Choosing the right thru-axle adapter is essential when attaching a trailer to a bike with a thru-axle system. This guide highlights five top options that fit a range of common trailer brands and shaft lengths. Each product below adapts 12mm thru-axle frames to hitch mounts on popular trailers, helping riders upgrade compatibility without replacing wheels or trailers. These adapters support versatile setups, from family bikes to utility trailers, and come with varying shaft lengths and spacers for a precise fit.
Below you will find a quick product summary table and detailed sections for each option, explaining shaft length, thread pitch, and brand compatibility. Use the Buying Guide at the end to compare features, installation ease, and long-term value.
| Product | Brand | Shaft Length (mm) | Thread Pitch | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIER Thru Axle Adapter 167–185 | ODIER | 167–185 | 1.0/1.5/1.75 | Instep, Schwinn, Allen Sports, Thule Chariot, Burley, Hamax, Retrospec and others |
| ODIER Thru Axle Adapter 174 | ODIER | 174 | 1.0 | Instep, Schwinn, Allen Sports, Thule Chariot, Burley, Hamax, Retrospec and others |
| Burley Thru Axle | Burley Design | — | — | Connects 12mm thru-axle bikes to Burley trailers |
| Saioagi Adjustable M12x1.0/1.5/1.75 Axle (164–174) | Saioagi | 157–185 | 1.0/1.5/1.75 | Wide range of bikes and trailers requiring 12mm thru-axle adapters |
| Jexobox Universal Thru Axle Adapter 157–192 | Jexobox | 157–192 | 1.0/1.5/1.75 | Thule bikes and other thru-axle systems |
ODIER 12mm Thru Axle Adapter 167–185mm
This 12mm thru-axle adapter is compatible with popular trailer brands, including Instep, Schwinn, Allen Sports, Thule Chariot, Burley, Hamax, and Retrospec. The true shaft length ranges from 167mm to 185mm and can be shortened with included spacers. Installing requires a standard 5mm hex wrench, and note that the bike trailer hitch itself is not included in the kit. The adapter enables a secure connection between a thru-axle bike and a compatible trailer hitch.
Key details include broad brand compatibility, adjustable length via spacers, and a simple installation process. This option is well-suited for riders who own multiple bike trailers or switch bikes often, provided the trailer and bike share a compatible 12mm thru-axle system.
ODIER 12mm Thru Axle Adapter 174mm
This ODier adapter matches many common trailer setups, supporting brands like Instep, Schwinn, Allen Sports, Thule Chariot, Burley, Hamax, and Retrospec. The true shaft length is listed at 167–185mm with spacers included to shorten as needed. A standard 5mm hex wrench is required for installation, and the actual trailer hitch is not part of the kit. Its 174mm length suits riders who know their axle measurement and require a precise fit for longer shafts.
The 174mm variant emphasizes straightforward adjustability and compatibility across a broad range of bikes and trailers. If your axle length is known to be near 174mm, this adapter provides a reliable, ready-to-use option.
Burley Thru Axle
The Burley Thru Axle is designed to allow bikes with 12mm thru-axles to connect to Burley trailers. It offers quick, one-time installation with durable construction for long-term use. This option is ideal for riders who already own a Burley trailer and need a simple, reliable adapter that pairs seamlessly with Burley’s own hitching system.
Installation simplicity and brand-specific compatibility are the focus here. If your trailer brand is Burley and your bike uses a 12mm thru-axle, this adapter provides a direct, OEM-style replacement that minimizes ambiguity during setup.
Saioagi Adjustable M12x1.0/1.5/1.75 Thru Axle (164–174)
This Saioagi adapter features precision thread compatibility with M12x1.0 thru axles and an adjustable shaft length ranging from 157 to 185mm. It includes a generous set of spacers (eight), enabling users to tailor fit across a broad spectrum of bikes and trailers. It’s described as a direct OEM replacement for securing trailer hitches to road, hybrid, or mountain bikes, ensuring universal compatibility.
For riders who want flexibility across a wide range of sizes, this option provides substantial customization. The ability to swap spacers and fine-tune the shaft length makes it a strong candidate when multiple trailer brands or axle standards coexist in a single bike fleet.
Jexobox Universal Thru Axle Trailer Hitch Adapter 157–192
The Jexobox adapter offers precision threading and adjustable shaft length from 157 to 192mm, compatible with M12x1.0 through to 1.75 pitch. The kit includes an 8-spacer customization set to tailor the fit precisely to your bike and trailer. It’s marketed as a direct OEM replacement for attaching trailer hitches to a broad range of road, hybrid, and mountain bikes, with particular emphasis on Thule-compatible systems.
This option is well-suited for riders who need broad compatibility, including Thule bikes, and who value the ability to fine-tune the length with multiple spacers. Its wide adjusts range makes it a versatile choice for mixed equipment ecosystems.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations
When selecting a thru-axle trailer adapter, focus on the alignment of axle diameter, thread pitch, and shaft length. Most adapters in this category are built for 12mm thru-axle bikes and support common thread pitches of 1.0, 1.5, and 1.75 mm. The length must be adjustable to accommodate your bike’s specific axle span and the trailer hitch interface. Spacers are essential for shortening shafts, so the number of spacers included impacts how flexible the kit is across different bikes.
Compatibility and brand coverage
Different adapters target different brand ecosystems. If you own Burley, Thule Chariot, or Allen Sports gear, prioritize adapters explicitly listing compatibility with those brands. Some models emphasize broad universal compatibility, while others are geared toward OEM replacements. Checking the exact shaft length range (for example, 157–185mm or 157–192mm) helps ensure a precise fit for your bike frame and trailer hitch.
Installation ease and tools required
Most of these adapters require only a standard 5mm hex wrench to install. Some include a full set of spacers and extra gaskets for fine-tuning. Consider whether you prefer a plug-and-play option or a kit that lets you swap spacers to achieve the perfect fit. A kit with more spacers and clear installation notes reduces the chance of an improper connection that could affect trailer alignment or safety.
Durability and materials
Look for adapters manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloys, especially if you ride in varying weather conditions. Durability matters for repeated hitching and dismounting, so verify that the product uses robust fasteners and a reliable locking mechanism to maintain hitch integrity.
Value and long-term use
Evaluate kits by how many compatible bikes and trailers they cover, along with included spacers. A versatile option with multiple spacers may reduce future purchases if you upgrade bikes or trailers. If you frequently switch between bikes and trailers, prioritize a model with a wide shaft-length range and ample spacer quantity.
Quick comparison tips
- If your axle length is close to 167–185mm, consider the 167–185mm ODier adapter for broad coverage and spacer flexibility.
- For a precise 174mm requirement, the second ODier option or the Saioagi 164–174mm variant can be ideal.
- For Burley-specific setups, the Burley Thru Axle or a Jexobox universal model may offer the most straightforward compatibility.
- When in doubt about multiple bike brands, choose a universal adapter with a wide 157–192mm range and a rich spacer kit.