First Look: Thule Helium 2-Bike Tray Rack

Mar 15, 2020
by Sarah Moore  
Thule Helium
The new aluminum 2-bike rack from Thule has a sleek design and weighs 43.2lbs and fits 1.25" and 2" hitches.


We had a sneak peek of the Thule Helium back when Interbike was still a thing in 2018, but now we finally have full details on the platform rack and it's available to purchase. The new offering from Thule is similar to 1Up USA's system and the Saris MTR, both tray-style hitch racks that hold bikes without frame contact.

The Thule Helium Platform 2-bike is priced at $699.95 USD. It's also available in 1-bike option for $449.95 if you don't like your muddy friends bumming rides off you or being the designated driver.
Thule Helium 2-Bike Details
• Load capacity: 75 lb
• Max bike weight: 37.5 lb
• Fits 1.25" and 2" hitches
• Weight: 2 bike: 43.2 lbs. / 1 bike: 23 lbs.
• Fits 26”-29” wheel sizes up to a 3” wide tire
• Distance between bikes: 10 inches
• MSRP: $699.95 USD
• www.thule.com

Thule Helium
Thule Helium
Squeeze the lever on the end of the arms to pivot them and then easily mount your bikes.

Thule Helium
Thule Helium
The Thule Helium fits 26 to 29-inch wheel sizes and up to a 3-inch wide tire.


Tech Details

The Thule Helium 2-bike with its sleek aluminum finish weighs in at 43.2-pounds and fits everything from a 26" wheel to a 29" wheel and up to 3” wide tires. The simple design holds bikes without frame contact and is easy to adjust as there is little resistance in the ratchet system.

You also just need one hand to tilt the rack up when it's not in use. If you need to access the rear of the vehicle when there are bikes on the rack you can tilt the rack below parallel instead of having to remove them. Just make sure to double-check that the rack is locked back in place at parallel before you start driving.

The rack has integrated cable locks for each one of the two bikes that are stored neatly in the rack arms, as well as a lock that locks the rack to your hitch. A convenient feature is that you can run the rack on a 1.25" or 2" receiver using the handy adapter that comes with the rack.


Thule Helium
Grab the handle with one hand to easily lower the rack into position to carry bikes.
Thule Helium
Want access to the hatch? Use the handle to lower the bikes even further so the handlebars don't hit your trunk.


Installation

When the rack arrived, it was in a relatively small box in five pieces and I was able to easily assemble it in under 20 minutes. Assembly is easy - slot the main section into the receiver and then fasten the rack arms, which are clearly labeled as left and right, to the main middle section using the provided Allen key. Use the blank key to install all the locks and you're set.

Then you can quickly and easily put your bike on the rack using the ratcheting arms.

At 43.2-pounds for the Helium 2-bike rack, it's easy to fold up and remove it from your car if you won't be riding bikes for a short or long period of time. It's also super convenient if you want to swap the rack between vehicles, even if one has a 2" receiver and the other has a 1.25" receiver, because of the provided adapter.


Thule Helium
There are individual locks on each of the rack arms to lock your bikes on to the rack with a cable.
Thule Helium
The rack also locks onto the hitch so that no one can steal your $699.95 USD rack.


Comparison

Looking at another tray rack option, Saris' MTR 2-bike rack comes fully assembled but is a hefty 15.8-pounds heavier than the Thule Helium 2-bike and is only available for a 2" receiver option. The Saris MTR 1-bike is available for a 1.25" receiver, however, and you can get a 1 or 2-bike add-on since it's a “Modular Tray Rack”. The 1-bike option weighs in at 12-pounds more than the Thule Helium 1-bike option and is $75 USD more expensive. However, it does have a higher maximum load limit at 60-pounds compared to the Thule Helium's 37.5-pound limit, so if you have a heavy downhill bike or an eMTB, you'll likely be over the capacity for the Thule Helium.

The Thule Helium weighs in at 4.3-pounds less and is roughly $30 USD cheaper than 1Up USA's Equip-D Double rack. However, 1Up USA also has a Quik Rack Single option that you can buy an add-on for, which comes in 2-pounds lighter than the Thule Helium at 41-pounds (23-pounds for the Quick Rack Single plus 18-pounds for the Add-On) and is cheaper at between $538 and $598 USD. It can carry 100-pounds, while the maximum load limit on the Thule Helium 2-bike is 75-pounds.

