DL 2 bicycle rack

In the world of bike racks, the DL2 transit bike rack is the most widely used transit bike rack on the planet. These racks have been in use on buses throughout North America since 1992. The tried and true design is easy to use, easy to maintain and easy to install. The DL2 is a workhorse of a bike rack that has carried millions of bikes since first hitting the streets over two decades ago. DL2 transit bike racks are synonymous with quality, durability, ease of use and care. Bicycle riders love them for their simplicity in loading and unloading. Transit operators love them for their easy installation and their ability to withstand the tough transit environment. Unique models are available to meet vehicle and rider needs.

Why use a DL2 Transit Bike Rack?

DL2 transit bike racks are popular for a wide variety of reasons. The bike rack is lightweight and depending on the model, they weigh around 19 pounds and they are very easy to install on most any vehicle and simple to remove. Customization options are also available with the DL2. Choose from mild steel to stainless steel, powder coating in many colors or bead blasting for a more classic look. There is even room for advertising opportunities by adding one of our advertising panels which enables your agency to market to your riders. The primary benefit of DL2 bike racks continues to be the fact that they're simple for bicycle riders to load and unload. Some transit racks can be difficult to operate and loading bikes can be intimidating and complicated, but DL2 bike racks are quite the opposite. Bicycle riders have been enjoying the use of these innovative bike racks for years, and will continue to use them due to their unparalleled ease of use and durability for years to come.

The DL2 Models :

There are two different DL2 models to choose from. The original 2 position DL2 bike rack with spring loaded arms which has been around for decades, and is used by thousands of commercial transit agencies throughout the US, North America, Europe and even Australia! The steel frame is incredibly strong and sturdy and is made out of either mild or stainless steel which is the perfect material for bicyclists and transit vehicle owners alike due to excellent durability. The design features no scratch loading as the spring arm does not contact the bicycle frame. To load a bike, the user simply places the bicycle in the tray then pulls the spring arm out and over the wheel to securely mount the bicycle on the rack. The bike is secure and can then safely be transported to the rider’s ultimate destination.

The newest member of the DL2 family is the DL2 NP or Narrow Profile. The main difference between the DL2 NP rack and the original DL2, is the DL2 NP is smaller and has a narrower profile when mounted on the vehicle. The DL2 NP takes up less space on the vehicle so it is the perfect choice for smaller vehicles. Despite the smaller size, the NP rack can still easily transport two bicycles without giving up independent loading and unloading. Just like the original DL2, the NP is very lightweight, made of steel, either mild or stainless and has the same ease of use and unparalleled reputation as that of its big brother, the DL2.

When choosing the right rack it comes down to the needs of your vehicle fleet and your ridership. If you need a sleek & lightweight rack for a smaller transit vehicle, the DL2 NP is a perfect choice. If you're looking for the industry standard, you can't go wrong with the tough and durable original DL2. Both DL2 models are synonymous with quality, ease of use and durability. DL2 bike racks started it all and remain the rack of choice for many of our customers today.

For information about safety, vehicle requirements, and other usage information please refer to our FAQs.

Hardware

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


standard pivot plate

Standard Pivot Plate

The standard pivot plate measures 26” wide, and provides the mounting and pivot point for the bike rack. The pivot plate is connected to bumper brackets, and enables the bike rack to move between the stowed and deployed positions. The standard pivot plate is compatible with Sportworks DL2, DL3 (Trilogy) and VeloPorter series racks.

Hardware

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.

ten second bracket

Ten Second Bracket

The Ten Second Bracket™ (TSB) is the result of a joint development effort between Romeo Rim bumpers and Sportworks Bike-Racks-for-Buses™. The TSB offers an integrated pivot plate and bumper bracket assembly that can be installed or removed in 10 seconds or less. Best of all, the bracket is safely secured using hand knobs so no tools are required.

Some TSB models come with dual mounting points to accommodate both Sportworks standard width and DL2 NP racks.

Accessories


Advertising Panel

Advertising Panel

  • Maximize advertising space and create a new stream of revenue

  • Heavy-duty construction is bus washer safe

  • 13” x 32”, 14” x 44” and custom frame sizes available

  • Quickly and easily attaches to most Sportworks racks

Deployment Indicator Kit

Deployment Indicator Kit

  • Dashboard mounted light notifies driver when rack is deployed

  • Increased safety feature

  • Attaches to most Sportworks racks

Torsion Spring Kit

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

demonstration stand

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

turn signal kit

Turn Signal Kit

  • Aftermarket turn signals mount directly to rack for increased visibility

  • Increased safety feature

  • Available for select Sportworks racks

  • Excellent for addressing vehicle light source interference issues

Quick release pivot bolts

Quick-Release Pivot Bolts

  • 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

How to Use

Sportworks Transit Racks - Quick, Easy and Intuitive!


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.

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.

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.

Related Products

Apex 3™

The Apex 3 is our modular 3-position bike rack and it has the most compact layout of any 3-position transit rack. The Apex 3™ is recommended for use on full-sized, cutaway and paratransit vehicles.

Apex 2 position bike rack

Apex 2

The Apex 2 is our modular 2-position transit bike rack and it is the latest addition to our full line of transit tough bike racks.

DL2 Narrow Profile bike rack

DL2 NP™ - Narrow Profile

Measuring 10" less than the DL2, the DL2 Narrow Profile offers the most compact footprint of any 2-position rack making it ideal for small transit vehicles including cutaways.

Bike counter harness

Bike Counter Harness

The first and only way to automatically count bikes on your buses.

Ad panel

Ad Panel

Increase revenue with our integrated ad panel designed to fit our transit racks.

standard ten second bracket

Standard Ten Second Bracket™

The Ten Second Bracket (TSB) is an integrated pivot plate and bracket assembly that allows fast and easy removal of Sportworks front bumper-mounted bike racks for towing and maintenance.