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Submitted by
tednugent
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern NJ
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Bought used off a co | | Strengths: | Square makes it easy to install accessories. | | Weaknesses: | 1. Square bars are weak. The bars were actually bowed using using a ski holder to haul snowboard.
2. The rubber pads, the contours did not match the roof line, so that dirt easily got underneath destroying the paint under the pad.
3. The install brackets are a PITA to put over the pins on the roof, as well as removing. | | Similar Products Used: | OE Votex Cross Bars (made by Thule, sold by VW) | | Bottom Line: | For a 1999.5 to 2005 VW Jetta & Golf, buy the OE Votex set up instead. The install & fit of the rubber pads are a joke. At least the Votex gives you some clear sheets to put under the feet for extra protection. If you still want an aftermarket Thule setup, put clear bra under the rubber pads. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chrisharjes
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, NC
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Kitsuma | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$380.00 | | Purchased At: | Diamond Brand | | Strengths: | Solid fit- vastly superior and more dependable than Yakima | | Weaknesses: | Difficult installation- get Diamond Brand to do it for you unless you like to pull your hair out | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima Q-tower system | | Bike Setup: | Four or five bigass bikes tied every which way | | Bottom Line: | The Thule system is not as stylish-looking, and makes slightly more wind noise, but it stays on the car much better! I experienced catastrophic failure of my Yakima Q-tower system flying off my 2008 Honda Civic, and my wife's 2000 Honda CRV. So far, I've heard the same story fron eleven other people who drive low-profile, sleek vehicles without factory racks. Yakima's Q-clip system attempts to fit multiple cars with common clips that just don't work. Their tower system gradually loosens itself over time. Yakima will also put you through hell trying to warranty their product. Thule makes a custom clip for every car, with all metal (ugly but functional) tower pieces- if you like your gear in one peice, avoid Yakima at all cost! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wackywiddy
a Cross Country Rider
from rochester, ny usa
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | park ave bike | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | fit, cost, wind noise, customer support, dealer support...shall I go on? | | Similar Products Used: | saris | | Bike Setup: | Kona Dawg FS | | Bottom Line: | What a nightmare...spent 4 hours the first day trying to install load bars on my Audi TT (this rack was "specialy designed" for this car...HA!). Returned to dealer several times and they could not do any better. Thule customer service is a joke. They verified the placement of the load bars and the wind deflector is getting in the way of my wipers, WTF! What really iritates me the most is that Yakima does not make a roof rack for my car and I am stuck with this. Going back to dealer one more time to get proper fit, will return and go with Yakima hitch rack if they cant help. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gui
a Cross Country Rider
from Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Trip Aventura | | Strengths: | Easy to use, keep bikes locked while mounted
Can be fitted to other vehicles with minor additional parts | | Weaknesses: | Durability
Reliability | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Titus Racer-X | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the Velo Vise system mounted in Thule Aero bars.
After three years of little use I have experienced just too much trouble with this rack system. I have seen that the problems are the same as the ones reported in this review board, which makes me believe that the Velo vise system has yet to improve a lot to be considered worthwhile.
1o - Breakage ! The head unit in secured in the bars with a single bolt and it just cant take the continuous side to side loading when driving in unpaved roads (this unit is designed for disk brakes, used in MOUNTAIN BIKES, which trails sometimes required driving in unpaved roads to get to, no surprise here Thule !).Even driving carefuly, my head unit has cracked TWICE and the third time it was the bolt itself that snapped. Almost had the bike flying on the highway...
2o - The plastic roller adjuster seizes, compromising proper securing of the fork. Mine actually failed and unexpectedly realeased the fork dropouts while driving, almost resulting in a catastrophic event.
