TRANSTEK 21.6 in Tailgate Pad for Mountain Bike - Fits 2 Bikes

In this review the TRANSTEK 21.6 in Tailgate Pad is evaluated for riders who need a quick, protective way to carry mountain bikes on a pickup without a rack. The biggest reason to buy is its combination of thick 9mm foam padding and a waterproof PTV Trap surface that protects both frames and truck paint while allowing fast setup; reviewers who regularly haul aluminum or carbon frames will appreciate the padded cradles and soft underside. Setup is simple and the intelligent flap preserves access to the tailgate handle and rear camera, making it useful for everyday trail runs.

Key Features

• Effortless setup: The pad drapes over the tailgate and secures with straps so bikes can be loaded and fastened in minutes without tools.
• Secure transport: Padded cradles and hook-and-loop fasteners keep bikes held firmly in place to reduce movement during transit.
• Unobstructed access: The intelligent flap design maintains access to the tailgate handle and rear camera when bikes are mounted near or below the handle.
• Premium protection: Thick 9mm (3/4 in) foam padding and a soft underside protect bike frames and truck paint from scratches and impact.
• Waterproof surface: Durable PTV Trap material sheds moisture and dirt so the pad stays functional in wet trail conditions.
• Smart storage: Built-in tool pockets and extension straps provide room for small tools and larger frame tubes when needed.

Who It's For

The TRANSTEK tailgate pad is aimed at mountain bikers who use a pickup truck and need a low-cost, no-rack solution for transporting one to two bikes while protecting both the frames and the tailgate. It suits riders who value quick setup and want to preserve access to the tailgate handle and rear camera during loading and unloading.

Owners of full-suspension trail bikes, hardtail rigs, and carbon or aluminium frames will benefit from the padded cradles and soft fabric exterior. Those who need a dedicated heavy-duty multi-bike rack with locking features, or who regularly carry more than five bikes, should consider a different, purpose-built rack system instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thick 9mm foam and soft underside offer reliable protection for both paint and bike frames.
• Fast, tool-free setup lets a single person load bikes in minutes.
• Flap design keeps tailgate handle and camera accessible when bikes are mounted.
• Includes practical extras like tool pockets, padded cradles and extension straps for larger frames.

Cons

• Limited to the two size options specified, so buyers must measure their tailgate before purchasing.
• Not a locked rack solution, so bikes are exposed and require additional security if left unattended.

Specifications

Brand	TRANSTEK
Pad width	21.6 in
Padding thickness	9mm (3/4 in) foam
Surface	Durable PTV Trap waterproof material
Capacity	Fits 2 or 5 bikes (two size options)
Extras	Padded cradles, tool pockets, hook-and-loop fasteners, 2 extension straps
Warranty	2-Year Warranty

Our Verdict

The TRANSTEK 21.6 in Tailgate Pad is a practical, well-padded solution for riders who need a fast, protective way to transport one to two mountain bikes on a pickup. It delivers good value through robust padding, a waterproof surface, and thoughtful details like tool pockets and a camera-friendly flap. Buy it if you want a simple, no-rack transport option that protects frames and truck paint; look elsewhere if you require locking security or a permanent rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this pad block my tailgate handle?
The intelligent flap design is made to preserve access to the tailgate handle and rear camera when bikes are positioned near or below the handle.

How many bikes will it carry?
Two size options are available and the pad is offered to fit either 2 bikes or up to 5 bikes, so measure your tailgate before ordering.

Is the pad waterproof?
The surface uses a durable PTV Trap waterproof material to repel moisture and dirt during transport.