Buddy Bike, Alternative Tandem Bicycle, Adaptive & Therapeutic Cycling for Special Needs

Bike Rack Systems

Many of our customers ask for bike rack suggestions. At this time Buddy Bike does not suggest any specific make or model of bike rack for use with the Buddy Bike. The weight of the Buddy Bike varies by model and is between 53 and 62 pounds. This weight is well under that required by most bike racks but due to the size and dimensions of the Buddy Bike, not all bike racks could be safely used. The Buddy Bike is a "tandem bicycle" although it is shorter than the typical tandem. Some bike racks specify that they are not for use with tandem bicycles. For safety, read your bike rack Owner's Manual before mounting the Buddy Bike on any rack.

Pick up trucks, SUVs and vans are by far the best option for transporting Buddy Bikes but if you don't have this type of vehicle, we asked our customers to participate in a survey and have posted their responses below.

If you are using a bike rack with your Buddy Bike, please feel free to send us your bike rack suggestions.

Buddy Bike does not endorse any of the products mentioned below nor guarantee the safety of these products.

Shelley's Pick
I drive a Honda Civic equipped with a hitch and a hitch rack. My hitch was installed by U-Haul but you can also check with your auto dealer. I bought my hitch rack at my local bike shop (Bell's Bicycles). You have to match your hitch rack to your hitch size. For example, my rack fits a 1.25" hitch. To make the Buddy Bike extra secure, especially for long trips, I use straps to secure it to the hitch. My favorite strap to use is a nylon dog leash. The just don't break and are easy to wrap, tie and clip on to the bike and hitch. When I am transporting 2 or more Buddy Bikes I rent a van or mini-van.

Rec-Rac
Economical rack system for pick up trucks. Buddy Bike is up to 84" long so some pick ups may need to keep rear gate lowered or quick release front tire may be removed.

Performance Xport Flatbed 4-bike Hitch Rack Item #40-3560M. The wheelbase on the Buddy Bike is just a few inches too long to fit both wheels perfectly in the wheel slots, but it works quite well anyway. You can strap in both wheels and then I add a bungee cord for extra security.

I have a Thule 590R V2 Recumbent bike carrier that I mounted to the top of my Toyota Sienna Mini Van. We traveled over 3,000 miles with it on top of the van this summer while on vacation and it was great. I am able to put the bike on by myself but 2 adult males are recommended to safely put the bike on the vehicle and to remove it.

NOW AVAILABLE! 2008 Buddy Bikes with aluminum frames! These bikes are lighter and make lifting the Buddy Bike onto roof racks somewhat easier.

I own two 4 bike racks. A Yakima and a Thule. the Thule is more friendly towards recumbents and short tandems.

Mounts in the hitch on back of a van. Manufactured by DRAW TIGHT (four bike model). I have to remove front wheel due to size. MAKE THE FRONT WHEEL AND BRAKE AS EASY AS POSSIBLE TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL.

The front wheel of the Buddy Bike has a quick release for easy removal.

Whatever LEXUS sells. It is O.K.

What this customer probably means is that they took their bike to their car dealer to install a hitch. U-haul also provides this service. They will select the hitch that is appropriate for your car make and model. The dealer may also install a bike rack but your local bike shop can probably provide a rack at a lower cost. Hitch racks are much sturdier than strap racks. Buddy Bike does not suggest any strap rack for carrying Buddy Bikes.

One customer likes hitch mount Saris T-Rax Pro 4 bike rack. He says it works great for the Buddy Bike. Another customer uses Saris Bones 2 or 3 bike rack. He also likes that it comes in various colors to match your car.

Buddy Bike does not endorse any of the products mentioned above nor guarantee the safety of these products.