It's worth noting that you can't add on an extension to the Thule Helium 1 or 2-bike racks. If you have a heavy bike or want the flexibility of a modular rack, then the Thule Helium likely isn't the rack for you. Each of these three options will suit different vehicles, bikes, and budgets. Do keep in mind that it makes sense to choose the lightest rack option suitable for your needs since a lightweight rack is easier to install, remove and store, and saves on gas money.


Thule Helium
The lock was a bit of a conundrum, but once you figure out the system it works well.
Thule Helium
The addition of this part allows you to run the rack on a 1.25-inch (pictured) hitch or a 2-inch hitch.

Thule Helium
It's always best to keep eyes on your bike, but the built in cable lock will deter a thief briefly.

Thule Helium
An idea of just how long of a wheelbase the Thule Helium 2-Bike rack can accommodate... Yep, that's the Grim Donut!


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Bikeracks Thule


Author Info:
sarahmoore avatar

Member since Mar 30, 2011
1,346 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Thank You For Everything, Pinkbike
75313 views
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
51115 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
41904 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
41291 views
Staff Ride: Matt Beer's NZ MTB Rally-Spec Ibis HD6
40021 views
Tree Root Pierces Harriet Harnden's Foot at Round 1 of the British National Downhill Series
37563 views
Review: Race Face's Era Chainring Uses Steel, Carbon, & Aluminum
27605 views
First Ride: Fox's New Transfer Dropper Post - Adjustable Travel, Up to 240mm of Drop
26174 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

182 Comments
  • 188 1
 My 1Up is a decade in. It has been on the roof and back. Spare parts are available. It doesn't rattle. No plastic bits. Any size wheel........
  • 82 1
 1Up for the win.
  • 38 0
 Seriously! 1up can be adjusted to fit fatbike tires, or even little kids bikes. All aluminum hardware (my many many experiences with Thule over the years is that every screw and bolt they use will rust in 2-3 years), 1up pieces are modular and easy to replace 1 pieces if you need, and especially no plastic!
The only people buying this are people who haven't looked around.
  • 39 0
 I'm 8 years in with my 1Up, never an issue.
  • 10 0
 @bishopsmike: agreed. I haven't used a oneup but my Thule T2 only lasted a season before everything has rusted and seized. I was able to replace the arms and connection points a few times to get another year out of it but it was clear it was not built to last. It was stolen off my car in a parking lot (yes it was security bolted on) and I was not really upset to replace it with something else.
  • 8 1
 The only thing the 1up doesn’t have is a lock but I actually found it easier to use a coiled bike lock on the wheels of both bikes on my 1up than two separate cables that come together through the bikes on a normal bike rack. Win win!

