Best Thule Bike Racks: A Buyer’s Guide

Thule is a premium brand in the bike rack industry. The company has been in the business for more than 70 years. The company’s goal is to make sure that cyclists have a safe and enjoyable experience. They offer multiple products for different cycling needs and budgets. Thule offers bike racks for all types of bikes, including mountain bikes, road bikes and electric bikes.

Things to consider buying a Thule bike rack:

  • How many bikes you need to carry. Hitch Thule racks can carry up to 5 bikes, whereas trunk Thule racks only up to 3 bikes,
  • The weight of bikes. For heavy bikes (35-40 lb and more) only hitch Thule racks are suitable. In case your bikes are not that heavy, you can grab aby rack type (there are trunk, roof and hitch Thule racks),
  • Bike types. Thule hitch racks are the most universal as they can carry different bike types (fat-tire, e-bikes, women’s, kid’s, bmx). When in comes to roof and trunk Thule racks, you need to check the compatibility,
  • If you already have a trailer hitch or crossbars, then you need to check the compatibility with a rack your are about to buy,
  • Hitch and roof Thule racks have the lowest risk of damaging your car, whereas trunk Thule racks can leave scratches if installed inproperly.

Best hitch Thule racks

The Thule hitch bike rack is designed to carry up to five bikes, which is more than most other racks can carry. It also provides easy access to the trunk, which makes it easier to load bikes onto the rack and take them off of it. This makes it a great option for people who want to be able to pack their car without having to remove their bikes from the rack first.

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Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR (2+2) – No frame contact hitch rack

  • Max number of bikes: 2 (+2 with add-on)
  • Max bike weight: 60 lb (27.2 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 120 lb (54.4 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 5″ (fat-tire compatible)
  • Max wheelbase: 50″ (127 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 52 lb (23.6 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ different versions (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes
  • No frame contact

The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is a bike rack that can carry 2 bikes up to 60 lb each. It’s made from premium materials and requires a trailer hitch. It features a patented locking system that ensures your bikes are safe and secure. The Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR is the perfect choice for any cyclist looking for a bike rack that will carry their bikes securely and conveniently.

Key Takeaways

  • Definitely worth the money since it is really robust and well-made,
  • Bikes are very sturdy on the rack so you won’t experience any annoying wobbling,
  • Very easy to use and load bikes on, if you are planning to use this rack rather often then you won’t regret about the money spent,
  • This bike rack is awesome for fat-tire bikes because of a lot of space between bikes, for e-bikes because it can easily carry up to 60 lb and expensive bikes because of zero frame contact which guarantees your bikes won’t get damaged.

PROS

  • High quality materials
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Very easy to load bikes
  • Bikes are very secure (no wobbling)
  • Can carry heavy and fat-tire bikes
  • Can carry different types of bikes (lady’s, kid’s, etc.)
  • Easy trunk access (tilt function)
  • Can’t damage your bikes
  • No frame contact
  • No risks of damaging your car
  • Both 1.25″ and 2″ hitches are available
  • Can carry up to 4 bikes with an adapter (only for 2″ version)

CONS

  • Rather expensive
  • Bike-to-rack locks are not reliable
  • Is not universal in terms of receiver size

Thule EasyFold XT (2)- Premium hitch rack

  • Max number of bikes: 2
  • Max bike weight: 65 lb (29.5 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 130 lb (59 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29″ (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″ (4.7″ with an adapter)
  • Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 45 lb (20.4 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ both compatible (class 2-4)
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

You’ve been looking for the perfect way to transport your bikes, but haven’t found the right one yet. Well, look no further! The Thule EasyFold XT has been designed with you in mind. It’s made of high quality aluminum and plastic materials and can carry up to 2 bikes (up to 65 lb each). With a hitch receiver installed (1.25″ and 2″ are both compatible).

Key Takeaways

  • Great choice if you are not on a budget (very high quality overall and many useful features so it is worth the money),
  • No hitch or bikes wobbling,
  • This rack is very easy to use (both bikes mounting and access of the trunk) so it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who will use it often,
  • Perfect choice for not fat-tire heavy bikes,
  • I would not recommend it for fat-tire bikes since it won’t be much space between bikes,
  • I would not recommend it for carbon frame and other expensive bikes as it might leave scratches.