After all this trouble, I just cant trust this sytem anymore. Nothing is worse than drive to trailhaed constantly worring if the rack is going to fail. Cant recomned this. I wish I could find Yakima here in Brazil... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Swamp State Forest, NY | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Geneva Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | The rack system fits well on my car, and transports my bikes safely and securely everywhere I go. I use the velo vise fork mount for for my two bikes. I also use two wheel on mounts, which also seem pretty secure. I've gone on several multi hour trips without a hitch. | | Weaknesses: | I don't like the design of the aero foot handle assembly which is used to secure the aero feet and load bars down. the handle is made of plastic, and when I tried to engage the assembly, the plastic tab broke off. Thule should have used steel there. The peice was taken care of under warranty without hassle. Another weakness I've noticed is the carriage bolts which are used to secure my velo vise and wheel ons to the load bars. These bolts have a black finish of some sort, which immediately started to rust after a partial summer of use. These bolts should have been made out of stainless steel or some other more resiliant metal. One other item to note is that while assembling the product, the instructions indicate that you "squeeze" the tensioning came to secure it to the load bar (the instructions even show a picture of one hand completing the task). Right away I realized my inadequacies in strength. I had to use a half of a brick and a peice of wood to clamp that bugger down right. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Giant Rainier for me and Giant Boulder SE for wife | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this is a pretty decent rack, and secure for your bikes and secure to your car if you follow the directions. Also, you are going to hear some noise from it while driving. I don't own the fairing because of the placement of the antenna on my Focus, so that may quiet things down for other drivers. A few things can be done by Thule to get this just right as noted in weaknesses. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a
from St. louis
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | disk brake compatible | | Weaknesses: | the plastic roller adjustment mechanism froze up and eventually broke on one of my 2 V2 trays. Thule sent me a new one free of charge....now i think my other one is about to break too. It starts to get very hard to tighten the fork mount roller adjustment then it staps when you lower the metal locking plate. Be careful! | | Similar Products Used: | Saris | | Bottom Line: | Works nice but sucks if it fails while you're on the road with your bike. Also, when did roof racks get so expensive?? | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike R
a Cross Country Rider
from Akron, OH
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Laurel Highlands PA | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Akron Racks | | Strengths: | Strong, Fast, Straight-forward set-up and removal. No scratchs on my car hood or door jam. Seemingly secure locking system for bike forks (haven't tried to steal my own bike, but never heard of any failures) | | Weaknesses: | Expense, End cap on tray fell off. Wind noise whistles unless you buy air dam. Removal/installation of trays to rack could be easier | | Similar Products Used: | Yackima | | Bottom Line: | Only minor problems after two years. The end cap on the bike trays just clips on--great for installation, but it fell off on highway, and this allowed the wheel strap (not in use) to slide off too--cost $25.00 total to replace.
Horizontal bars are strong--handled 100 lb.BBQ grill easily
Once system is in place, you never have to worry about anything until end of season. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
malarkey
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, Arizona
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$95.00 | | Purchased At: | bought used | | Strengths: | very sturdy | | Weaknesses: | On bike trays, the ratchet straps for the rear wheel are a little short | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima | | Bike Setup: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | I have the rack on a 96 Civic hatchback. I found the entire rack used including two bike trays for $45 and then had to pay $50 for the fit kit. I chose not to buy a stretch kit, but it still works great. I had a yakima before, but didn't like it. Before I could get the Yakima tightened to a comfortable tension, one of the plastic latch clips broke off. I would definitely recommend the Thule rack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | dealer / rack attack | | Strengths: | Good looking, easy to work with | | Weaknesses: | Bad design when used with OEM crossbars | | Bottom Line: | I had a pair of Thule V2 trays mounted on the OEM crossbars for my car (the only ones available to fit it). Installation was easy, as long as you're remotely mechanically inclined, and everything worked as advertised.
However, the OEM "aero bars" have a fatal flaw: unlike other systems (including Thule's own square bars), your bike and tray are ultimately held in place by a single steel bolt, centered under the bike. If you only use it to carry a road bike on the highway, this is fine, but take a mountain bike on a rough road a few times and it becomes a problem. The bike generates a ton of torque going over bumps and potholes, bending out the bottom of the tray head until no amount of tightening will stop it swinging side to side. Once this happens it is only a matter of time until that bolt breaks, and your bike is ejected onto the freeway in spectacular fashion. Be forewarned! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy Cazares
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Otay Lakes | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great all around rack...took me about 2 hours to install. Fits my car like a glove. Also cheaper than the Yakima! I have 2 bikes on top all the time...never a sense of unsecurity at high speeds. Build like a rock...not cheaply made like others. | | Weaknesses: | Prob my fault...but i tried to jam the key lock cylinder and i broke a small piece of plastic that holds the lock from coming out. Other than that...never had a prob up to date | | Similar Products Used: | Hollywood Trunk Rack. Great trunk rack...just hated removing it! | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Gary Fisher Cake 3dlx | | Bottom Line: | My friends all have Thule Racks...so i went with it...its awesome. I dont understand the problems im reading in the previous post about these racks not living up to the hype. If you unstall it right...it will work right! Yes it took me 2 hours to install but i made sure if was done right and had a glove like fit to my car. I have 2 bikes on the system with the 594 Sidearm Bike Carriers...i love these (keep your wheels on). The base system was about 300 bucks plus the 594 Sidearm Bike Carriers were 149.00 each...i spend about 600.00 total. Well worth it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Mancuso
