RADaptors - Creating Clearance for Your Bike's Rear Cargo

What are RADaptors?

RADaptors are adapters that allow mounting a rear rack on bikes that either lack a dropout eyelet, or have an eyelet that's in an awkward location leading to interference between the cargo and the rider's heels and/or the saddle. RADaptors use the rear dropout design that's found on bikes like Kona (and others) to create a mounting position that's lower and more rearward to solve these problems.

Why Use RADaptors?

Freedom to use the rear rack and panniers of your choice!
Heel clearance!
Saddle clearance!
Lowered center of gravity.
Reduced rear-end shimmy.
More streamlined aesthetics.
Keeps rear axle and rack mount separate.

Fitment & Compatibility

RADaptors (both RADaptor-1 and RADaptor-2) fit bikes that utilize two 8mm bolts for their rear dropouts (bikes with sliding dropouts usually). Your rack attaches to the RADaptor via an included M5 bolt and locknut. They are designed to fit Kona bikes (Unit, Honzo, Remote, etc) but will fit bikes with similar dropouts. They work with...

Any (compatible) metal frame.
Any axle type.
Any drivetrain type.
Any brake type.

Load Ratings

Our RADaptors are conservatively rated for up to 60 pounds on the rear rack over rough terrain when properly installed. Despite looking light duty, the clamping force of the dropout bolts is doing a lot of work here, essentially transmitting loads to the strong load-bearing part of your rear triangle (the dropouts).

RADaptor-1 vs RADaptor-2

RADaptor-1 provides only 1 mounting position for the lowest possible profile, more rearward setback, and the cleanest aesthetic. The lower rack mount will be inline with the dropout bolts. You can mock this up to check whether your rack will clear the rear tire in this arrangement (racks 375mm or taller should fit).

RADaptor-2 provides 2 mounting positions with an upper and lower mounting point. The lower point is the same as RADaptor-1, while the upper point sits 25mm higher and 15mm forward. This accommodates shorter racks and allows for mounting a fender and rack together. You can mock this up to check whether your rack will clear the rear tire in this arrangement (racks 355mm or shorter may fit).

Both RADaptors can be horizontally adjusted on the dropouts to provide 100mm, give or take, of horizontal clearance.

What's Included?

When you buy our RADaptors, you get them as a pair. Stainless mounting hardware is included.

Spare hardware is available at a discount if purchased with your RADaptors.
We also offer lightweight 8mm wrench for your toolkit, should you need one (for the included lock nuts).

Are They Safe?

They safe as long as you follow our installation instructions and keep the loads on your bike within the manufacturer's guidelines. You may see some paint wear between the RADaptors and your rear dropouts — this is expected for loaded metal-to-metal connections to the bike frame. We do NOT recommend installing RADaptors on carbon fiber frames.