I still like that more brands are making this style though, much less wear and tear on the bikes than arm racks.
  • 18 0
 Love my 1Up. No issues in 9 years with mine.
  • 14 0
 @als802: 1 up is best in the business.. Parts readily available and no plastic bits
  • 18 2
 About 12 yrs on my 1up, works like new. Meanwhile my friends’ thule and Yakima racks seem plagued with rust and cracked/UV damaged plastic parts. Cannot fathom why anyone would spend similar $$ and not get a 1up.
  • 12 0
 Same here 1up for the win, even with the high shipping to Canada, worth every penny.
  • 11 0
 Can confirm....1up. plus it's made in the USA
  • 15 2
 Wish I had gone that route. I got the Helium early through a rep earlier this year and it is absolute garbage. Among the worst bike-related products I’ve owned, and getting a replacement has been like getting water out of a rock. It took over a month just to get a response from Thule. Unfortunately a deal’s a deal and I couldn’t resist. I have yet to try a product from Thule that didn’t fail in an embarrassingly short time and this one sets the record. Just doodoo. If anyone wants pics or more info on just how shitty this thing is slither in the dm’s.
  • 7 10
 @gbeaks33: What are you doing the the thing? Thule t2 is probably the sturdiest rack on the market. I've had mine for 7+ years of very heavy use including >150 days of riding each year, and lots of shuttling. Did you leave it on in the winter?
  • 16 0
 @bikertrash: I leave my 1up on in the winter. Nothing phases it.
  • 4 0
 Plus you van drive a ton-up with a 1-up. All metal - all USA.
  • 3 0
 @bikertrash: I lived in Vancouver at the time. It rains there, a lot. And yes I left it on, because I rode year round on the north shore. I did take it off if I was doing road trips to ski hills or whatever, but otherwise left it on. But even when I moved away from Van to the BC interior, the plastic pieces on the arms and the mechanism that straps the rear wheel down would break. The buckles were poorly designed. Thule was nice enough to send me replacement parts. But having to do that 2-3x per year was annoying. I made due for a while by using bungee cords and that sort of thing. Anything metal on it was showing signs of rust after my first summer with it.
  • 7 0
 @nyles: 1up does have locks available. Their locks will lock the wheels, covers the bolt on the hitch and they'll key them all for you to a single key. If you keep track of your original order number, you can order replacement keys and additional locks.
  • 2 0
 @nyles: I use their wheel locks if I have to make a quick run into the store, or if the bike will be out of view for a little while. Lately I leave them on while driving as well, we have a high homeless population where I live and I have wondered how long until they may try to snag it while I am at a stop light.

www.1up-usa.com/product/wheel-locks

I bought the 1Up for the reviews I am seeing here. I liked my Kuat, but it was starting to slowly fall apart apart a year and half in.
  • 1 0
 @Strangebrew: It says on the website they cannot match keys....do they say different if you email/call?
  • 1 0
 Gotta agree! 1UPUSA for the win.......8 years ago for me too!
  • 2 0
 How did you get a hitch rack onto the roof?
  • 2 0
 @Trogdor636: my Kuat is showing signs of wear after 4+ years, but us still going strong. Been hit by a car and smashed in a tight canyon 4x4n. But both times parts were very reasonable and it was easy to service and repair. (It's built with break points and designed to be fixed)

LOL the Grim Donut on the back of that car!!! That's what it "felt" like the first time I rented a XL Sentinel. Spent the whole drive to angel fire watching out of my mirrors afraid I was gonna clip someone's mirrors, mailbox, or street sign with the wheels sticking out the sides... Smile
  • 3 0
 And can you buy a 1Up rack outside of Canada or the US? I appreciate that the rack works well, but Thule sell all over the world.
Having said that, I have a Thule rack (Euro Ride 3) which is almost perfect, tilts, number plate, lights, but the clamp design is abominable for all but classic double diamond frames. It's like playing tetris anytime I take someone else's bike and I've got to thread the clamp through the frames to find a perfectly parallel or perpendicular tube to grip.
I'd be tempted by this new rack if it had lights and a number plate holder. Which I'm sure they'll add, plus $$$
  • 3 1
 So the 1up is lighter, cheaper and stronger? Anyway, love mine. 5+ years on mine.
  • 2 0
 @Trogdor636: Yes, they've done it for us after we misplaced a couple of the locks and ordered replacements.
  • 2 0
 @DrPete: 1-up hitch trays are also universal to use on the roof rack with different mounting hardware that is reasonably priced.
  • 1 0
 @Trogdor636: The Burninator!
  • 1 0
 @stiingya: to be fair, I had a Transfer, which is their cheapest rack. But I was hoping for a little more service time than that. Various parts were starting to rust, and I live in Northern California. I think I went through 5-6 straps for the rear tire in my ownership.
  • 2 0
 @cycling-jokester: I said consummate V's, consummate!
  • 2 0
 My 1Up is great, but I have had to replace a few of the steel through-bolts on the arms. They and the aluminum hole started to oxidize after 3+ years of being out in the rain, salt, snow, etc. But it's standard hardware store stuff to fix it. I put marine grease on the replacements, and all's ok after 3 more years. .
  • 1 0
 @eriknasby: Cool! Didn’t know that.
  • 1 0
 @bikertrash: Then u havent owned a 1up
  • 1 0
 @DrPete: Same tray attaches to either roof rails or hitch mech.
  • 1 0
 @bikertrash: All these comments suggest otherwise. Sure, the T2 is alright... but it's not as bulletproof as the 1up. Pinkbike has spoken.
  • 1 0
 Another +1 for 1Up, Thule will never see any more money from me. I'm on year 5 with my 1up, ZERO issues. No cracking plastic! So easy to use.
  • 1 0
 @bishopsmike: or people who live outside US, where 1up racks are unavailable and they're not specified for European market.
  • 4 0
 1Ups are trash. I rock a 2Up. It's 100% better.
  • 2 0
 @InsaNeil024: Finally, some 1-Upmanship.
  • 1 0
 Yep. Got rear-ended with my 1up on the car (folded up). Bent the tongue, so for $65 replaced just that piece and 4 years later it's still working fine.

