Picking a bike rack would be confusing, especially for the first time as there are so many brands providing promises and guarantees. Research and in-depth evaluation would be required when you intend to buy one.
If you read so much about bike racks, you must have heard of a giant name – Thule which is well-known for safest bike racks. In this post, I will give you all you need to know about this brand to help you answer the question of whether Thule hitch bike racks are worth buying.
A Brief History of Thule
With great love for the outdoors, the Thulin family founded the Thule group which started selling fishing traps. Realizing the growing demand for outdoor gears, they created other products such as sporting gears.
In 1992, they launched their first bike rack which was towbar-mounted. Since then, they invest more in research to develop the best one that meets the consumers’ needs.
Some Facts About Thule Bike Racks
- No tools for installation
- Provide lifetime warranty
- Appear in more than 100 countries
- Offer all accessories needed
Types of Thule Bike Racks
Based on where you hang the rack, there are four different types including rear, hitch, roof, and truck bed.
Rear bike racks can usually hang from 2 to 3 bikes. Some have locks to secure your bikes to the rack. However, this bike rack doesn’t fit all vehicles. The price fluctuates between $170 and 500$.
Hitch mounted is located at the rear of your bikes. Its capacity is much higher than rear bike racks. Depending on the size and the weight class of your hitch, it can carry up to 5 bikes. There are 2 options which are hanging mount and platform mount, the latter is much easier to load and can carry a wide variety of bikes, even electric bikes. The price ranges from 250$ to 800$.
A roof bike rack is a super-affordable choice, the prices are only around 200$. It fits best lightweight racing bikes, but some heavier bikes could be carried. This bike rack type can be accessed to all car doors and truck. Each rack can hold only one bike.
Truck bed bike racks can be attached to your bikes either by the wheel and the fork. The only downside is that your bikes wouldn’t last long if they are bouncing around in the truck bed. Its price range from 150$ to 350$.
Thule Hitch Bike Racks Review
Versatility
Versatility is one of the most well-known advantages of Thule hitch bike racks. They are flexible to fit most types of bikes with ease. Moreover, they can attach securely to the vehicle without causing any damage.
Durability
With durable construction, adjustable arms, Thule hitch bike racks can hold your 2-wheelers safely and securely. No matter how often they are being used, damages could be rare. With the anti-sway feature, you don’t have to worry that your bike could sway and move around during the rides.
Security
Thule possesses a built-in cable lock attached to the mast to lock your bikes to the rack. It can be stored in the mast when not in use. Thule’s One-Key system that locks in the cable and hitch connection with locks, so it can prevent thieves from getting a chance at your bikes.
Mounting system
Thule’s designs fit almost to size, weight, brake style, and frame design. Your bikes can be secured with ratcheting wheel straps. Moreover, Thule T2 Classic feature has deep wheel holders and extra-long wheel fastenings that hold fat bike tires up to 5″. Besides, the HitchSwitch lever allows bikers to set up easily and quickly.
Materials
All of Thule’s bike racks are made of solid steel construction with the black powder coat finish. From my viewpoint, they are so stylish and corrosion-resistant. The company uses ratching hooks to carry the bikes with no frame contact. SnugTite hitch feature eliminates movement and clatter in the hitch.
Thule’s Best Bike Rack Reviews
Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack
Your bike is secured by 2 counteracting cradles that squeeze the front wheel from both directions, thanks to this design, there is little risk of your bikes flying off your roof.
It is especially suitable for carbon-frame bikes and bikes with non-traditional designs. I was really impressed by the desire of thinking outside the box and come up with a new idea of a roof-mounted bike rack.
Pros
- Easy installation
- No frame or fork contact
- Secure firmly
Cons
- Expensive price
- Can only hold 1 bike
Product Specs:
| Product Dimensions | 162.56 x 33.02 x 10.92 cm; 8.39 Kilograms |
| Color | Black |
| Height | 6 inches |
| Length | 66 inches |
Thule Passage Trunk Mount Carrier
Truck Mount Rack is the most popular bike rack these days due to its convenience and flexible design. Soft cushion pressing gently into the metal protects your bikes while holding it securely.
This bike rack is very versatile so it can hold all of the bike frames. It can accommodate from 2 to 3 bikes. What is more interesting is that the flexible arms can be folded when not in use, which improves a lot the compactness of the bike rack.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Affordable price
Cons
- The space between 2 racks are so close
Product Specs:
| Dimensions | 22 x 17 x 34 inch |
| Folded dimensions | 22 x 17 x 24 inch |
| Load capacity | 105 pounds |
Tips on using Thule hitch bike racks
Check all the above, load balance, straps, bolts, locks, screws, and knobs to make sure that everything is secure.
Keep a spare key for the rack for emergencies.
Open all doors when hanging a roof rack to your bike.
Read the laws about objects that extend beyond the perimeter of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Thule has numerous bike racks available as well as plentiful replacement parts that you can buy to upgrade your current bike rack. Thule’s products are so fashionable and comparatively complicated. Moreover, the company offers a lifelong warranty. Therefore, I can say that a Thule bike rack is a worthwhile investment as it can be used for a long time.
