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Thule Frame Adapter XT

$31.89
$39.95^*

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(4)

Item # 816691

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The Thule Frame Adapter XT allows you to carry non-standard frames such as women's frame bikes or BMX bikes on a Thule hanging-style, hitch mount bike rack.

Telescopic adjustment design fits all size bike frames
Molded rubber pads protect bike finish; durable rubber mounting collars secure easily and safely to bike stem and seat post
Thule Frame Adapter XT attachment and removal is simple, thanks to the easy push-button release mechanism

Please note: Thule products cannot be shipped to Canadian addresses.

Imported.

Item 816691

View all Thule products

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Thule Frame Adapter XT Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Thule Frame Adapter XT

4.5

(based on 4 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Easy to use (3)
Lightweight (3)

Cons

Best Uses

- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)

Reviewed by 4 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-4

Feb

2013

3.0

Decent adapter for non-standard frames

By hkrf1317

from Colorado

About Me Avid Cyclist

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy to Use
Lightweight

Cons

Not Spring-loaded
Stiff Joints

Best Uses

Women's Bikes

Comments about Thule Frame Adapter XT:

I recently bought a Thule hitch-mounted bike rack for my little car and needed this adapter for my women's frame bike. It works well, is easy to get on and off, except one of the rotating joints is stiff, so when you press in on the release, you also have to push up hard at the same time to get it to rotate. On the other hand, it makes the adapter feel more secure and less likely to fail while on the road.

I've read complaints that this adapter will not fit children's bikes or smaller frames. I have an average sized frame for a women's bike and it fits just fine. The telescoping capability is nice for larger bikes but I barely need to extend it to fit properly.

The adapter holds the bike securely, I had no problems with it coming loose, etc. during transport.

A few complaints - the adapter is a little thick at the ends, which keeps those ends from sitting in my bike rack's saddles. I only complain about this because it prevents me from properly using the anti-sway cage that came with my rack, since that requires the seat tube to be positioned right against the saddle. I can't get the seat tube close enough to the saddle/support to use my anti-sway cage.

My other complaint is much more minor and applies more to the bike rack, but someone could very easily steal my bike using this, since all they would need to do is pop my bike out of the adapter to get it loose. My rack comes with a locking cord, but it isn't long enough to properly secure my bike with the adapter on it. It would have been nice if Thule had designed the adapter to lock onto the bike with a key or combination-based release. Otherwise, I'll just buy an extra bike lock and finagle a way to lock it in.

Overall, the Thule adapter does the job. It keeps the bike secure and holds my bike's heavy aluminum frame well. I'm happy with it, but there's nothing great to write home about.

Comment on this review

Jan

2013

5.0

Not Cheap but provides a solid mounting

By NCStephen

from Hillsborough NC

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Durable
Easy to Install
Easy to Use
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Ladies Step Thru Frames
Mountain Bikes
Road Bikes

Comments about Thule Frame Adapter XT:

When loading a bike with no top bar or it has a frame that is a very low, tight diamond with rear suspension equipment, this accessory for putting a temporary top bar works very well. The price, like most Thule items, isn't cheap. If you are talented workshop person you can make one. If you aren't and have to carry a bike like this regularly, buy this even if you use another rack. I have this in the car and it gets used regularly when meeting up with friends to go for a ride. It is vastly easier to use this than tilt, angle, slide the bike forward and back, and try to slip rack arms with carriers into tiny frame spots. We recently carried a Specialized Ladies Cruiser bike. It is very upright with a very tall stem bike and using the bar from seat to stem still resulted in the front wheel being very low. This temporary top bar then went from seat to one of the forks and worked well in that position. If you are going to have a bike that will be low to the ground, mount it first on the rack so it will not suffer from being mounted at the end so far from the rear axle so best avoiding a chance of dragging it.

While initially pricey it has made loading a varity of bike styles easily possible. Even if you can load your own bike and you are going to be carrying bikes of friends for outtings, this little gadget makes the experience change from one where it is almost impossible to get a bike mounted to one of ease. It is a good product for this purpose.

NCS

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

5.0

Great for Dual Suspension Mountain Bikes

By PiperNY

from New York

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Cons

Best Uses

Comments about Thule Frame Adapter XT:

I used the adapter bar to get my Trek Fuel EX dual suspension mountain bike on my Thule Helium rack. Without it, there's no way I could transport my bike with the hitch rack.

It's also very easy to use and seems well made.

Comment on this review

Jun

2011

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Does what it says

By d1975

from Charlotte, NC

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Durable
Easy to Install
Easy to Use
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Large Cars
Mountain Bikes
Road Bikes
Small Cars

Comments about Thule Frame Adapter XT:

I have a Specialized full suspension bike & it's really difficult to fit my hitch rack until now. Fits on in an instant, really easy to uninstall & you're on the way. Set it & forget it. Does what it says.