I have to admit, I'm tempted by the new 1up rack though with the easy to access handle for folding up and down. Hard to justify replacing my current one, even though it's 8 years old, mainly because it sill works great.
  • 61 0
 How many rolls of TP can it hold? That's we we want to know right now.
  • 35 3
 This whole covid19 was started by big toilet paper.
  • 4 1
 It can hold a shit ton, but it can’t hold two shit E-bikes though
  • 2 0
 @everythingsucks: covid was created by big poop to sell more toilet paper
  • 40 1
 The Grim Donut!!! Wanna see it ride rather than being ridden around
  • 6 15
flag Cspringsrider (Mar 15, 2020 at 0:13) (Below Threshold)
 That's what she said Wink
  • 14 1
 Trust forks on the Grim Donut would look so funky.....
  • 7 1
 @Ben-76: probably the only fork design that would actually work for such a slack HA..
  • 1 1
 Needs pedals first. She’s just a show pony...?
  • 7 0
 Needs the wide load sign and flags
  • 5 0
 What’s the deal @smooresmoore?! Make Levy load up his own damn bike.
  • 31 0
 Does this come in metric as well?
  • 7 1
 No, but they have Dub 28.99 coming soon!
  • 3 0
 There installation bolts are 19mm and converting to imperial is .748inches.
  • 29 1
 For that price I'd take a 1Up any day. Cheaper, better build quality, and made in the USA.
  • 7 0
 The helium and the majority of all Thule hitch racks are made in Seymour Connecticut.
  • 10 1
 @Howieday91: “assembled”
  • 2 0
 @Howieday91: If something breaks on the 1up you can order it on the website
  • 2 0
 @femto505: if something breaks on Thule it’s a lifetime warranty and it’s also on the website under small parts for any rack. Thule is technically automotive company so they have to have parts for each rack for seven years.
  • 1 3
 @5afety3rd: do some research bud. T2 pros are made from raw materials in Seymour with the helium and classic. Sent 25 miles down the road to be powder coated if needed. Easyfold comes from their factory in Poland. China is Yakima and Kuat. #askyourlocalbikeshop speaking of which

Pink bike Comments Are hilarious... One up is the best! It’s made in the USA , its a little more money but worth it, its ok that’s it’s that it’s direct. Mean while on the other article. Support your local bike shop!!! Stop buying from backcountry.com (don’t sue backcountry) and online stores and go into your local shop.
  • 2 0
 Agree. Also be able to mount 2 bikes next to each other without having to adjust seats or dick around with stem rotation. That's what always bugged me about the Thule T2, and looks like this rack too. It has very limited side to side adjustment, and since the bikes are at the same level, something always touches. 1up has each additional rack at a higher level. Gives better ground clearance too.
  • 3 1
 @Howieday91: I’ve toured the Seymour facility. I am a LBS and stopped recommending Thule years ago.
  • 2 0
 @Howieday91: direct to consumer through 1up IS okay, so good on you for recognizing it. Middlemen (like car dealers) will always have a base of uninformed consumers who "need help". The LBS will be there to service these customers several times over, when ( in this case), their Thule T2 has more rust than a vintage MG and needs replacement. Win-win. Don't ding consumers who know what the hell they're doing.

