We designed the Apex 3 RL for customers who want the superior features of the standard Apex 3 rack in a slightly more compact package. The Apex 3 RL offers all the market leading features of the Apex family of racks including: compatibility with the widest range of bicycle types and wheel sizes, full compatibility with kneeling buses, and the highest durability and lowest cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle.

Compared with the standard Apex 3, the Apex 3 RL uses more compact spacing between bicycles, which slightly decreases the ease of loading and unloading and increases the potential for bike to bike interference.

We recommend the Apex 3 RL for the following specific situations:

Vehicles that have very low driver seat positions or low windshields, which need increased forward visibility
Additional reduction in vehicle turning radius
Installations that cannot extend more than 40" beyond the front of the vehicle body

For all other situations we recommend our standard Apex 3.

The Apex 3 RL is compatible with all Apex family accessories and options except fat bike trays. Although fat tire trays and arms can be mounted to the Apex 3RL, we have determined that there is excessive bike-to-bike interference. If you have any questions about accessory compatibility with the Apex 3 RL please contact our sales representatives here: sales@sportworks.com

For information about safety, vehicle requirements, or California State Law and bus length regulations please refer to our FAQs.

If you have specific questions about transporting E-bikes on bus racks check out this article: Transporting E-bikes On Transit Vehicles.

Hardware return to top

All Sportworks bumper-mounted bike racks require a Pivot Plate, Brackets and Bolt Kit for proper installation.

Apex Pivot Plate

The Apex Pivot Plate measures 20” wide, and provides the mounting and pivot point exclusively for Sportworks Apex Series bike racks. The pivot plate is connected to bumper brackets, and enables the bike rack to move between the stowed and deployed positions.The Apex 2 Pivot Plate does not come with a torsion spring. However, An optional torsion spring available upon request. The Pivot Plate is powdercoated black.

Hardware return to top

Sportworks offers two primary types of Brackets that secure the Pivot Plate and Bike Rack to a vehicle bumper.

Stand-Off

The Stand-Off is the most common bracket type, and attaches through holes drilled into the front of the vehicle bumper. Stand-Off brackets are available in a variety of lengths, and do not require removal of the bumper for installation. The following information may be required to determine the proper fit for your vehicle: vehicle make and model, vehicle year, bumper manufacturer and type.

C-Bracket

The C-Bracket fits around the bumper by attaching to the frame, and alleviates the need to drill holes through the front of the vehicle bumper. C-Brackets come in a variety of sizes, and require removal of the bumper for installation. The following information may be required to determine the proper fit for your vehicle: vehicle make and model, vehicle year, bumper manufacturer and type.

Accessories return to top

Apex 3 Pivot Plate With Deployment

Dashboard mounted light notifies driver when rack is deployed
Safety enhancement feature
Required in California

Apex 3 Pivot Plate With Torsion Spring Kit

Reduces the lifting weight when stowing and deploying the rack
Corrosion resistant design with stainless steel spring
Easily attaches to most Sportworks pivot plates

Apex 3 Pivot Plate With Quick Release Hardware

Quick-release hand knob allows tool-less removal of bike rack from pivot plate
Provides fast and easy access to bus-front for maintenance and towing
Highly corrosion resistant stainless steel, zinc and copper construction

Apex 3 On A Demonstration Stand

Easily demonstrate bike rack loading/unloading without a vehicle present, for education or training purposes
Heavy-duty construction can support a rack fully loaded with 3 bikes
Fast and easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport
More information here: Demonstration Stand

Apex 3 With Ad Panel

Maximize advertising space and create a new stream of revenue
Heavy-duty construction is bus washer safe
Quickly and easily attaches to most Sportworks racks
Will require Torsion Spring Kit

How to Use return to top

Sportworks Transit Racks - Quick, Easy and Intuitive!

Load Bike

After lowering the rack, the rider places the bike into one of the rack’s open wheel trays. All bike positions are completely independent of each other, making it easy to load or unload bikes with others already loaded in the rack.

Lower Rack

Approaching from the curbside, the rider lowers the rack with one hand while supporting the bike with the other hand. This durable rack is as easy to raise as it is to lower.

Secure Wheel

To secure the bike, simply pull the unique self-storing support arm out and over the front tire. The handle should be placed as close to the front brake and head tube as possible to ensure safety and security of the bike, and in all cases the handle must be closer to the head tube than the highest point of the tire.

Call: 888-661-0555 M-F: 7am - 4pm Pacific

Apex 3 RL™ - Reduced Length