a Weekend Warrior
from Haskell, New Jersey, USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood Skylands Manor | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Barn Ramsey New Jersey | | Strengths: | I don't know what to say. I have the same load bars on my 2003 Pathfinder that I put on my 1985 Chevy Cavaliere back in 1994 when I was in college. I have loaded everything you can imagine on them,, furniture,, 2x4's,etc. Everything.The bike rails are from 1994 too and I still use them to this day. I have had to replace footpacks because I am on my 4th Pathfinder since that Chevy and the different factory roof racks needed different adapters,, but the load bars and bike rails are perfect. Rust on the load bar a little,, plastic is cracked,, but hey,, 13 years almost,, across the country 2 times,, east coast from Vermont to West Virginia countless times,, I think they are doing damn good. Anyone that is having trouble with there THULE products is lying or just plain had bad luck. I have installed these racks on friends cars too and they have been great. I recomend them for sure | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | NONE,, never would try another brand. | | Bike Setup: | TREK carbon road,Trek 970 hard tail XC race, Trek Remedy6 All mountain | | Bottom Line: | THULE is a great rack,great company,great product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fred clari
a Weekend Warrior
from Saco
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Bradbury Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclemania | | Strengths: | Easy to set up/easy to use/faultless | | Weaknesses: | One vise head showing rust. | | Similar Products Used: | Thule trunk rack. | | Bike Setup: | Titus LocoMoto, Klein Adept Comp | | Bottom Line: | The only reason I can see for those low ratings is the inability of the user(or whoever installed it for them) to install it correctly(no matter what they think). I've been using my roof rack since '00 and have had zero problems. Been all over the eastern seaboard and into eastern Canada. Speeds up to 80mph. No problems. It's likely a user malfunction and not an equipment malfunction. :-)
You can try to drive it into a garage, but in my case it didn't fit. ;-)
Buy it if you need a roof rack(it locks up tight). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a
from New Mexico
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Easy off and on | | Weaknesses: | 1. My bike shakes like a scared chihuahua when I hit the slightest of road bumps
2. My bike mount fell off the rack (with my bike attached) because the ONE SMALL bolt that holds the thing to the rack failed. Poor engineering here. At least use two bolts to avoid this possibility. | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima | | Bike Setup: | My prized Schwinn Homegrown URT. | | Bottom Line: | MY BIKE FELL OFF THE TOP OF MY VEHICLE! If keeping your ride on top of your vehicle is not the main function of a roof rack, I don't know what is. . .
Luckily, Nothing happened to my Homegrown. I would have been homicidal! I have used Yakima racks in the past. I am currently purchasing new Steelhead racks. My experience with Yakima is solid performance including holding my bikes SOLIDLY on the rack. It may be all mental, but watching my prized bike swaying on top of my vehicle makes me nervous. In my opinion, based on my recent experience, Thule deserves 5 steaming poop piles! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a
from Santa Monica
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Helen's Cycles | | Strengths: | Looks pretty solid...probably is-once you get it installed.
| | Weaknesses: | Have spent a total of around five hours of my life trying to install this product not counting the two post-purchase visits I have had to make to the retailer that sold it to me.
| | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | What a nightmare. I bought the thule rack system a la carte - 4 aero feet, a fit kit, load bars, and a fairing. A Thule rack owner had recommended the Thule rack to me citing bad experiences with a Yakima setup. The guy at the bike store gave me the wrong fit kit with my setup which I had to return and exchange for the proper one. Once I made it home after this first of many dissapointments I went about beginning the installation. The instructions are printed in three languages but rely mostly on illustration (like Thule's Swedish brethren IKEA). After a sweaty hour of tinkering and swearing I determined that I had a defective aero foot. I brought the foot back to the retailer and they gave me another - an interesting note: When I asked the retailer if they'd install the rack for me they said they couldn't because it was a liability. That should have tipped me off. The bike store has no problem installing products and doing work on people's 5k+ bikes but they have too little faith in this product to install it for a fee.
Anyway I got the blasted thing home again-with its new aero foot- and managed (to my surprise) to secure one of the bars to the front portion of my roof. I felt optimistic until I tried to secure the back bar. I can't help but think that the people at Thule simply don't know the dimensions of my car(a 2005 Camry). Either the fit kit's plate is too small or the screw is not long enough. Regardless, I'm pissed. I think I'm going to return the rack and write Thule. I honestly feel that they should pay for the detailing/touching up that my car could stand to undergo as a result of minor scrathing and marring caused by this product's failure to install. I'll take a Yakima, thank you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
erling brabaek
a Cross Country Rider
from el paso texas
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | orsrackdirect.com | | Strengths: | solid steel and alu aloy | | Weaknesses: | front fork scewer mount opens with bike mounted | | Similar Products Used: | velo vise | | Bike Setup: | yeti 575 | | Bottom Line: | This is not all bad. the model purchased is the v2r. The locking mechanishm opens about 3/4 inch after 10 miles on the road. I found out that as you wiggle the bike from side to side it loosens up right before your eyes. Hmmm. called thule and they said theyd need the piece back. they looked at it and said it was defective. Sendt me a new piece. That new piece did the same. Hmmmmmm....Called thule again. I dont know what is happening but thule offered to send a locking key set wich would prevent it from opening. Sooothatsit???? Well it doesnt open anymore...check. I can now lock it...Check. I think somthing is cooking at thule in regards to this armor piercing locking mech. They did however give me locks.
