5 Best Thule Bike Racks
Best thule bike racks
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack
- Best Bang for the Buck: Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
- Best for E-Bikes: Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack
- Best for Serious Cyclists: Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack
- Simple Yet Solid: Thule 910XT Passage 2 Bike Trunk Mount Carrier
When you travel, you take your essentials. For many active individuals, a bike is one of those essentials. However, there lies a challenge in safely getting your bike to your destination without causing damage to the bike or your vehicle. The solution: a Thule bike rack.
Thule is a company that has been helping individuals on the road to adventure for well over 75 years. Thule’s focus is on developing transportation products that are not only safe, stylish and effortless to use but are also kind to the environment. Thule manufactures some of the most respected and revered transportation products in the industry.
Our favorite is the Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR Hitch Bike Rack, which is a strong, sturdy option that can fit all styles of bikes. To learn how to make the best purchase for your bike transportation needs, keep reading.
Item Dimensions: 54 x 43 x 15 inches | Load Capacity: 120 pounds | Mounting Type: U Bolt
The Thule T2 Pro XTR is a heavy-duty hitch bike rack that can carry nearly any bike style up to 60 pounds each, including fat tires and e-bikes.
One standout upgrade is the integrated wheels, which make moving this 52-pound beast feel a lot less like a workout and more like a smooth pivot around the garage. Real-world features like the HitchSwitch lever for rear-vehicle access and adjustable mounts show that Thule paid attention to the little annoyances riders often face.
Assembly isn’t quite as easy as we’d like it to be, but once you have it together, it’s rock solid. For cyclists who take their gear seriously and want something that won’t cut corners, this rack is a winner.
Item Dimensions: 42.1 x 11 x 37 inches | Load Capacity: 37.5 pounds | Mounting Type: Rack
The Thule Apex XT hitch rack offers a sleek, no-fuss way to haul up to five bikes, making it a solid pick for families or riding crews. Its anti-sway cradles help keep bikes from knocking into each other, and the HitchSwitch lever gives you access to the back of your vehicle without needing to unload everything.
It features a strong integrated cable lock system and bike arms that fold down when the rack isn’t being used. While it’s not perfect, especially if you’re trying to squeeze on four or five bikes with wider frames, for smaller setups, it’s a solid choice.
Item Dimensions: 48.4 x 25 x 26.75 inches | Load Capacity: 130 pounds | Mounting Type: Power Grip
The Thule EasyFold XT 2 hits a sweet spot for riders hauling heavier e-bikes or bulky mountain bikes. With a hefty 130-pound capacity, this rack is built to handle serious weight.
The included ramp is a game changer, making it easy to roll bikes into place without wrestling them overhead. We especially like the fully foldable design, which tucks up neatly and rolls away on integrated wheels like a piece of quality luggage.
The locking system adds peace of mind, and the smart foot pedal tilt is a slick way to keep trunk access hassle-free. If you’re after convenience, muscle and portability, the EasyFold lives up to its name.
Types of Bike Racks
When purchasing a Thule bike rack, you have four options as to where on your vehicle the rack will be mounted: the roof, hitch, trunk or truck bed.
Roof
A roof-mounted bike rack from Thule can cost between $200 and $300, with a $500-plus outlier for tandem bikes. Each rack only holds one bike, which is fastened in place by the wheels, the frame or the fork. If your vehicle has a factory-installed crossbar system on the roof and you’d like to have access to your trunk or hatchback, this may be the model for you. Just remember to be careful when approaching a low bridge.
Hitch
A Thule hitch-mounted bike rack can cost between $400 and $1,000. For many, it is the most desirable option because it provides the best protection for the bikes and the vehicle. Hitch-mounted racks can transport up to five bikes at once, but you must already have a Class 1 – 5 receiver hitch on your vehicle (or be planning to install one). This model is the easiest to load and has the most versatility for accepting bikes with a variety of frames. Notably, it also sports the highest price tag.
Trunk
A Thule trunk-mounted bike rack can cost between $200 and $480. This rack works on cars that do not have a roof rack or hitch. It installs quickly and is easy to store when not in use. These types of bike racks can hold one to three bikes and are designed for the casual rider who only needs to transport bikes occasionally. The downside of this design: It’s the most likely Thule rack to cause minor damage to your vehicle.
Features to Consider
Bike capacity and weight limits
Thule bike racks list two key numbers: the total maximum weight the rack can hold and the per-bike weight limit. Both must be respected for safety and performance. Even if your rack can hold multiple bikes, your vehicle also has a maximum load capacity (found in the owner’s manual) that shouldn’t be exceeded.
Overloading can stress the rack, damage your vehicle’s structure, and potentially lead to accidents. For heavier e-bikes or mountain bikes, make sure the rack is rated to handle the additional weight.
Frame compatibility
Not all bike racks work with all frame designs. Step-through bikes, fat-tire models, children’s bikes, and carbon fiber frames may require special adapters or alternative mounting styles.
Some Thule racks secure bikes by the wheels rather than the frame, which is ideal for protecting delicate paint or carbon fiber materials. If you ride a specialty bike, verify compatibility before purchasing to avoid fitment issues or unsafe transport.
Ease of loading and unloading
If you plan to use your bike rack frequently, convenience is key. Hitch-mounted racks generally win in this category since bikes are loaded at waist height without awkward lifting. Roof-mounted racks require hoisting bikes overhead, which can be tiring or impractical depending on the bike’s weight and the height of your vehicle. Trunk-mounted racks fall in between but may require more adjustment to get the bikes stable and secure.
Consider how often you’ll be loading and unloading and choose a style that matches your physical comfort level.
FAQ
Q. What is Thule’s plan for sustainability?
A. At the top of Thule’s list is creating products that last. The company’s position is that “products that last longer are better for the environment.” Thule bike racks are also designed to save fuel by creating less wind-drag on your vehicle. In terms of manufacturing, the company is aggressively incorporating renewable energy sources with the goal of meeting 100% of its renewable energy goals by the end of 2020.
Q. Will a Thule bike rack fit my bike?
A. While Thule is a leader in the industry and has designed its racks to be adaptable to a vast number of bikes, there are too many products available worldwide for the company to put out a blanket statement saying their product fits every bike that was ever manufactured. However, Thule bike racks do fit almost every bike. In most instances, you can buy with confidence. If you have any reason to think it might not work for your needs, it’s best to talk to someone in the company, voicing your specific concerns.
Q. My bike has a carbon frame. What options does Thule offer?
A. If your bike has a special transport concern, such as it being manufactured with carbon fibers, Thule does offer some options. A carbon frame protector would be best in this example, but the company also has other solutions, such as frameless contact racks. Before purchasing a Thule bike rack, check with your bike manufacturer to see if there are any transportation recommendations or guidelines you need to follow.