Want to help your LBS? Stop the practice of industry insider and bro-deal pricing.
  • 2 1
 @5afety3rd: curious, what lbs you are in Moab Utah?
  • 23 1
 That again is way over priced. It will be about $1500 in Australia.
  • 14 132
flag BobbyDigital (Mar 15, 2020 at 0:33) (Below Threshold)
 just because your taxes and country are shit doesn't mean it's overpriced elsewhere.
  • 68 0
 @BobbyDigital: thanks for your insightful comments.
  • 9 0
 @T-Bot: me thinks someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.
  • 5 1
 @BobbyDigital:

Cool story bro
  • 2 0
 a week's wage?
  • 39 2
 just because some douche using our flag is shit doesn't mean there's not nice Canadians elsewhere.
  • 6 0
 @bishopsmike: I second your comment.

I apologize for someone bearing the Canadian flag that are mean towards others.
  • 9 0
 @mountguitars: Fake News... A true Canuck could never be so mean...
  • 17 0
 PinkBike needs to do video of the rack while driving offroad with the bikes in. Then you could see how solid it is.
  • 25 2
 Including a huck flat test please
  • 5 0
 @n734535: They should install all racks on a Ford Raptor, and take it offroad/hit jumps with bikes installed. Then see how they hold up. Standardize it.
  • 14 0
 1up all the way! Never going back to thule. They are clearly trying the look the 1up part with this rack. But the can't hide the cost cutting cheap materials from those of us that know what we're looking at.
  • 9 0
 Maybe they need to make these with lights on... it seems stupid you'd spend this much on a rack and it not have lights and power.
  • 9 0
 This is a miss for so many reasons. Max bike weight, no add on compatibility... 1up still king
  • 6 0
 My Northshore carries 4 bikes with any wheel size, any weight, any tire width, even ski bikes. It's super easy to mod to carry road bikes and I can access the vehicle hatch without pulling the bikes. A little neoprene sleeve/coozie keeps the fork crown fresh if that's a big deal for you. Only comes in 2in because that's what works on dirt roads and I ride MTB.
  • 2 0
 Yup, had a NorthShore 4 for years, and it has never let me down. So simple and effective. I also carry all my bikes on it, including my road bikes, with not problems. Super happy with it.
  • 1 0
 how do you modify for road bikes?
  • 2 0
 I’ve had a Northshore rack for several years and the design is great, but the surface finish was a disappointment. Mine developed significant rust within a year. I’ve repainted it myself and I assume that is something I’ll have to keep doing every few years if I want it to be rust free.
How do you mount road bikes on your Northshore rack?
  • 1 0
 I second that opinion on the NSR's. Good value, and a great design, being both robust and adaptable. However, the paint finish seems to vary from rack to rack. Mine has rusted like crazy. It's still perfectly functional but looks a mess. I see loads of others about town which seem to stay fresher looking.
  • 1 0
 @Dyceman: @michaelasnider The NS can be used with road bikes two ways. For occasional use, I have an old mouse pad that I drape over the upper bar between the two fork crown brackets. Place the road bike over the upper bar such that the headset/DT rests on the mouse pad. Use a toe clip strap or two (which you should keep in the vehicle for the front brake on your MTB) to attach the front wheel to the downtube. You can the double tie the rear the rear wheel taking the wheel tie from the outside mount and anchoring it to the inside and vice versa. If you are using it often or on rough roads, you can get an after market fork mount, like the Sunlite, and mount it to the top bar between two fork crown brackets. Here's another trick with NS: carry as many Ulocks as you have bikes. Lock the center two from the DT to the mast and the outer ones through the chainstays to the wheelbar. Beats the BS cables that everyone uses with tray type racks.
  • 9 1
 I don’t think a lock would be necessary for that rancid turd of a bike.
  • 3 3
 How very dare you!
  • 2 0
 Actually, the Random Turd isn't a bad name when they get around to adding multi links and ideler pulleys back from the original design.... Also, where's the 3 in frame water bottle mounts...
  • 8 1
 You know whats better than a bike rack review? Sunday Comics with Taj Mihelich.
  • 4 0
 I miss TMs work on Sundays :-(
  • 8 0
 Just get a 1up and be done with it.
  • 4 0
 Seems like a wimpy weight capacity considering most trail/AM bikes sit around 30lb and it’s never a great idea to run close to a manufacturer’s max weight. I think I’ll ad the 15lb to my 3,000lb vehicle and take the negligible fuel economy hit.
  • 4 0
 Lotsa 1Up dudes on here. I don't see to many around town. They are super nice and sturdy built, with that comes a price tag if you get the 4X. My brother in law has one, the only issue I see is after a while the aluminum gets kinda crusty, nothing some WD-40 won't take care of though. I have the RockyMounts Splitrail 2X with the additional 2X. It is super solid , no shake and stays on year round for last 2.5 yrs. However, some of the parts are plastic, so... No issues yet, and they hook it up when an upgrade comes along. Couldn't pass up the price point for it; $600/shipping included for the 4X carrier and a wall hanger. The 2x will carry 60# bikes and the 4X will carry 4 x 45# bikes.
rockymounts.com/collections/hitch-racks/products/splitrail-ls-platform-hitch-rack
  • 8 0
 $700 for a bike rack!?!
  • 11 6
 It comes engraved with the address of ur nearest dentist office?
  • 2 0
 It is not available in Europe anyway?
  • 2 0
 You can easily smash that sort of money on a Thule rack in the UK too - shame they’re crap in comparison
  • 6 0
 I’m not sure I see the purpose of this... the Kuat NV2 is $689 but it holds up to 60# per bike and even comes with its own bike stand. The arm on it contacts the fork arch and front tire so is that really the only selling point here?