Should properly have bought the yakima but yet again the flimsy looking velovise is staying closed all the time.
Or better yet one thule and one yakima.
Oh well there it is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jin Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Guadalajara, Mexico
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | All Mexico | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Vazher (Guadalajara) | | Strengths: | Really easy to setup and install.
Versatility if used on a other car.
Aluminium aerobar gives a great look and wind resistance, also it's lighter than others I've tried. | | Weaknesses: | Somewhat expensive than others cheapers. | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima for the roof rail and Hollywood for hitch receiver. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Trek 6700, all XT and Thomson components with Duke C (OEM). | | Bottom Line: | I used to drive mostly Jeep and SUV, carrying my bikes on the hitch receiver rack, and when I had to use a sedan I used to use a rack made by a Mexican manufacturer and that was an horrible rack that hurt the paint and the car door.
And then I just bought a european car and I decided to spend little more.
It was really easy to setup and install, I think it was enough with the ilustration than the complicated instruction from other manufacturers.
The price that I paid included a lock kit with 6 locks.
It's one of the best purchases I've made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Wor
a Weekend Warrior
from Mineola, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Stillwell Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Great Rack, Built Strong, Can be used to carry just about anything, all you need to do is order the additional parts. | | Weaknesses: | Real pricey if purchased brand new. Directions they give are not that easy to follow, but as long as you have some common sense and are handy, you should have no problems | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Specialized StumpJumper | | Bottom Line: | I think its a great rack, I have no idea how people had these things fly off their cars. They must have installed them improperly. The Aero Foot Pack feels like its welded to the roof of my car. If you install the rack properly your gonna know its staying right where its suppose to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Dundas, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | The roof rack hardware is strong. | | Weaknesses: | The method of securing the roof rack to the vehicle is based on removing a short thin screw from the door weatherstripping, placing the Thule rack mounting plate, which is flat and without a grip to the vehicle, and re-installing the tiny screw through the Thule plate. Enough upward force from wind or vibration would snap the screw, which is made only for holding weatherstripping in place, not roof racks. Loss of the rack and cargo will happen sooner or later. | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima is the rack that I went with. It has a design that will hold to the vehicle under adverse conditions and without a screw used for other purposes on the vehicle. | | Bottom Line: | Be well aware that if after you receive hardware from Thule, and you don't like it for any reason, Thule charges a %15 re-stocking charge. I expalained to them that the racks had a safety issue and upon returning them, lost $60 to Thule. They profit even when you return their product unused.
The design issue applies to our vehicle. Not necessarily to all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Standley
a Weekend Warrior
from Comptche, California, USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Pygmy Forest Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | local dealer | | Strengths: | The Thule model #477, Short Roof Adaptor, is a component. for mounting roof racks on some vehicles that would not otherwise provide sufficient bar spread to mount bike carriers. Product appears to be strong and durable. | | Weaknesses: | Installation is very tricky and instructions, particularly in measurement, position and adjustments, must be precisely followed. Even then, this item does not result in a secure, rigid and stable roof rack. I think that the design needs some serious work. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | Although this item might be the only choice for putting a roof rack on some cars, I don't believe that it is much of an option. I'll admit that the dealer warned me that he didn't have a very high opinion of it. He also told me he wouldn't help with the installation and that furthermore, if I wasn't happy with it, everything else BUT the Thule 477 SRA was returnable. Being a hardheaded sort of fellow, I had to find out for myself. I'd like to blame the dealer because he probably should'a refused to sell the darn thing to me but truth is, that would'a made me even more madder!
So I guess I'm just gonna keep on doing things the hard way & Ya;ll have a nice day!
:-)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Bosscher
a
from Jellico, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Indian Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Ultimate Sports | | Strengths: | Good dealer network | | Weaknesses: | The entire rack flew off the roof of my Taurus while on the expressway. | | Bottom Line: | After carefully mounting the system on my car per Thule instructions, it came off with bikes and kayak still attached. The Aero Foot system simply lifted off my car. Thule and I did a few rounds about whose fault it was and then stated that it was NOT their fault.