PROS

  • Premium quality materials (rust-resistant)
  • Super easy to install (no assembly required)
  • Bikes and rack itself are very sturdy
  • Has additional taillights and license plate frame
  • No risk of damaging your car
  • Won’t reduce your mileage much
  • Bike rack to the receiver lock included
  • Can carry really heavy bikes
  • Bike loading ramp (no heavy lifting required)
  • Foot pedal tilt (trunk access with bikes mounted)
  • Fits both 1.25″ and 2″ receivers
  • Compact since it is fully foldable

CONS

  • Quite expensive
  • Bikes to the rack locks are not reliable
  • Clearance between fat-tire bikes could be better
  • Frame contact (not recommended for expensive bikes)

Thule Apex XT (2, 4 or 5) – Hanging hitch rack for up to 5 bikes

  • Max number of bikes: 2, 4 or 5 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 37.5 lb (17 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 35 lb (15.9 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • Hitch receiver size: 1.25″ and 2″ compatible
  • Tilt function (easy trunk access): Yes

Thule Apex XT is the perfect bike rack for anyone who wants to make their time on the road more enjoyable. It’s made from durable materials that can withstand the toughest conditions and it can carry up to five bikes at a time. The frames of the bikes are secured by straps that keep them safe and sound while you’re on the road. You’ll never have to worry about your bikes again with this handy rack.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality rack for a reasonable price given that it can carry up to 5 bikes,
  • The rack itself is quite sturdy though bikes will wobble a bit,
  • Relatively easy to install and load bikes,
  • A good choice if you need to transport bikes rather occasionally,
  • This rack can not carry heavy bikes, and it is not recommended for expensive bikes, because bikes will be hitting each other. For ordinary bikes this rack will get the job done.

PROS

  • Reasonable price for 4-5 bikes carrier
  • Fairly easy to assemble and install
  • The rack itself is sturdy
  • Can carry fat-tire bikes
  • Easy trunk access (tilt function)
  • Rack-to-car and bikes-to-rack locks
  • No rick of damaging your car
  • Both receiver sizes compatible (1.25″ and 2″)
  • Good aerodynamics (low mileage reduction)

CONS

  • Bikes will wobble (the same is true for any other hanging rack)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • Be ready for scratches on your bikes

Best roof Thule racks

Thule roof bike racks are something that you might want to consider if you have a lot of bikes and need to transport them. They are very robust, do not block trunk access, do not obscure license frame. However, they are not that easy to load bikes. Also, they are rather expensive.

Thule Upride – Premium roof rack for Thule crossbars

  • Type of mount: wheel
  • Max bike weight: 44 lb (20 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 20” to 29” (51 to 74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″ (5″ with adapter)
  • Max wheelbase: 51″ (130 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 17 lb (7.7 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

Thule Upride is a bike rack that is made from aluminum and fits only Thule crossbar systems. It can carry most bikes up to 44 lb and has no frame contact mounting. Upride is easy to install and attaches to the top of your crossbars. It has an adjustable arm with a ratcheting knob for a quick, tight, and secure fit.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality materials make this rack worth the money spent,
  • No wobbling since a bike will be properly secured by the wheel,
  • It does not block the trunk access obviously but lifting bikes up can be challenging for some people,
  • A good rack for those who have no problems with lifting up 20-40 lb,
  • An awesome rack for expensive bikes since it won’t damage your bikes due to zero frame contact.

PROS

  • Premium quality materials
  • You don’t have to remove the front wheel
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • The rack itself and a bike will be very sturdy
  • Can carry most bike types
  • Does not block your trunk access
  • Locks included (not that reliable)
  • Does not cover license plate and taillights
  • Won’t damage your bike (zero frame mounting)
  • Low risk of damaging your car
  • Looks modern

CONS

  • Quite expensive given that it requires crossbars and can carry only 1 bike
  • It might not be that easy to load bikes
  • For fat-tire bike you need to buy an adapter
  • Not universal (fits Thule crossbars only)
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Thule TopRide – Premium roof rack, super sturdy

  • Type of mount: fork
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 49.2″ (125 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

It’s time to stop worrying about your bike! With Thule’s TopRide, you’ll have the perfect way to safely transport it. Made from aluminum, this rack is strong and durable. You’ll also need crossbars to install it. It fits basically any bike up to 40 lb and can carry one bike at a time. It mounts by the fork, so you need to remove your front wheel.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium fork-mounted rack with nice design,
  • A bike will super sturdy on the rack since it will me secured by the fork,
  • Quite easy to load a bike on. The only thing you will ave to do is to remove the front wheel,
  • This rack is perfect for basically all bikes (fat-tire, women’s, kid’s, etc.). Expensive or carbon frame bikes won’t get scratched.

