Thule bike racks: models, pros and cons

Thule bike carriers are considered to be one of the most comfortable, simple and functional options on the market. With the help of an easy-to-install device, every owner of a personal car can solve the problem of transporting one or more two-wheeled bikes without making radical changes to its design.

But they are all aimed at people with minimal technical knowledge - you can find exactly the format that is suitable for a specific model and brand of car, and install it in a couple of minutes.

Before making the final decision when choosing a mount for a car, it is worthwhile to understand all the details and understand exactly how the Swedish company is ready to ensure the safe transportation of bicycles.

The Thule bike carrier is considered one of the most reliable means of securing one or more bikes for travel, short or long trips. The Swedish company prides itself on its engineering expertise and offers a wide range of solutions to ensure optimal results. Depending on the design of the machine, you can choose the place and method of fixing.

The Thule brand takes its design seriously - all products are fully tested.

Particular attention is paid to the selection of materials. Preference is given to metals that are resistant to corrosion and do not damage the paintwork of the machine.

Absolutely all types of bicycle racks for cars are made in the form of vertical racks or support platforms. Depending on how exactly the two-wheeled vehicle will be fixed, it is also possible to divide the fixing devices into several groups. Thule has 3 lines of mount products.

A versatile option for transporting up to 4 bicycles at the same time. This mounting format is considered the most reliable, makes it easy to install and remove even heavy bicycles.

Optimal choice when no towbar or hitch is available. There are no strict restrictions on the weight of vehicles, you can use bicycles of various types and designs, including heavy or with thick wheels.

With or without bows, Thule will offer you a choice. Roof rack can be adjusted to secure the bike by the wheel, held by the frame or fork. This is a safe and convenient solution if the design of the car does not imply the presence of a towbar, and the luggage compartment must be constantly opened and closed.

Thule has several roof rack options available. Several models can be noted among the most popular options.

Functional model with frame holder. Mounts to the trunk using the supplied locks. The wheels are secured with special quick-release belts. Thru-axle compatible, adapter may be required for T-rail racks.

Upright rack that can support bicycles up to 20 kg in weight. Provides for automatic installation of the bike at the moment of fixation... The mount does not need assembly, an adapter must be used for use on bicycles with carbon frames.

Fork mount that does not require adapters. Suitable for thru-axle bikes. Simplified loading of the bike is provided. Adapted only to racks with T-rails.

Fastening with locking fork - one of the simplest in the line. Adapted for fixing fat bikes with tires up to 3 ". Suitable for round and oval frames.

This bike carrier category is one of the most numerous at Thule. The most popular models can be identified.

The simplest and lightest mount, holds 2 bikes with rubber straps. Convenient folding mechanism for easy storage. Suitable for all frames with adapter.

Needs additional fastening lock, there is a tilt function. Doesn't require complicated adjustment. There are versions for 3 and 4 bikes.

It is produced for the installation of 2 or 3 bicycles, depending on the modification. Simple hinged design easily moved by hand, you can change the angle of inclination.

There are versions for 2 and 3 bikes. A special latch greatly simplifies installation. The bikes are fixed at the expense of the frame holders.

One of the most rigid bindings, the number of bicycles carried - from 2 to 4, no assembly tools needed. Includes expandable wheel holders for any base.

Suitable for all bikes including fat bikes. Can serve an additional roof rack in combination with the BackSpace XT roof box.

Universal foldable mount.

This category of bikes from Thule helps make loading and transporting your bikes as easy and convenient as possible. The frame will be reliably protected from damage.

Bicycle rack for the car with fixation on the cables. Quick installation, the presence of rubber pads to protect the body, folding design make this model very popular... There are options for 2 or 3 bikes.

A series for cars with a minivan or minibus body, mounted on the rear door.The standard capacity of the lodgement is 2 or 3 bikes, it can be expanded to 4. The rack for transportation allows you to change the parameters of the base, taking into account the length and width of the wheels.

The bike rack mount is designed to fit to the rear door of your vehicle. Simple design holds up to 3 bikesSuitable for sedans and hatchbacks.

A model with the simplest possible design. Designed for hatchback or station wagon cars.

Many bike racks have been discontinued, as has the popular Pack'n Pedal Sport rack. The manufacturer regularly updates the model range, introduces new technologies, and irrelevant clips are removed from circulation.

Let's take a look at the pros and cons of installing a Thule bike carrier.

Let's start with the obvious advantages.

1. Simple installation. Installation of a bike carrier in most cases does not require the use of special tools, it allows you to perform all the manipulations in a few minutes.
2. Variable number of bikes... With the use of additional accessories, the bike carrier can be easily expanded by 1-2 sections, making it possible to carry more bicycles.
3. Surface protection. Thule has pads in place where the bike frame or paintwork of the car could be damaged.
4. Individual solutions for any body. This is important if the machine has non-standard dimensions or design.

The disadvantages include the need to purchase additional components. Adapters, locks and many other elements that allow you to adapt mounts to non-standard car parameters are quite expensive. Other than that, Thule products are good for cyclists.

When choosing a Thule bike carrier for your car, it is worth considering such points as the presence or absence of a towbar, roof rack. In their absence, the fixator will have to be selected among a much smaller list of models. Bicycle racks on the roof can be inconvenient with a significant height of the car, they are the most difficult to adjust, and are not adapted to all types of roof racks.

It is worth considering and the mobility of the device itself.

Support racks for bicycles provide greater safety during transportation, hanging ones involve the application of some effort when loading equipment. True, the second option also has its advantages: such bike racks do not obstruct the view, usually have a folding structure and are quite convenient to install.

A video overview of the Thule ProRide 598 roof bike carrier can be seen below.