I believe that I either had a faulty rack or that there is an inherant weakness in the design of the rack vis a vis my Taurus and ??? other vehicles.
Both the rack and the company failed to live up to standards. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zatac
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, VT USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | plazo larco | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Firm rubber stops for open face platform penetration adherence top side wedge. Excellent for tightness slipper when locked under roof. Can use when entering car wash - the Mexicans don't complain. | | Weaknesses: | My son's hand got lodged under locking clamp causing fluid discharge and Indian burn. Forward release tab became brittle under torsion negativity force when pivoting breaker bar clockwise during lateral action pull. | | Similar Products Used: | Dr. Regies lip plunger action force grip bike lock bar. | | Bike Setup: | Huffy full suspension small frame as I am a little Mexican with knobby legs. | | Bottom Line: | I would buy this product again if they improve compatibility with disc brakes, single pivot design, Lefty fork, Titanium ZR9000 frame, my wife, my son's arm/hand, little Mexicans and roof of Honda civic with performance muffler and Asian lettering which makes car go faster. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Grover
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedar Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | bicyclesource.com | | Strengths: | This review is for the Thule 753 specialty rack for late model BMW 3 and 5 series. I have it on my 325 (e46) coupe. This is a much better solution than Yakima as the 753 bolts directly onto factory mounting points located under little flip up doors on the roof of the car. I used to have a Yak on my Prelude until it stolen. Anyways the rack fits perfectly, does not screw up the doors and sills like the Yakima system, Holds 130lbs of stuff and is relatively cheap if purchased online (no tax - free shipping). It took 30 minutes to put on the first time and I can now take it on and off in about 3 minutes. I am running it with two v2 bike holders and two wheel holders and it is stable - in fact I can drive sideways and the bikes stay in place. | | Weaknesses: | A bit awkward security bolts and wrench | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima system for 7 years | | Bottom Line: | Great fitting rack with great verstility and solid performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cary Endozo
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | rei | | Strengths: | Looks, ease of installation, versatility, durability | | Weaknesses: | price | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Hard Rock | | Bottom Line: | I purchased the 430 foot pack w/ the Tracker 1 kit. I drove cross country from San Diego to Washington, DC without any problems or tinkering with the rack. I had 2 bikes on the velo vise rack with 2 surfboards on the roof rack and the rack system worked flawlessly even driving at speeds >90mph. Awesome product except for the high cost. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pruitt
a Weekend Warrior
from greensboro, NC USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | Absolutely ROCK solid. A wealth of accessories available, bike racks are great, boxes are even better. | | Weaknesses: | You MUST follow instructions. | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima products. | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Sugar 3+, all Deore XT or XTR; NO Bontrager. | | Bottom Line: | I wrote this review for the person that's never used a THULE product before because I see a lot of posts from people complaining about the fit. I will tell you from over a DECADE of experience with THULE products, this salient fact: If THULE makes a fit kit for your car, it will fit. If not, move on down the road. Don't waste your time.
That said, the most important piece of advice I can give anyone is: Take your time and read the instructions! It's that simple. Thules are engineered better than most products and even installing a dozen of them on over 6 vehicles, I've goofed a few times too. I replaced Aero bars from a '98 Odyssey to a '01 CR-V and bought the fit kit. Never could get the bars tight enough. Turns out, in the 3 years they were on the Odyssey, I had forgotten that the Odyssey had a little plastic cam installed and I had forgotten to take it out. I was so certain of my Thule experience that I failed to read ALL of the instructions.
Thules always include a Tyvek ruler that gives you the EXACT placement for your bars and mounts. Follow them. And when you clamp them down, remember to EQUALLY clamp from both sides. A Thule is genuinely strong enough to bend a roof, so just be careful. When they're fully installed, a 200 pound man could EASILY stand on one and it not move. They're that strong.
So, just take your time and read the instructions. Clean off your car (and wax if you have time) the areas where the mounts will go; you'll likely not be taking the mounts off until it's time to trade the car. And when you do, buy another fit kit and you're set to go.
