no trouble.

T.J. M - 10/27/2017

Works well on bikes without a straight frame rail. (Wife’s bike). No more crooked bike on rack. Good product. 817596

Thule Adapter Bar works as described. I bought two of them, one for my wife's bike and one for my full suspension. They both work as they should with the Spare Me Carrier. 79397

Still holding up without any issues! No rust or any other defects.

Jon C - 05/08/2014

Excellent information at/during shipping, follow up once delivered as well. Very pleased. Going to pickup today!! Can’t wait. 952186

by: Sheri03/12/2018

One year Updated Review: I can't remember my first review but I do know it was positive. That said, I'm still in love with my Thule 2-Bike Rack! It has held up beautifully with me feeling relaxed knowing my bikes are secure and safe as I transport them to and fro! Within the next two years, I will be in the market for a new vehicle and as such, I'm thinking about the type vehicle and all the 'accessories' I will expect. One of my 'must haves' WILL be another Thule Bike rack similar to what I purchased prior in order to accommodate my new vehicle! I will NOT consider any other product and I'm so grateful a friend recommended I look into Thule for my first purchase of bike racks! It may seem silly, but I observe ALL cars passing me on the streets that have bike racks...... I think to myself, 'mine is BETTER than theirs'!!! Lol. 484062

Turns out that the adapter bar for women's bikes didn't make it easier for us to put two bikes on the Thule raceway Pro rack. I am returning it. 472844

Carolyn,Thank you for your review. This adapter bar adapts womens, alternative, oversize and some childrens bike frames to fit various bike racks. It does allow the alternative frame bike to hang level which could create more room for a second bike.

-- Heather A - 02/06/2018

Thanks for the great service! The Thule converter bar was exactly what I needed to be able to transport and store my new sissy style women's bike. 106719

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We got the Thule Raceway 2 carrier and a pair of Thule adapter bars. Both seem to be well designed and solidly constructed. The carrier itself is very heavy, and I'm a little worried about the stress that it and the bikes must put on the trunk lid. I'll be interested to see if it has deformed any sheet metal or the plastic bumper covering when I remove it. I'm using the carrier on a new Dodge Dart, which is listed in the printed instructions, but just with a note to look online for updated new-model information. Unfortunately the Thule website seems to the even more outdated. It doesn't even list the Dart, and the carriers it shows are completely different models from the ones available now. But a phone call to E-trailer got me the information I needed for installation. In connection with my purchase, I consulted several different E-trailer people via phone and e-mail, and all were very helpful and professional. Delivery was extremely fast. I entered my online order late Monday afternoon, and the shipment arrived shortly after noon on Wednesday. 327077

I installed this bike rack on a 2007 Rav4. The interface with the spare tire mount was simple and sturdy. The anti sway cages don't fit as in the instructions but do hold the bike very steady. I appreciate how the design allows full use of the back door w bike attached. I had some trouble with getting the lock installed on the attachment knob, better instructions ( there were none) would have saved a call to Thule with 20 min on hold. Overall it's a very well designed and stable system, I'd recommend it. 49217

When you buy an expensive bike rack for your boyfriend for his birthday (not from etrailer), you expect it will work for all bikes and it can be disappointing to discover your boyfriend's bike will fit on the new bike rack, but yours won't. Enter this reasonably priced bar adapter thing. It saved me from having to return the new bike rack. And they shipped it super-quick. This bar adapter thing arrived before something I ordered from Amazon the day before. Very pleased. One star off because the bar is a little loose. The manufacturer of the bar should include better instructions. But 5 stars for etrailer. 277657