Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR platform hitch bike rack

Thule Bike Racks: 11 Hitch, Roof, Trunk and Truck Racks Compared (2026)

How we choose products: we compare fit, size and load ratings from each maker’s listing and specs. We don’t claim hands-on testing unless a post says so — see our methodology.

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Last updated: September 2026

A Thule bike rack can mean a platform hitch rack, a vertical hitch rack, a roof mount, a trunk rack or a truck-bed carrier, and Thule makes all of them. The right one depends on your vehicle, how many bikes you carry and whether any of them are e-bikes. This guide compares eleven current Thule bike racks by type, so you can shortlist the right model quickly.

How we chose: this is a comparison based on Amazon listing titles and each rack’s design type, not hands-on testing. Always check Thule’s fit guide for your vehicle and hitch, and check each rack’s per-bike weight, wheel-size and tire-width limits against your bikes before ordering.

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Quick Picks: Best Thule Bike Racks

  • Premium platform hitch rack: Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR
  • 2-bike platform with locks: Thule Vero 2 (160 lb capacity)
  • Folding, e-bike compatible: Thule EasyFold XT 2 (130 lb capacity)
  • Fits 1.25″ or 2″ hitches: Thule Outpace 2 (110 lb capacity)
  • Lightweight platform: Thule Helium Platform XT
  • Vertical hitch rack for groups: Thule Revert 4-bike (220 lb capacity)
  • Hanging hitch rack: Thule Apex XT
  • Roof, no frame contact: Thule UpRide
  • Roof, fork mount: Thule TopRide
  • Trunk, no hitch needed: Thule Passage 2
  • Pickup truck bed: Thule Low-Rider Pro

Thule Bike Rack Comparison

ModelTypeListed notes
T2 Pro XT/XTRHitch, platformThule’s flagship platform line
Vero 2Hitch, platform2 bikes, 160 lb capacity, locks included
EasyFold XT 2Hitch, folding platform130 lb capacity, e-bike compatible
Outpace 2Hitch2″ and 1.25″ hitches, 110 lb capacity
Helium Platform XTHitch, platformLightweight platform design
Revert (4-bike)Hitch, vertical4 bikes, tilt assistance, 220 lb capacity
Apex XTHitch, hangingHanging-style hitch rack
UpRideRoofHolds the wheels, no frame contact
TopRideRoof, fork mountFront wheel comes off
Passage 2 (910XT)Trunk2 bikes
Low-Rider ProTruck bedTruck bed bike carrier

Thule Platform Hitch Bike Racks

Platform racks hold bikes by the wheels, so nothing clamps the frame. They’re the easiest to load and the usual choice for carbon frames, step-through bikes and e-bikes. If you don’t have a hitch, see our best trailer hitch guide.

1. Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR

  • Versatile design fits nearly all styles of bikes up to 60 lbs each with zero frame contact
  • Integrated wheels help to maneuver the rack when it’s off the vehicle
  • The HitchSwitch lever allows you to tilt the rack down for rear vehicle access or tilt it up when not in use

Bottom line: The T2 Pro is Thule’s best-known platform hitch rack line, a common pick for riders who carry mountain bikes often.

What to know: Check the listing for the exact version (XT or XTR), hitch size and bike count, as they differ.

2. Thule Vero 2-Bike Platform Hitch Rack

  • Hitch mounted bike rack built for heavy e-bikes, versatile for all bikes. Compatible with road, mountain, fat, cargo, an…
  • Each tray supports up to 80 lbs, ideal for heavy e-bikes or cargo bikes. The built-in transport wheels make the bike car…
  • Folds up compactly against the vehicle, reducing its overall footprint while parking or driving. Tilts down to allow eas…
$1,299.95

Bottom line: A 2-bike platform hitch rack listed with a 160 lb capacity and locks included, which gives it headroom for two heavier bikes.

What to know: Total capacity isn’t the same as the per-bike limit. Check both against your bikes, and check your hitch’s tongue weight rating too.

3. Thule EasyFold XT 2

  • Premium, high-load capacity bike rack ideal for e-bikes and heavy mountain bikes.Distance between bikes : 9 inch. Max wh…
  • Integrated folding bike loading ramp
  • Fits 1.25″ and 2″ receivers

Bottom line: A folding 2-bike hitch rack listed as e-bike compatible with a 130 lb load capacity. It folds down for storage, which helps if you don’t keep it on the car.

What to know: Folding racks are still heavy to carry. Check the listing’s weight if you’ll be taking it on and off often.

4. Thule Outpace 2

  • Supports a wide range of bike frame geometries and tube diameters from 0.8 to 3.5 in. (20 to 90 mm)
  • Moveable head that rotates, slides, and adjusts flexibly to fit different bike sizes and styles, making sure it always f…
  • You can load and unload up to two bikes in any order – all types of frames and geometries are supported

Bottom line: A 2-bike hitch rack listed for both 2″ and 1.25″ hitches with a 110 lb capacity, so it works on smaller cars too.

What to know: 1.25″ hitches usually have lower tongue weight ratings. Add the rack and both bikes before you buy.

5. Thule Helium Platform XT

  • Securely holds bikes in place without frame contact
  • Quickly attach bikes and easily secure them to the rack using the ratcheting wheel loops
  • Aluminum construction makes it easy to use, install and remove

Bottom line: A lighter platform option for riders who want wheel-holding loading without the bulk of a heavier tray rack. We cover it in more detail in our Thule Helium Platform XT guide.