Thules have always impressed me by their strength and fit; 5 chiles cause they're the best! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keefe Ward
a Downhiller
from Dover, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mahlon D | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike racks direct (net) | | Strengths: | No need to take the wheels off while using the big mouth setup. Easy to install and order | | Weaknesses: | Tray for wheel is too small, had to bend mine out to fit 2.6 tire. Looks crappy, like I bent it. Thule had no answer on their tech site last year for this. Dopes. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Bullit | | Bottom Line: | Works well. So nice to throw the bike up and quick clamp it in and speed off. Buy it and bent the tray like I did it's worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashua
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodale's | | Strengths: | I don't have a lot of time and the last thing I want to do is spent it putting my Bike on and off a rack. The Tracker foot is fast and easy and the Big Mouth Bike carrier is just as easy to use - Strong too. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bottom Line: | I would even thing of another system | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
railtrailbiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Bergen County, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Old Croton Aqueduct State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | rackwarehouse.com | | Strengths: | Ease of use, security, dependability. | | Weaknesses: | Appearance. | | Similar Products Used: | Volkswagen roof rack system. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale M400, Cannondale C300, Cannondale H500 - all stock. | | Bottom Line: | I've been everywhere with this system including midtown Manhattan and never had any sort of problems. Mine is installed on a VW Golf and hasn't moved an inch in over 1 year. I would highly recommend this product to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Mitilineos
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | OHI | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Strengths: | The rack is good and solid....looks nice with the wind deflector and is custom for my Volks GTI 1996 | | Weaknesses: | This rack when bought was not the now redesigned on with the support bar under the actual rack bar. Therefore it dented my roof....they say due to it being too tight.
However there was only one small note on how tight and it was in NM...Newton Meters..sheeeees...they replaced the rack but the dents were left to me... | | Similar Products Used: | PS- still love the rack, however have seen others just as good and easier to take on and off. | | Bottom Line: | Buyer Beware...read the instructions and consider if you have a sunroof etc which make the roof a bit weaker or better yet go with a rear mount system on a hitch.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
terence
a
from atlanta
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR Marketplace | | Strengths: | sturdy and look good | | Similar Products Used: | truck mount | | Bottom Line: | i get a three years old system for $150, from feet, locks, crossbar, fairing, short roof kit and two trays, except need new fit kit. it's fit really well on my Nissan 200sx, no movement whatsoever, don't see any reason why bike will fall off from rack like other said. wind noise? there is really little different even on 75mph. I can't even tell the different unless bike is on and moonroof is open. System totally rock for the price i paid. if you have problem, it's because you did not set it right...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike O
a
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Gaspipe | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Ease of installment, bombproof construction. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy locking mechanisms (encased in resin). | | Bike Setup: | Moots YBB & Yeti Road Project | | Bottom Line: | Both of the last 2 reviewers are correct: the racks are incredibly sturdy IF installed correctly (which on my Volvo took me about 45 minutes). Do yourself a favor--goto the Thule website & spec out your car. You might want to do the same on Yakimas to determine bar length. Thule called for their LB50 on mine while Yakima wanted 58s. I bought the next larger size up on ebay & cut them down to what I was comfortable with (not hard to do with either a hacksaw or as I did a 7 1/2 Skill saw with a metal cutting wheel. Ebay is cheap too: $250 for the fairing, 400 feet, 2 Velovise, wheelholders (which are kind of a pain in the ass & you don't need unless you have totally loaded your car up), and bars. I wouldn't pay $500 for the setup, but for a couple of hundred it is very, very nice. On my Volvo 850 I can comfortably carry two bikes + my longboard + my wheels (only because I went with the longer than recommended bars on the rear. I don't know about on other cars but my Volvo is drilled for the Thules & they almost become an integral part of the vehicle. Haven't noticed any wind noise with the fairing. Re the locking mechanism on the racks & velovise: if someone wants to steal your bike they can & whether it is made out of steel or resin it won't stop a professional thief. I bought a long Kryptonite cable & always loop it thru both bikes & thru the car when I leave them in a public space--hacking thru that takes a while & offers the extra protection--plus it would probably set off my cars alarm. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Racer
