Metrobus racks

[Bill Hole]

To anyone who has used the bike racks on Metrobus – I’ve looked at the instructions for using the rack at Metro’s web site, and it’s not clear to me if they will work on a bike that has fenders. It looks like the spring-loaded bar is supposed to rest against the tire. Can I mount my commuter bike with fenders on one of those racks?

Thanks!

Topic

[skreaminquadz]

Good question. I’ve used the racks on the bus numerous times but never with fenders.

For what it’s worth, I have a rear hitch type rack on my Jeep that works just like the racks on the bus. I am able to use my fendered bikes on it. While I don’t “feel” it secures it quite as well because I can’t get the arm as high on the wheel, it’s never given me a problem. I would just make sure you don’t cover the fender with the arm, it’ll most likely break the fender. Rest the arm just off the fender.

[Tim Kelley]

I think it depends on how flexible your fenders are. Mine are not very rigid and I’ve had my bike on a bus rack. It just kind of squished them down a bit.

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(This was a bike-on-bus photo shot we did with ART. That’s not me, but it is my bike…)

[Bill Hole]

Thanks for the info. I think I’ll ride up to the Silver Spring bus chaos next weekend, find an idle bus, and see for myself how it will work with my fenders.

[consularrider]

I’ve used the racks with both a 26″ tire old school mountain bike and a 700 tire hybrid. Both have fenders and I had no problems.

[Steve O]

I have fenders and have used the bike racks a number of times. The hook that rests on your tire can be placed on the front tire just ahead of your front fender and that will hold your bike in place. You don’t have to put the hook on your fender.
I have a road bike with fenders like these:

I also have a 3-speed “toodler” bike with old-timey chrome fenders and it works the same way.

This is a great question. Maybe I’ll take a photo next time.

[WillStewart]

Has anyone tried putting a folding trike on one of these racks? Or even a non-folding trike? I’m assume a well-placed bungee would suffice, though I have no idea what the bus driver would do.

[FFX_Hinterlands]

I’ve taken my steel-fendered 26″ (x 1.95) bike on Fairfax County Bus Racks. The hook is supposed to go over the top of the tire(12 oclock) and it didn’t hold my bike very well at the 10/2 o clock position. A driver suggested that I bring a strap with me to help hold it down. I had a Rivendell “Irish Strap” with me and it helped quite a bit. So bring a strap with you if you’re not sure.

[CCrew]

@WillStewart 1971 wrote:

Has anyone tried putting a folding trike on one of these racks? Or even a non-folding trike? I’m assume a well-placed bungee would suffice, though I have no idea what the bus driver would do.

Those racks are very clearly made for 2 wheel bikes. Even some of those have difficulties. I can imagine the trike will be a huge stretch, and if it takes up two spots actually a bit rude.

[Author]

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