Thule 2 Bike Platform Hitch Rack
In the market for a good platform rack, I narrowed my choices down to
the Thule 916XTR T2, the Yakima Hold-Up, or the Kuat NV. I didn't want
to spend more than $400, so the Kuat was out (plus it seemed a little
quirky.) I liked the Yakima Hold-Up (used my cousin's for a few rides)
but two things bothered me about it. 1 - the lock cable was separate
from the actual rack, and 2 - sometimes we would have issues with pedals
hitting or seats and handlebars coming together. The Thule 916XTR T2
had solutions for both of those issues: each lock arm had a built-in
locking frame cable for each bike, and the rails that the bikes would
ride on were adjustable both side-to-side and fore-aft, allowing me to
position each rail with as much spacing as I needed.
See Discount
Thule 2 Bike Platform Hitch Rack
Assembly took all but 30 minutes, and once I had it on the Toyota
Highlander I began to see the features of the unit more clearly - for
example, the hinge - it's beefy, using two pivot points instead of one,
allowing for little if any side-to-side wiggle or wobble. The individual
frame cables are a nice touch - not to mention that the included 3-lock
set all use a single key for convenience (though I needed 5 - see
"Weaknesses"). I don't know about you, but having a total of 5 locks
seems to be more of a theft deterrent compared to the single separate
cable lock that the Yakima comes with.
Thule 2 Bike Platform Hitch Rack
The hook arm that grabs onto your front wheel is easy to use and
ratchets down tight. The rear ratcheting straps are also easy to use,
and is versatile thanks to the sliding rear wheel mount. Loading up two
full-suspension bikes is very easy and quick. Oh, and about spacing: the
lower rack "legs" that the bikes are held to can be adjusted fore/aft
to vary the space between the vehicle and each individual bike. I don't
have to worry about my pedals hitting the pedals on my brother's bike
anymore, because I was able to adjust the spacing correctly for
clearance.
Thule 2 Bike Platform Hitch Rack
Some people complain that the rack is heavy, but for me a good bike rack SHOULD have some weight to it; If I'm loading almost $10,000 of bikes onto it, I would rather load that investment onto something that feels tough and sturdy. I am not a weightlifter, but I have no trouble removing and attaching the rack to my SUV for weekend rides. One thing to be aware of though: There are 5 places to have cylinder locks (two for the locking frame cables, two for the hook arms themselves, and one for the STL hitch bolt); however Thule only gives you 3 matching locks included with the 916 XTR T2. Thule sells matching lock sets in packs of 4, 6, or 8 - and I wanted the entire setup to have matching locks, so I had to spend another $50 for the 6-lock set (since they don't make a 5-lock set). This is the only reason why I did not give the 916 XTR T2 5 stars.
Aside from that, I'm very happy that I chose Thule's 916XTR T2 platform carrier. The ratcheting arms and rear wheel straps make loading up my bike quick and easy. Being able to adjust the spacing between the bikes is a big plus as well. The built-in cable locks for each bike and as the availability of 5 matching locks adds to the theft deterrence. It barely moves on the freeway at 85mph and thanks to the threaded hitch bolt the rack stays put when driving over bumpy roads and railroad tracks. Great platform rack, good choice.
Thule 2 Bike Platform Hitch Rack
Product Features
- SecureHook with integrated cable lock secures the bike without making frame contact
- Hitch SwitchTM lever folds and stores platform when not in use or tilts down for rear of vehicle access
- Reinforced tray provides maximum strength and rust-free protection
- Adjustable wheel strap quickly secures backwheel to tray
- Fits 20 to 29-Inch wheel diameter bicycles with up to 3-Inch wide tires
See Discount
Thule 2 Bike Platform Hitch Rack
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