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Otis AF Base | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Sturdy, looks, better than a trunk mount. | | Weaknesses: | Way overpriced, lousy security features, already showing some corrosion | | Similar Products Used: | Trunk mount rack | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Chevy Cavalier, 400 feet with two 589 velo vise and fairing. Usually carries lightweight bikes such as hardtails and XC FS bikes | | Bottom Line: | So far the rack has performed well other than a little rust on the galvanized parts such as the rivets and the skewers. It holds the bike steady on rough roads and during evasive driving (the car is cursed, it seems like once a week some retard tries to kill me). Using a fairing made the wind noise worse, but I use it anyways because I like the looks. Anybody that claims to have had their rack or bikes blow off must have installed the thing wrong, because I fail to see how this could happen. Just use a little common sense when installing the rack, and be sure to check up on the nuts and bolts occasionally. The vibration of the car is going to cause the rack to settle and possibly loosen. Also, don't overtighten the thing 'cuz you can dent your roof. I guess my only real complaint would be the lack of security for the bikes. The plastic covers with the locks in 'em that cover the tightening mechanism on the feet (which is what locks the rack to the car) could very easily be defeated with a hammer and/or crowbar(If you examine the plastic cover pieces you'll see that there are nothing but little plastic tabs engaging the feet). This could result in the entire rack and whatever is on it being stolen. I have two 589 Velo Vises which mount to the crossbars via a 1/4 inch bolt on the front crossbar and a knob with a 1/4 inch bolt on the rear crossbar. The theft prevention feature lies in the fact that the front bolt cannot be loosened when the rack is locked because the "head" closes down over the bolt head making it impossible to access the bolt head. Two things suck about this. One is the fact that the knob that mounts the 589 to the rear crossbar can be loosened by hand, so now the only thing holding the 589 to the car is the 1/4 inch bolt up front. All a thief has to do now is rock the 589 (and the bike that's on it) back and forth until he snaps the bolt, which would be easy because the 589 is like four feet long so he has a ton of leverage. So basicly this method can be used to jack your bike without the use of any tools! The second sucky thing is that the "head" is made of plastic. If you open up the "head" and look at where the lock mechanism actually engages, you'll see that it just grabs a small plastic protrusion sticking down from the underside of the "head". All a thief needs is a claw hammer and/or a crowbar, to pry the head open and he'll have your bike in 30 seconds. My advice is to change the knobs over to regular nuts and to use a cable lock through the frame and then around the crossbar, when parking your car anywhere sketchy. Also if you have a 2000 style Chevy Cavalier you don't the short roof kit.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a
from Hampshire, IL USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle or Palos | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | All over | | Strengths: | Sturdy, Adaptable, | | Weaknesses: | Corrosion on parts you think would protected from that kind of stuff. (I use my rack OUTDOORS!) | | Bike Setup: | Loaded with 4 moutain bikes OR 2 road bikes and 1 Tandem | | Bottom Line: | I bought my setup in 1988 for a Civic Hatchback. I made my own tandem carrier out of angle iron & SS nuts & bolts from the hardware store, and a Thule fork mount. The tandem's rear wheel extended over the hood of the car so I could open the hatch. I also used another ordinary long tray fork mount setup for single bikes. It all worked perfect, including a 2000 mile round trip @ 75mph to Texas & back.
When a VERY LARGE tree crushed the car with the empty rack, the racks held onto the car just fine, despite their new shape. I bent the bars back to almost straight, bought a used Accord, new fit kits, and hooked it all up again.
Sold the Accord, bought a new Civic, new fit kits, remade the tandem mount, added some Velo-vice mounts, wheel holders, etc. Now it holds up to 4 single bikes. I lent the whole system to a friend with a Civic for a 1400 mile trip. He did not strap the front wheels in the wheel holders, and they are somewhere in Ohio or Indiana now. - Always tie wheels in wheel holders!
I only notice noise when traveling above 63mph. It diminishes around 70mph. Bonehead move: I have forgotten to secure the rear wheel of the tandem (45 pound Cannondale) a twice on road trips of 40+ miles. It all survived despite only being held by the fork mount skewer pressure. It was not in a Velo-vice, but some older Thule model that uses a conventional skewer & quick release.
I suggest you buy this if you are mechanically inclined to apply sufficient torque and make the rack fit tightly. Any loose and improperly fitted rack (any brand) is a danger to you, us, and your bike(s). If you think you can slap this on the roof with minimal effort and thought - perhaps you should get someone more qualified to install it for you. I have never had a problem with the plastic or the end caps on the bars, even after being crushed by a tree, Illinois winters (salt), or Texas heat.
I am 99% satisfied with the system. The only thing that could make it better for me is better corrosion protection on some parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pan
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette, LA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything technical | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | IF installed correctly: very strong and secure, good durability and design, looks great. | | Weaknesses: | wind noise (buy the wind deflector, its worth it), price, logos on plastic fade too quickly, having to buy locks separately. | | Bike Setup: | '00 fsr-xc m4, race face, xtr, crossmax | | Bottom Line: | i've been using my thule roof rack for over 3 years since moving from philadelphia, pa. living in lafayette, louisiana, necessarily entails a drive of over an hour to get to any place worth riding. i've done each drive at highway speeds of up to 85 mph and have NEVER had a problem with my rack (other than wind, but once you get over 65 mph no roof rack is quiet), even with 2 bikes on top.
mounting the rack is fairly straight forward. it has been attached to my '97 mazda mx6 almost the entire 3 years i've owned it, removed only once for 3 months due to a vehicle accident, and nothing has ever needed re-tightening. im in the market now for a spare tire rack, and it will be a thule.
