Car Guides

Reviews: 3 best Thule bike racks

Thule's high-quality racks enable you to send your bikes safely and hands, but how do y'all know which one is best for you lot?

In the ancient globe, Thule (pronounced "as well-lee") was considered the northernmost part of the habitable world. In medieval and classical literature, "ultima Thule" represented a distant place located beyond the known globe.

The world is an adventure just waiting to happen. Sometimes the thrills are just outside your door. Other times, when you're craving something new and different, you've got to travel to discover those exotic locales. Although you can't pack your family on the back of your bike, you can pack your family unit bikes on your Thule bike rack so you can ride when you accomplish your destination!

Thule's high-quality racks enable you to send your bikes safely and hands, but how do y'all know which one is best for you lot?

Don't worry. BestReviews is hither to guide you lot through the options to notice the rack that will get your bikes there in one piece. This article includes information on the different types of racks Thule offers, likewise as some loading tips, answers to some oftentimes asked questions, a couple fun facts, and the details on 3 of our favorites.

Types of Thule bike racks

There are iv unlike types of Thule bicycle racks, categorized by where y'all mountain the rack: rear, hitch, roof, or truck bed. Each has its individual considerations .

Rear: These racks mountain to the rear of your auto and are the all-time option for vehicles that don't have a hitch or a roof rack. Depending on the model, these racks tin can behave two or three bikes. Some racks include locks so you tin can secure the rack to your car and secure your bike to the rack. Information technology'southward important to know that a rear-mounted bicycle rack won't fit all vehicles, especially those with rear window wipers.

Rear bike rack prices: These range from $170 to $450.

Hitch: A hitch mountain is as well located at the rear of your car, but information technology features options that a rear mountain doesn't back up. Depending on the size of your receiver (either ane.25 inches or ii inches) and the weight class of your hitch (one through five), you can ship up to five bikes. You have the selection of choosing a hanging mountain or a platform mount. Platform mounts are typically easier to load and can accommodate a wider variety of bikes — some will even adapt an electric bike. Additionally, some hitch mounts tilt abroad to allow easy access to the rear of your vehicle.

Hitch bike rack prices: These range from $250 to $580.

Roof: Thule's roof-mount bike racks are a more affordable pick. Lightweight racing bikes are the best fit, only some heavier bikes might be accommodated. Each rack holds one bicycle, either by the frame, the fork, or the wheels. Additional racks can be added if needed (and if your vehicle can support them). A roof rack enables you lot to have access to all car doors and the rear hatch or trunk. The downside is that you lot must exist very cautious when approaching bridges and underpasses. Note: A roof mount requires your vehicle to take a roof rack or factory-installed crossbar arrangement.

Roof bike rack prices: These range from $160 to $240.

Truck bed: If you take a pickup truck, you already have the space you lot demand to bring forth your bikes. The just problem is that your bikes won't terminal very long if they're bouncing effectually in the truck bed. Truck bed wheel racks enable you to adhere your bikes either by the cycle or the fork, then you tin can safely transport them to your destination.

Truck bed rack prices: These range from $160 to $330.

Tips

All doors must exist open up when mounting a roof rack to your vehicle.

Check all straps, bolts, locks, nuts, screws, and knobs earlier every trip to make sure everything is secure and there are no signs of wear and tear or corrosion.

Check all the higher up and the load balance after every terminate to exist sure everything is still secure.

Know the local and state laws regarding objects that extend beyond the perimeter of your vehicle.

Remember, y'all're carrying something larger than your vehicle. Use actress caution when driving under trees and bridges and when inbound a parking garage.

Depending on the size of your vehicle, the added weight can adversely affect treatment and stopping altitude.

Remove anything of value from your vehicle if yous program to leave information technology unattended. Thule locks deter vandalism, simply they aren't theft-proof.

Keep a spare key for the rack inside your vehicle for emergencies.

FAQ

Q. As long every bit I don't exceed the maximum load recommendations of my Thule bike rack, I should exist good, correct?

A. Not exactly. Don't forget, your vehicle has a maximum load limit, likewise. Check your owner's manual or the sticker on the frame of your commuter'south side door to see how much your vehicle tin safely carry. After adding upward all of your cargo, occupants, bike rack, and bikes, that number must be less than the maximum load. If information technology isn't, something's gotta go. Preferably, something other than i of your bikes.

Q. Does it actually affair how I load my bikes on my rear rack?

A. Aye, information technology does. You should ever put the heaviest bike on first, and so information technology's closest to your vehicle. The other important affair to call back is to alternating your bikes so they aren't all facing the same direction. Also, make certain you lot secure the bikes with straps and check the tightness of all bolts and knobs before y'all prepare off on your trip.

Q. My lock is getting a niggling hard to operate. Whatsoever recommendations?

A. All the locks on Thule bike racks should be moved and turned periodically and so they continue operating smoothly. If you lot notice a lock that's getting a petty tough to turn, graphite or a dry lubricant volition become your lock back to an optimum performance level.

Thule wheel racks we recommend

Best of the best: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack

Our accept: A high-quality hitch-mount bike rack that's suitable for upward to two bikes. Information technology fits 1.25-inch receivers.

What we like: Designed to fit a wide variety of bikes ranging from carbon frames to fat bikes (except for 27.5-inch fat bikes). It tin can acquit a maximum of 100 pounds, with the maximum weight for a unmarried bike at lx pounds. The unit tilts down to allow access to the rear of your vehicle and folds upwardly when not in use.

What we dislike: Even though it has tool-gratis assembly, the initial mounting tin exist a little confusing.

All-time blindside for your cadet: Thule Passage Trunk Mount Carrier

Our accept: An entry-level, rear-mount strap rack suitable for transporting upwards to two 35-pound bikes.

What we like: Adapts to bear a broad range of bicycle sizes, from child to adult. Soft condom cradles help protect your bike frame, and soft cushion pads assistance protect your trunk. The strap buckles are coated in vinyl to aid baby-sit confronting scratches, and the arms twist and fold downwards when not in use.

What we dislike: Locks are not included with this rack. They're available, but they must be purchased separately.

Choice three: Thule Insta-Gator Truck Mount

Our take: A quick and easy, i-size-fits-all solution to transporting your bikes in your truck bed.

What nosotros like: Holds one bike upright (with no frame contact) in your truck without the need for drilling or bolts. Sized to accommodate bikes with 20-inch to 29-inch bicycle diameter with tires up to 3 inches wide. The anchors lock when the tailgate is closed, and the bike is apace secured with a ratchet system.

What nosotros dislike: This rack won't piece of work on trucks with a shorter bed (less than 51 inches), and it'due south a fiddling pricey.