Can anyone recommend a bike car rack which would work for transporting kids bikes (small frames for 3 & 5yrs old) that fits on the back of a minivan? I have a client who keeps coming up empty-handed and I can’t believe there’s not a manufacturer that makes one. My contact at the LBS told me:
‘Because of the shape of the frames on most of these kids bikes now a days, it has been increasingly hard to transport them on the back of rear racks. My experience in the past with the size bikes she has for her kids, it has been close to impossible to get a fit.’
Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!
Brian:
There are actually quite a few; for instance, I like the Thule Speedway series.
The thing about rear carriers is you have to be both mechanically adept and have just a smidgen of physics smarts. Many folks see all the straps and angle adjustments and just wig out or they botch the installation resulting in road and bike mayhem. For those folks, we used to recommend the trailer hitch models but they are pretty expensive by comparison.
As for the frames of kids bikes being too small, yes they won’t fit as the mfg.'s instructions show a full size bike fitting (support bars going neatly through the main triangle, under the top tube) but dang, see my mechanically adept and science reference above. If the bike is assembled properly (read: bolts and wheels secure) hang the bikes by whatever appurtenance you can that fits. I also use compression straps (NEVER EVER USE BUNGIE CORDS-THEY SHOULD BANNED) creatively to secure smaller bikes on rear racks. Done diligently, you will never have a problem.
Final tip, ALWAYS CHECK YOUR REAR CARRIER AFTER ABOUT FIVE MINUTES OF INITIALLY PULLING AWAY FROM THE CURB AND THEN EVERY HOUR AFTER ON LONG DRIVES FOR STRAP SLIPPAGE OR LOOSENING LOADS. Rear carriers are only as good as the person using them.
(By the way, I use a Rhode Gear carrier on the back of my Sienna. Been hauling kids’ bikes on it for near ten years with nary a problem. But then again, I’m kind of special 
Tim,
Thx for the detailed RE. I contacted Rhode Gear and they are no longer making that rack so I think I’ll be looking at Thule to see how we can rig it.