Trying to attach your Schwinn bike trailer to a modern bike with a thru axle – and nothing fits?
You’re not alone, and we’ve helped thousands of people in the exact same situation.
The good news: We have the solution.
Even better: We’ll make sure you get the exact adapter you need.
You don’t need to figure it out on your own. Just fill out our quick help form – it takes less than 1 minute, and we usually reply the same day or by the next business day.
📬 Tip: If you don’t get a reply, please check your spam or promotions folder.
Why Your Schwinn Trailer Doesn’t Fit Your Bike
Most Schwinn bike trailers were designed for bikes with a quick-release (QR) axle.
But today’s bicycles – especially gravel bikes, e-bikes, and mountain bikes – often use a 12mm thru axle system. These are completely different connection types.
Here’s what makes it tricky:
- There is no universal thru axle – every bike can be different.
- Variations include length, thread pitch, dropout design, and axle shoulder shape.
- Even two bikes of the same model but different year may need different adapters.
Trying to guess the correct adapter or forcing a mismatch can lead to bike damage, unsafe connections, or poor performance.



👉 And it’s not just thru axles that require special solutions.
Many commuter bikes, city bikes, and utility bikes use a solid axle (bolt-on axle) system. These axles vary in length, thread pitch, and nut size – and may also require a specific adapter to connect a trailer safely.
Other bikes have frames where the trailer hitch doesn’t physically fit, or where the axle is simply too short once the hitch is added.
🔧 We solve all of these problems — not just for thru axles, but for:
- Solid axle (bolt-on) bikes
- Bikes with unusual dropout designs
- Bikes where the trailer hitch doesn’t fit into the frame
- Short axles that need extended solutions
- And more…
No matter the bike or trailer combination — we’ll help you find the right adapter.
Don’t Attach to the Thru Axle That Came With Your Bike
🛑 This is important:
Never mount your bike trailer’s hitch to the thru axle that came with your bike.
These axles are not designed to handle towing force. Doing so can lead to:
- Unsafe wheel installation (risk of detachment while riding)
- Damage to your bike frame or hub
- Unstable trailer connection that may fail on the road
That’s why you need a dedicated trailer-compatible thru axle – like the ones we provide.
Our Solution: We Match You With the Exact Adapter
We’re Nordic Cab – a Norwegian bike trailer brand with over 40 years of experience in bike trailers, adapters, and multifunctional outdoor gear.
We specialize in helping you safely connect your trailer to any modern bike – without the hassle.
✅ Huge database: 200+ bike brands, 1000s of models
✅ High-quality adapters made in Germany and Taiwan
✅ We support Schwinn, Burley, Thule, Hamax, Croozer, and more
✅ Shipped worldwide – fast
✅ Personalized installation support included
How It Works
- You fill out our short form with your bike and trailer details
- We check your specs against our database
- We send you the correct adapter (often within 24 hours)
- You install it at home with basic tools and our clear instructions
- You’re ready to ride!
We Support Known and Unknown Bike Brands
We provide adapters for nearly every modern bike brand – including:
Trek, Giant, Specialized, Canyon, Cannondale, Cube, Scott, Merida, Norco, Kona, Santa Cruz, Marin, Bulls, Rad Power, Orbea, Rose, Focus, Ghost, Lapierre, Gazelle and many more.
Common Questions – FAQ
Why won’t my trailer fit my new bike?
Because many modern bikes use 12mm thru axles, not the 5mm quick-release axles trailers are often designed for.
Can I use the thru axle that came with my bike?
No. These axles are not trailer-compatible. You need a dedicated adapter to ensure safety and fit.
How do I know what adapter I need?
Just fill out our form. We’ll do the rest — based on your bike and trailer specs.
Can I damage my bike with the wrong adapter?
Yes. Incorrect threads or shoulder shape can harm the frame or dropout. That’s why we manually check every order.
Do you support other trailers too?
Absolutely — we help customers using Burley, Thule, Croozer, Hamax, dog trailers, cargo trailers, and more.
What if the adapter doesn’t fit?
We’ll exchange it at no extra cost — quickly and easily.
Do I need special tools to install it?
No. Basic household tools are enough, and we provide a guide made just for your adapter.
Can I reuse my old trailer hitch with this axle?
Yes — our adapters are designed to work with your original trailer (any brand) hitch, safely and securely.
Is it safe to tow my child or dog with this setup?
Yes, absolutely — as long as the adapter is correct. That’s exactly what we help ensure.
Real Problems We Help Solve
People like you are searching for:
- “Bike trailer won’t fit thru axle bike”
- “How to connect trailer to 12mm axle bike”
- “Trailer adapter for e-bike or gravel bike”
- “Bike trailer not compatible with new bike”
Ready to Ride?
👉 Fill out the adapter help form – we’ll reply with the exact match for your bike and trailer
🚚 We ship worldwide
🧰 You only need basic tools
🔐 100% fit guarantee
💬 Friendly, fast support
Don’t guess. Don’t risk it.
Let us help you get it right – the first time.