Will Adapter Bar Be Needed for Step Thru Bike Frame on Yakima Y02637 HangOut Trunk Mount Bike Rack

Question:

I am interested in the YakimaHang out to bike rack, will I be able to put non-standard bikes on there? Or will I need a tension bar? Specifically for women step through bikes. Thank you so much,

asked by: Melissa R

Expert Reply:

The Yakima # Y02637 HangOut bike rack is a quality bike rack that would work well on your 2018 Highlander.

Women's bikes with step-through frames don't fit very well on hanging style bike racks unless a frame adapter bar is used. The adapter bar spans the distance from the seat post to the handlebar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point for the bike rack. Yakima offers an adapter bar as part # Y02531, but there's no reason why you can't use a less expensive model like the # MPG2165 from Malone.

With an adapter bar, your bike will work just fine, as long as it weighs less than the 35lb per bike capacity of the rack.

expert reply by: Mike L