If you have an Ebike it’s the only way to go.
  • 4 0
 @HurricaneCycles: they only issue I have with Kuat is their racks are not XL bike friendly. Especially with the wheelbases of these new bikes
  • 1 0
 @lkubica: I guess you wouldn't be allowed to use this kind of rack over here... No lights, no license plate.
  • 1 0
 @zimtsticker:
Yes i have been read norms about bike rack
It seems in Europe it is necessary to fix the bike by the frame.
It could be easy to add light and support for licence plate.
But the biggest problem is the hitch we Only have these ball shape hitch in Europe and not these square one...
  • 3 0
 @nobrain: Since my first Canada trip I was jealous of some of the bike racks but our Euro hitch does not support any of them, same with the new thule. I would love to have a wheel fix insted of a clamp on the frame!
  • 1 0
 @Chridel: thule upride bolted on thule easybase might work
  • 1 0
 @SADTimo: I will have a look at it, thanks mate!
  • 1 0
 @SADTimo: well this could be a good idea
  • 7 0
 Must be killing Mr Levy to not have a water bottle on that Donut.
  • 2 0
 Ever since I read about all the positive comments towards oneup in every bike rack first look/review... I try to make a point to do the same.

Love my oneup, going on 3 years, moved across the country, traveled easily over 10,000 miles on it, most I had to do was grease some points to stop some creaking. Would never buy another rack.
  • 1 0
 1up is simply the very very best. Have one, love it, and many of my friends have it, love it. Personally, I would not own plastic given I also have an ebike too. Nice to try at copying 1 up. Wonder if it's make in CHINA. Personally, I don't knowingly want anything made in CHINA when you can get a better alternative here in the USA. Translation, 1UP rack still good years from now, Plastic Chinese knockoff at Goodwill in a few years. Yuck.
  • 5 0
 Yup, that is my dream bike for tight switchback.
  • 5 0
 Fark me it even fits a Grim fukcing Donut, stone the flamin' crows.
  • 3 0
 I still prefer the cheap amazon Hollywood rack. It’s been doing it’s job for a couple years now without any signs of quitting.
  • 5 0
 It is crooked on the car. That bugs me.
  • 1 0
 I would think KUAT would be the greater competition here. I'm rather surprised that a 3-4 bike version isn't an option and holy cow $700. This shouldn't run more than $450. I suppose the key feature here is that end lever which KUAT does not yet have.
  • 1 0
 A good bike carrier is the Saris SuperClamp EX bike hitch. It weighs only 35lbs, handles even e-bikes (up to 60lbs each), plus it tilts and folds out of the way. Bike hitch does not touch your frame (especially important if you have a carbon bike) and has dual wheel clamping hooks that hold your bike securely even when transporting your bikes offroad and even has integrated locks. I paid under $600 CAD. www.saris.com/product/superclamp-ex-2
  • 1 0
 My experience with Kuat is simply terrible.