Thule Vertical and Hanging Hitch Racks

6. Thule Revert 4-Bike Vertical Hitch Rack

  • The hydraulic damper provides weight assistance, making it easier to both lower and raise the rack with bikes fully load…
  • With bikes mounted, the trunk is accessible with a push down handle tilt
  • 20-29″ wheels (20-24″ accessory insert sold separately) with tires wide as 5″ (4-5″ accessory wheel basket sold separate…
$1,099.95

Bottom line: A vertical hitch rack listed for 4 bikes with tilt assistance and a 220 lb capacity. Vertical racks carry several bikes in less width than a platform, and a 6-bike version is also listed.

A real limitation: A loaded vertical rack is heavy and tall. You need a hitch rated for the total, and it may block your rear view.

7. Thule Apex XT Hanging Hitch Rack

  • Premium hanging hitch bike rack for 4 bikes
  • Superior bike stability and fit
  • Anti-sway cradles prevent bike contact

Bottom line: A hanging-style hitch rack that holds bikes by the top tube. It’s lighter and more compact than a platform rack.

What to know: Step-through, kids’ and some full-suspension bikes may need a frame adapter (Thule sells an adjustable one) to hang properly.

Thule Roof Bike Racks

Roof mounts need crossbars and keep the rear of the car clear, but you’ll have to lift bikes overhead. See our Thule Evo roof rack guide if you need a base rack first.

8. Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack

  • Universal upright bike rack for 1 bike
  • No frame contact for maximum protection
  • Fits most 20-29″ wheel bicycles with tires up to 3″ wide

Bottom line: A roof bike rack that holds the bike by its wheels, so there’s no frame contact. That’s useful for carbon frames and odd frame shapes.

9. Thule TopRide Roof Bike Rack

  • A premium fork-mounted bike carrier for both quick release and thru-axle bikes.
  • Release lever makes it fast and easy to take the bike off the rack
  • Quick mounting with visual confirmation that bike is securely loaded

Bottom line: A fork-mount roof rack: you take the front wheel off and clamp the fork, which keeps the bike low and stable on the roof.

What to know: Check that it suits your bike’s axle type, and plan where the front wheel will ride.

Thule Trunk and Truck Bed Racks

10. Thule Passage 2 Trunk Rack (910XT)

  • Soft Rubber cradles protect bike frame while holding it securely
  • Stay-Put anti-sway cages prevent bike to bike and bike to vehicle contact
  • Patented FitDial provides the perfect fit to your vehicle

Bottom line: A 2-bike trunk mount carrier for cars without a hitch or roof bars.

What to know: Trunk racks sit on your car with straps and pads. Check Thule’s fit guide for your exact vehicle, especially with a spoiler.

11. Thule Low-Rider Pro Truck Bed Bike Carrier

  • Thule Low-Rider Pro – Truck Bed Bike Carrier

Bottom line: A truck bed bike carrier that mounts in the bed of your pickup, so you don’t need a hitch rack or a roof rack. For more pickup options, see our heavy-duty bike rack for pickup guide.

Who Thule Bike Racks Are NOT For

  • Occasional riders on a tight budget: Thule usually sits at the premium end. See our Allen bike racks guide for simpler options.
  • Riders with very heavy e-bikes: check the per-bike limit carefully; not every Thule rack is rated for e-bikes. Our best hitch bike rack for heavy e-bikes guide covers higher-capacity racks.

How to Choose a Thule Bike Rack

Start with your vehicle

Hitch racks need a receiver, roof racks need crossbars, and trunk racks need a suitable trunk or hatch. Our Thule fit guide for bike racks explains how to check fit.

Platform, vertical or hanging?

Platform racks are easiest to load and avoid frame contact. Vertical racks carry more bikes in less width. Hanging racks are lighter and cost less but may need a frame adapter.

Check the weight math

Add the rack’s weight and all your bikes, then compare with your hitch’s tongue weight rating, or your roof’s and crossbars’ load limits.

Compare other brands

See our Yakima bike racks and Saris bike racks guides.

Need crossbars first? Our Thule roof rack guide explains feet, bars and fit kits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Thule bike rack is best for e-bikes?

A platform hitch rack is the usual choice. The EasyFold XT 2 is listed as e-bike compatible, and the Vero 2 is listed with a 160 lb capacity. Check the per-bike limit against your e-bike.

Do Thule bike racks fit a 1.25″ hitch?

Some do. The Outpace 2 is listed for both 2″ and 1.25″ hitches. Check each listing.

What’s the difference between the UpRide and the TopRide?

The UpRide holds the bike by its wheels, with no frame contact. The TopRide is a fork mount, so you remove the front wheel.

Can a Thule rack carry 4 bikes?

Yes. The Revert vertical hitch rack is listed in 4-bike and 6-bike versions, and some platform racks take add-ons. Check your hitch rating for the total weight.

Are Thule bike racks lockable?

Many are. The Vero 2 is listed with locks included. Thule’s One-Key lock cylinders can also key several Thule products alike.

Final Thoughts

For most riders, a Thule platform hitch rack like the T2 Pro, Vero 2 or EasyFold XT 2 is the easiest Thule bike rack to live with. The Outpace suits 1.25″ hitches, the Revert carries groups, the UpRide and TopRide suit cars with crossbars, and the Passage and Low-Rider Pro cover trunks and pickups. Check fit, hitch size and weight limits first.

Abu Saleh avatar
Abu Saleh
Writes rack and carrier buying guides for Rack Reveal, focused on vehicle fitment and real-world load capacity rather than spec-sheet marketing claims.
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