Thule bike racks are expertly designed to make it safe and easy to transport your bike. Whether you have a passion for mountain or road cycling or family bike vacations. Thule has a bike rack for every cyclist.
When purchasing your next bike rack, it’s important to know the various ways to transport your bikes on your vehicle, the features and benefits of specific rack models, as well as knowing the capacity and limitations of certain styles and vehicle placements. Most cyclists are looking for the rack style that will be the easiest and most convenient to use, while also keeping their bike safe, secure, and ready to ride when unloading at your destination.
Selecting the right bike rack for your needs
After determining the number of bikes, you plan on transporting, you can determine how you want to carry your bikes depending on your vehicle. There are a few options:
• Roof top mount
• Hitch mount
• Trunk mount
• Pick up mounts & tailgate pads
Roof top bike racks
Rooftop mounted bike racks give you full access to the trunk of your vehicle, allow you to carry multiple bikes, can accommodate most wheel dimensions, and come in either fork-mounted bike rack options, or can be mounted without taking the front wheel off.
Roof top bike racks require either factory installed or aftermarket crossbars, and are a great option for sedans and smaller SUVs with a lower loading height or models that do not have a hitch installed.
Hitch mounted bike racks
Hitch mounted bike racks are the most common style of bike carriers and are a great option if you already have a hitch installed on your vehicle. These bike racks can typically carry 1-4 bikes, are easy to install, and reduce heavy and high lifting. Hitch mounted bike racks also come in two styles:
Platform: Designed to carry up to 4 bikes, are designed to make loading and unloading quick and easy, fold up when not in use, and easily accommodates a variety of frame styles
Hanging: Can carry up to 4 bikes and secure them by their top tube on the bike. These models are typically tiltable to access the trunk, and easy to use.
Trunk mounted bike racks
For vehicles without a hitch installed, a trunk bike rack is an ideal option. This style of rack can transport up to 3 bikes, are foldable, and easy to store when not in use. This option is great for cyclists who transport their bike infrequently or have limited storage space in their garage or home.
Truck bike racks & tailgate pads
Truck owners, both light use and heavy-duty models, have the option to easily load their bikes onto an in-bed bike rack for mounting inside the bed of their truck. Another option for truck owners is tail gate pads. Quickly and securely, you can strap up to 8 bikes onto a tailgate pad.
Concerned about compatibility?
If you're unsure of what bike rack is for you, reach out to use via our chat, call us at 1-877-264-0802 or email us at weborders@thebikeshop.com