The locking mechanism for the wheels routinely failed, and either the front or rear of my bike would bounce out of the tray and onto the road.

Needless to say I returned the bunch of cack right away.

Have been running Thule rood racks that’s been good but Lifting my bikes up and down and the constant wind noise is getting tiresome, and I’ve have one close shave where I nearly pulled into my buildings garage with them on top of the car. Could have been an expensive and embarrassing mistake.

I’ll be changing cars again and am thinking of going to the 1up hitch rack and selling the Thules to fund it.
  • 1 0
 I am a fan of Thule but for that amount of money I can buy a small utility trailer and have it mounted with bike racks.
More storage, easier set up, and you can use it for a million other reasons instead of a dedicated bike rack that costs this much.

It does look awesome though Smile
  • 1 0
 I have been using a lolo 6 bike rack for almost a year. Bikes hang vertically similar to NS but the wheels facing away from the vehicle. No damage from bikes rubbing together. lolo racks FTW.
  • 5 0
 Where is everyone
  • 15 0
 in quarantine
  • 2 0
 @ramcrew: or buying TP
  • 5 1
 Grim Donut approved is grim enough for me!
  • 4 0
 Such a disappointment it does not fit a 20” or 24” wheel.
  • 1 0
 Also, I can use 4 u-locks (Middle 2 to mast, and side two through the chainstay to the wheel stop) to lock in a way which will defeat anything short of an angle grinder or torch.
  • 1 0
 Has anyone ever been pulled over because your rack was blocking your license plate? This rack really obscures the plate when its folded up. Are there others that are better in this regard?
  • 4 0
 I’ve driven 200k miles I’m both Canada and the US with mine on and have only been pulled over once because of it. It is probable cause, so just make sure you take it off while engaging in questionable activities.
  • 2 0
 I know you can get in trouble for it, but I haven't before. I always have my rack on and folded up to thwart speed traps!
  • 1 0
 Never, and I run a two rack 1Up.
  • 2 0
 Got pulled over in Montana. He warned us after running my DL. Our last trip involved driving a lot at night so I bought some trailer lights and mounted them on the rear of the rack and plugged them in.
  • 2 0
 1up has an option to move your license plate to the back of the rack, as well as a light bar option for brake lights, tail lights and turn signals.
  • 3 2
 Looks like another fine way to block your licence plate from photo radar and red light cams. That is what most of the rear racks are used for around here... Wonder sometime if the racks I see have ever had a bike on them.
  • 2 0
 Can't understand how a rack with no lights and plate is legal over there!! Here we have to have it wired into the car whenever mounted, crazy to drive around with the rear of your car unlit in poor weather or at night.
  • 2 0
 Can you spot the double brake adapter on the fork? ;-) Disc size around 220mm?
  • 2 0
 I'm running a 220mm rotor on my lyrik. It only has one adapter.
  • 2 0
 Good eye! Definitely looks like two double-stacked 20mm spacers to me
  • 2 0
 @BigLips93: thx. i'm really interested how that thing rides xD
  • 3 1
 Just a 1Up knock off... support original.
  • 2 2
 Does that mean you should buy Saris, since the guy who made the original works for them?
  • 2 0
 no wendys drive-through for that pos
  • 3 0
 1UP clones galore.
  • 1 0
 Cannot believe they are touting being 10-15lbs lighter than Saris or 1Up, do they think your car will climb hills faster ?
  • 2 0
 Sleek new design... That sits annoyingly CROOKED...
  • 1 0
 37.5 lb bike limit? Really? Most downhillers will bust that, and every ebike. Kuat NV 2.0 has a 60 lb each limit.
  • 1 1
 How, Santa Cruz V10, YT Tues and the Canyon Sender are all sub-38lbs. I'm sure Thule are designing racks for modern bikes and not 10 year old downhill bikes that WERE 50-60lbs. Kuat NV won't handle todays slack long wheelbase bikes.
