Thule Bike Racks | Hitch, Roof & Trunk Mounts for Any Vehicle
Thule Bike Racks: Common Questions
What Thule products are available at Urban Cycling Apparel?
Urban Cycling Apparel carries Thule vehicle bike racks for hitch-mount, roof-mount, and trunk-mount applications. The hitch-mounted lineup includes the Thule Epos — a 2 or 3-bike foldable platform rack with a telescopic arm system that attaches to any point on the frame or rear wheel and is certified for carbon frames ($1,299.95) — the Thule T2 Pro XTR, a 2-bike platform hitch rack with frame-free wheel mounting, AutoAttach system, and expandable to 4 bikes ($899.95), and the Thule EasyFold XT, a fully foldable hitch platform rack with integrated loading ramp suited for e-bikes and heavy mountain bikes ($1,099.95). Roof-mounted and trunk-mounted Thule rack options are also available for vehicles without a hitch receiver.
What is the difference between a hitch rack, a roof rack, and a trunk rack?
A hitch rack attaches to your vehicle's tow hitch receiver at the rear and is the most popular choice for carrying multiple bikes including e-bikes, because loading height is manageable and the rack tilts down for trunk access while bikes are loaded. A roof rack mounts on your vehicle's roof bars and keeps the rear completely free — good for sedans and vehicles without hitches, though loading requires lifting the bike overhead and you must watch for low clearances in garages and drive-throughs. A trunk rack uses straps and hooks to attach to the rear of the vehicle without any permanent mounting point, making it the most portable and affordable option but with less stability than hitch or roof systems. For most riders transporting two or more bikes regularly, a hitch rack is the practical choice.
What makes the Thule Epos different from the EasyFold XT and T2 Pro XTR?
The Epos is Thule's most innovative hitch rack, using telescopic arms that extend and pivot to attach anywhere on the frame or rear wheel — making it compatible with every bike geometry including step-through, full-suspension, cargo bikes with racks, and bikes with fenders, without adapters. The EasyFold XT is the folding workhorse: fully foldable to suitcase size for storage, with a ramp for rolling on heavy e-bikes and solid frame-clamp arms. The T2 Pro XTR is the frame-free platform standard — bikes mount via the wheels with no frame contact at all, which is ideal for carbon fiber bikes, and the AutoAttach system makes installation the fastest of the three. The right choice depends on your bike types: Epos for maximum compatibility across unusual geometries, EasyFold XT for heavy e-bikes and easy storage, T2 Pro XTR for carbon road or gravel bikes where zero frame contact is critical.
How do I know if a Thule hitch rack will fit my vehicle?
Thule maintains a vehicle fit guide on its website that lets you enter your exact make, model, and year and see which racks are confirmed fits. The most important factor is your hitch receiver size — most full-size SUVs and trucks use a 2-inch receiver, while many smaller SUVs and cars use 1.25-inch. The T2 Pro XTR is available in both 2-inch and 1.25-inch versions. The EasyFold XT fits both sizes through an included adapter. If your vehicle does not have a factory-installed hitch receiver, an aftermarket hitch can be added by a hitch installer for most vehicles, which then opens up the full Thule hitch rack lineup.
Are Thule bike racks safe for e-bikes?
Yes — Thule's premium hitch racks are designed with e-bike weights in mind. The EasyFold XT carries bikes up to 65 lbs each, the T2 Pro XTR handles up to 60 lbs per bike, and the Epos is e-bike rated with generous spacing and large-tire compatibility. E-bikes are significantly heavier than standard bikes — often 40 to 60 lbs — which makes wheel tray platform racks a better choice than hanging-style racks for this application. The EasyFold XT's integrated loading ramp is particularly valuable for e-bikes since it eliminates the need to lift heavy bikes onto the rack. Thule tests all racks at the Thule Test Center in Sweden to twice the rated load capacity under extreme temperature, UV, vibration, and road conditions before bringing them to market.
What is the background of Thule as a brand?
Thule was founded in Sweden in 1942 by Erik Thulin and has been engineering transport solutions for active people for over 80 years. The company introduced its first towbar-mounted bike carrier in 1992 and has since expanded into roof racks, cargo carriers, sports bags, and bike trailers, all built around the same core principle of making it easier to bring your gear wherever you go. Thule operates a dedicated Test Center in Hillerstorp, Sweden where products are subjected to extreme heat, cold, UV exposure, chemical exposure, and simulated road vibration — including tests at twice the rated load capacity — before release. The brand is one of the most globally trusted names in vehicle transport solutions for cyclists. Urban Cycling Apparel ships all Thule products direct across the U.S. from its Webb City, Missouri fulfillment center.