PROS

  • Very well made
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • A bike will be super sturdy on the rack
  • Universal (fits most bikes)
  • Does not block trunk access
  • Does not obscure license plate and taillights
  • Locks included
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Looks good
  • Won’t scratch your bikes (no frame mounting)

CONS

  • Quite pricey as it requires crossbars to be installed
  • You have to remove the front wheel each time
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Thule FastRide – Elegant roof rack which is super robust

  • Type of mount: fork
  • Max bike weight: 40 lb (18.1 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): 29” (74 cm)
  • Max tire size (width): 3″
  • Max wheelbase: 49.2″ (125 cm)
  • Empty rack weight: 7.3 lb (3.3 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: Yes (sold separately)
  • Bike-to-rack lock: Yes
  • No frame contact

Thule FastRide bike rack is perfect for the casual biker and bike enthusiast alike. The aluminum construction ensures a durable and lightweight rack that’s easy to install. The rack can carry almost all bikes under 40 lbs. It secures the bike by the fork so there’s no frame contact, making sure your bikes are safe and sound.

Key Takeaways

  • This rack is really well made (premium quality materials on top of good design overall)
  • Zero wobbling since a bike will be secured by its fork (most reliable mounting),
  • You are supposed to lift a bike up. Moreover, the front wheel must be removed,
  • This rack is truly universal since it fits most bikes. Especially it is good for expensive and carbon frame bikes as it won’t leave any scratches.

PROS

  • Premium quality materials
  • Won’t take much time and effort to install
  • It is as sturdy as you can get (both rack and bike)
  • Can carry most bikes (women’s, kid’s, fat-tire, etc.)
  • Easy trunk access (does not block it as some hitch or trunk racks)
  • Does not cover taillights and license frame
  • No frame contact mounting (no scratches on your bikes)
  • Won’t damage your car
  • Looks beautiful

CONS

  • Pricey (keep in mind that you have to have crossbars to install it)
  • Mounting bikes on the roof is not that easy
  • Can’t carry really heavy bikes
  • You have to remove the front wheel each time
  • 10-20% mileage reduction

Best trunk Thule rack

The Thule trunk bike rack is made of high-quality materials and can carry up to three bikes. It does not require a hitch or crossbars, which makes it very easy to install and use. The only downside is that it may scratch your car when you are driving, so be sure to secure it properly (follow the instructions and you will be fine).

Thule Outway Hanging (2 or 3) – Premium trunk rack for not heavy bikes

  • Max number of bikes: 2 or 3 bikes versions
  • Max bike weight: 33 lb (15 kg)
  • Total load capacity: 99 lb (44.9 kg)
  • Wheel size (diameter): any
  • Max tire size (width): any
  • Max wheelbase: any
  • Empty rack weight: 19.6 lb (8.9 kg)
  • Rack-to-vehicle lock: No
  • Bike-to-rack lock: No
  • Number of straps: 2

With Thule Outway Hanging, you’ll find a durable, lightweight way to carry your bikes that’s easy to use. This bike rack is made from anodized aluminum, which is a strong and light material that won’t rust and doesn’t require any special tools for installation. The Outway Hanging can carry two or three bikes up to 33 pounds each, and the bikes are secured by the frame.

Key Takeaways

  • Premium quality trunk rack that won’t break the bank,
  • The whole construction is quite sturdy though you should be prepared for some wobbling of bikes,
  • You won’t be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded. Other than that, it is quite easy to use,
  • This bike racks fits most bikes regardless of their frame shape. The only limit is that a bike must not exceed 33 lb,
  • Don’t transport expensive bikes on it since some scratches are basically inevitable.

PROS

  • Reasonable price given that it is a premium brand
  • Relatively easy to assemble and install
  • Fits most bikes under 33 lb
  • Does not require anything to be installed
  • Low mileage reduction
  • Quite compact

CONS

  • Some wobbling of bikes (problem of all trunk racks)
  • Can’t carry heavy bikes
  • You won’t be able to open the trunk with bikes loaded
  • Bikes will scratch each other
  • Very easy to steal
  • Might scratch you car