Will the Mule Rack fit my bike?

This is the most common question we get and for good reason. It can be difficult to tell sometimes what rack or other accessories fit. Let's go through 3 simple questions to see if it fits your bike. And don't worry if this seems to complicated or confusing, just email us, we are always here to help. Plus check out our already approved compatibility list of bikes at the bottom.

1. What size tire (rear) does your bike have?

Tire Width - your tire must be equal to or less than a 3.8" (97 mm) at its widest. This could be at the casing or at the knobs. This makes sure you have at least 10 mm of clearance between rack and tire.

Tire Outside Diameter - your tire must be equal to or less than 30.4" (773 mm) on its outside diameter. With your bike on the ground, just measure from the ground to the highest point of your tire. This diameter is typically a 29" x 3.0" (622-75 mm).

If your tire falls is at or below these dimensions continue to question 2.

2. Lower Mount - What dropout does your bike have?

  • Swinger Style Dropout

    Salsa Alternator or Esker Portage Dropouts that have an M6 mount typically 62 mm (2.5") + above the rear axle. You'll need the brands rack hardware kit to fit the Mule Rack.

    Plate A

  • Typical Dropout

    Typical QR or thru axle dropout with rack mounts (M5) near the rear axle. Ideally sitting at 25 mm (1") + above the rear axle to give the rack more height = more tire clearance

    Plate B

  • No rack mounts or want strength of thru axle mounting

    Your frame doesn't have lower rack mounts or you just want to go to thru axle mounting for strength. You'll need to purchase an Old Man Mountain Rear fit kit (special thru axle to mount rack on)

    Plate C

2.1. Lower Mount - What width at dropouts?

The Mule Rack is currently not designed to fit fatter 12x197 rear axle "fat" bikes. Lower mount face to mount face should be no wider than 245 mm. Unless its a fat bike, most bikes fall within this width.

3. Upper Mount - do you have seatstay mounts?

  • Seatstay Mounts

    You have 'em and you are good to go!

  • No Mounts but can use a seatpost clamp with built in mounts

    You can add upper mounts via a seatpost clamp with M5 mounts built into the clamp. You are now good to go! Check out a Salsa Rack-lock here.

  • No mounts and can't replace clamp

    Don't worry you can likely add a Salsa Post-lock or similar to add upper mounts. You may still be good to go!


At this point you should have a clear idea if you need Mule Rack A, B, or C. If its still confusing please email us.

Get the correct Mule Rack here

Frame Compatibility List

  • Mule Rack Plate A

    Esker Hayduke

    Esker Japhy Ti

    Esker Lorax / Lorax Ti

    Esker Smokey / Smokey Ti

    Salsa Fargo / Fargo Ti

    Salsa Timberjack / Timberjack Ti

    Salsa Deadwood

    Surly Grappler

  • Mule Rack Plate B

    Canyon Grizl CF

    Salsa Cutthroat

    Salsa Journeyman & Journeyer

    Salsa Warbird

    Salsa Vaya

    Surly Bridge Club

    Surly Disc Trucker

    Surly Krampus

    Surly Ogre

    Trek FX

  • Mule Rack Plate C (Must use OMM Thru Axle Rear Fit Kits)

    Salsa Cutthroat