Choosing a bike-to-bike tow bar can simplify family rides and pair cycling partners of different ages or bike styles. The right adapter or towing bar should securely bridge the top tubes, fit a variety of frames, and install without specialized tools. This guide highlights five cross-bar adapters and towing bars that balance compatibility, safety, and ease of use, helping you pick a solution that fits your bike collection and riding plans.
| Product | Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peruzzo Trail Angel Towing Bar | Peruzzo | Locks child’s bike to yours for tandem rides; no wheel removal; simple setup |
| ALLEN Tension Bar Cross-Bar Adaptor | Allen | Internal spring maintains constant tension; protects finish with coated hooks |
| Retrospec Top Tube Adjustable Adapter | Retrospec | Adds top tube for non-conventional frames; works with hitch/trunk mounts |
| CXWXC Cross-Bar Top Tube Adapter | CXWXC | Telescopes from 23″ to 30″; supports up to 70 lb; for non-traditional frames |
| MOSHAY Crossbar Adapter for Step-Through Bikes | MOSHAY | Creates top tube for step-through frames; 18″–27″ spacing; 100 lb capacity |
Peruzzo Trail Angel Towing Bar
The Peruzzo Trail Angel towing bar is designed for parents or guardians who want to ride with a child’s bike attached to their own. It enables secure tandem cycling without removing wheels or components from the child’s bike and offers a straightforward setup that adapts across different child-bike sizes.
- Secure tandem riding without wheel removal
- Simple setup for varying child bike sizes
- Safe and tranquil riding experience for both riders
ALLEN Tension Bar Cross-Bar Adaptor
Allen’s Tension Bar adaptor adds a temporary top tube to accommodate a range of bike frames, including suspensions, step-throughs, BMX, and women’s styles. It uses an internal spring to maintain constant tension and features plastic-coated hooks to protect the bike’s finish during transport.
- Internal spring maintains tension for security
- Compatible with diverse frame styles (step-through, BMX, etc.)
- Plastic-coated hooks protect the bike’s finish
Retrospec Top Tube Adjustable Adapter
Retrospec’s adapter is designed to add a top tube to frames that don’t follow the traditional diamond shape, such as step-through or certain full-suspension bikes. It is intended for use with hitch- and trunk-mounted carriers and accommodates bicycles with stem-to-seat-post measurements in the 18″–28″ range.
- Bridges top-tube gaps for non-traditional frames
- Compatible with hitch- and trunk-mounted carriers
- Designed for 18″–28″ stem-to-seat-post measurements
CXWXC Cross-Bar Top Tube Adapter
CXWXC’s cross-bar adapter provides a lightweight, adjustable bridge to carry bikes that lack a standard horizontal top tube. Its telescoping tube spans from roughly 23″ to 30″ and it is rated to handle up to 70 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of non-traditional frames.
- Telescopes from 23″ to 30″
- Supports up to 70 pounds
- Bridges gaps for non-traditional frames with easy quick-release operation
MOSHAY Crossbar For Step-Through Bikes
MOSHAY’s crossbar is designed to create a top tube on step-through frames and other non-conventional bikes. It handles 18″–27″ spacing between seat post and stem, carries up to 100 pounds, and includes an internal spring to keep bikes secure. No assembly is required.
- Fits 18″–27″ frame spacing
- 100 lb maximum capacity
- Internal spring keeps bikes secure; no assembly required
Buying Guide
When evaluating bike-to-bike tow bars and cross-bar adapters, several factors influence performance and safety. Frame compatibility is crucial; step-through and non-traditional frames often require a top-tube bridge to mount securely on a car rack. Weight capacity matters, especially when towing a child’s bike or a heavier frame. Installation ease varies, from quick-release latches to more involved setups that may require tools. Mounting type (hitch vs trunk) can determine which adapter you need and how it integrates with your current carrier. Materials, finish, and safety features (such as spring tension or protective coatings) also influence longevity and ride quality.
Consider these scenarios to narrow choices. For family bikes with small children, a dedicated child-bike towing solution like the Peruzzo Trail Angel provides straightforward, secure tandem riding. If you own several non-standard frames (step-through or full-suspension bikes), adapters from Retrospec, CXWXC, or MOSHAY offer adjustable top tubes and broader frame compatibility. For frequent on-the-road pairing with minimal setup, models emphasizing quick installation and gentle finish protection, such as ALLEN and MOSHAY, can save time. Always verify compatibility with your specific hitch or trunk carrier.
In summary, choose based on frame type compatibility, load capacity, installation ease, and how the solution fits your existing rack system. If possible, test mounting and movement with the actual bikes you plan to tow to ensure a secure fit before a long ride.