  • 1 0
 @mxmax: My bike is a hair under 1300mm center-of-axle-to-center-of-axle, and fits fine. Glad you found some sub-38 dowhillers, but most still aren't below 37.5 lbs. when set up.
  • 2 0
 Buy 1up. Don't reward the copycat.
  • 1 0
 A lot of plastic at critical junctures for an "aluminum" rack. Pass.
  • 1 0
 Grim Donut smackin' trees and brush all the way to the trailhead
  • 1 2
 Is Canada still using imperial units then? Or is it like the UK where just old folk use it and some legacy stuff like miles on road signs?
  • 3 2
 just old folk and some legacy stuff......
So, how tall are you then?
Wink
  • 3 0
 @yonibois: 5’9” and 62kg here ????
  • 3 0
 It is still used extensively. The decimal inch is pretty much standard in most manufacturing outside of automotive here.
  • 1 0
 @atrokz: cheers for the reply, I was just curious.
  • 1 0
 @yonibois: 181cm and 83kg...10 years ago that would have been 6’2 and 13 stone, or more like 12 stone... my kids have no idea what imperial stuff is other than miles (I think) maybe inches as they are still on rulers...
  • 1 0
 Does this thing still work if I have a flat tire?
  • 2 0
 My OneUp does. This is just a bad copy note that the patent has expired.
  • 1 0
 Yes, your wheel will still be round. Works fine.
  • 1 0
 @constantly-broken its the f*cking grim donut!
  • 1 0
 Need some new roof rack solutions. FSD does not work with a hitch rack.
  • 1 0
 The Grim Donut is so long, you would likely sideswipe some parked cars.
  • 1 0
 So does the lock rub on the stantions while its locked up?
  • 2 1
 I'm really looking forward to the hole donut review.
  • 1 0
 Unfortunately they found a big hole in the review...
  • 1 0
 @RowdyAirTime: possibly a sphincter.
  • 7 8
 Never buying a Thule product again. Copying/ripping off an American made product. Thule engineers should penetrate themselves with their stupid 37.5 pound compacity rack.
  • 13 2
 Completely wrong attitude. Competition improves the species. Maybe there are things 1Up can continue to do better. Thule hasn’t violated any IP. They have different features for those who value them. Open market and customer choice is an American value last I checked. You can buy or slag who you want but your sentiments are misplaced in my opinion.
  • 3 0
 Considering the inventor of the 1Up apparently works for Saris now you could probably tone down the IP zealotry.
  • 3 0
 You do know Thule is made in the U.S.?
  • 1 0
 43.2lbs, better be electric!
  • 1 0
 North Shore Racks for life!!!
  • 1 0
 Excellent performance at half the weight o fan E-bike. Well done Thule.
  • 1 0
 if i buy another rack its gonna be a NS 6 bike
  • 1 0
 My question is how many toilet paper can this hold?
  • 1 0
 The wheel base and angle fork is crazy.
  • 2 2
 The most important measurement is not shown. How long of a bike can fit?
  • 1 0
 Well the grim donut has a wheelbase of 1409 so at least that?
  • 1 0
 @AverageAdventurer: Sarcasm Smile
  • 1 2
 They talk about coffee and ignore mentioning the donut in any meaningful manner yet it in on display for the world to see!!!
  • 1 1
 That bike looks nuts. Rides well?
  • 2 2
 Kuat NV all the way!
  • 1 0
 I love mine. It's well built, durable, simple, easy to operate, has a great hitch binding mechanism, looks great, and has built-in locks.

My complaints with it are:

1. They need to increase its ability to handle long-wheelbase bikes (my Ibis Ripmo is right at the spec limit)
2. It does not hold bikes well on very rough terrain (Jeep roads, for example). The front wheel can pop out of the cradle.

For item 2, I contacted Kuat's support, and they were very helpful. They shipped me their "fat tire" kits for free, which include straps for securing the wheel to the cradle. Not perfect, but a decent solution. In the future, if they rework the cradle and address the wheelbase issue, this would be pretty much a perfect rack.
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.065086
Mobile Version of Website