you can bump that overall rating up to a 5 if you buy the wind deflector. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin Burgess
a Weekend Warrior
from Norfolk, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | York River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | HDK Cycles in Virginia Beach | | Strengths: | Installation was a snap compared to my old Yakima system. It went on in less than 45 minutes and is a more exact fit than the comparable Yakima rack. Velo Vise trays are a bit long, but work as expected. Overall, this rack feels more secure than my Yakima. | | Weaknesses: | Velo Vise trays could stand to be a bit more sturdy. The locking mechanism is largely plastic, which makes me a bit nervous. | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima roof rack (Q Towers) w/ two oldschool trays and a steelhead. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6500 | | Bottom Line: | My old Yakima rack was stolen (locks and all...a crow bar is a beautiful thing!). I initially purchased a new Yakima system but found, after 4 hours of installation, that it did not fit as securely as it should have. My local shop swapped it out for me w/out a problem and the Thule went on in lesst than 45 minutes and feels much more solid than either Yakima system ever did. The theives tried to steal my neighbor's Thule system the same night, but couldn't get it off. Bottom line--great system, quick, simple installation, safe, secure fit and the Velo Vise trays are great. I'm a Thule brand b*tch from here on out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Foster
a Weekend Warrior
from Tainan, Taiwan
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | -No more scratches on the trunk.
-Don't need to take the front tires off.
-Good for at least 120 mph with a bike up.
-You can get them all keyed the same. | | Weaknesses: | -Had Thule replace a set of load bars when the plastic coating started cracking.
-Lots of wind noise unless you add the deflector. | | Bottom Line: | I've had the 599s on my wife's BMW M5 and my Jeep Grand Cherokee for around six years now and have been very pleased with them. Other than replacing a set a load bars on the Jeep, I haven't had any problems whatsoever with them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony DeSimone
a
from Denver, CO USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | My wife and I bought Thule racks in 1989, yeah - 11 years ago. 4 bike carriers and 6 pack for skis. Haven't used the racks to haul bikes in 5 years. Back then, (bg-before golf) we biked and downhilled alot. Longest trip, 2 mtn bikes and 2 road bikes from Denver to Moab & back. Half a dozen trips from Denver to Redstone to bike over McClure pass. 100's of trips to Summit County, Vail etc. Never had a mishap, never lost a bike of ski, never had a problem. Used on '89 Honda Accord, 90 Honda Civic Hatch, 92 Subaru legacy wagon, 94 Acura integra. Not a rain gutter in the bunch. If you loose this rack off your roof, you attached it wrong. I've seen a VW van over the edge of a mountain road laying on it's side and the damn rack was still attached with the bikes in place. Granted the bikes were trashed as was the van, but it held together. | | Weaknesses: | Keys can be finicky. | | Similar Products Used: | None, first rack I bought, happy ever since. | | Bike Setup: | '87 Jamis clunker | | Bottom Line: | Only rack I ever owned, never had a problem. I'd buy another in a heart beat if I needed one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vitor cordeiro
a Racer
from Batalha Portugal
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | I haven't broken this one yet.
| | Weaknesses: | European Customer Service. Plastic head on Velo Vise
See comm. 9/20/99 , 12/22/99 & 3/22/00 | | Similar Products Used: | Most Thule bike supports and some others | | Bottom Line: | After having the support replaced by Steve at Thule (Thanks again Steve), I've been testing it for the last 3 months. No problems til now. The head screw and the rear wheel fastener on the US version are much beter than the Euro version. I still don't like the plastic head on the velo vise. The velo vise also has a short comming; bikes with front disc brakes do not fit on the support. For me this is not a problem cus I just stick the bike on the 599 support, but the problem should be addressed by Thule in the future since more and more bikes come OE with discs.
4 for value cus for its price it should at least come with the lock included.
4 overall because of the disc brake problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GREG OTTO
a Cross Country Rider
from LOMA LINDA,CA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | SANTA ANA RIVER TRAIL | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Weaknesses: | THE RACK CAME OFF OF MY SATURN AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. TWO BIKES WERE ON THE RACK. I DON'T TRUST THIS RACK ON A CAR WITH NO RAIN GUTTER LIKE A SATURN. | | Bottom Line: | BEWARE OF THE THULE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Missoula,MT
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Simple, Tough, keys can be interchanged and rack is easy to change for different uses. Screw Flanders, Screw Flanders, Screw Flanders | | Weaknesses: | NONe, screw flanders | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Kleine rascal | | Bottom Line: | Buy one, find a used one on ebay, it doesn't matter, just use these instead of any others | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Constance
a
from Rochester,New York,USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | hi-tor | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | In Rochester, we don't have much choice but to pack our bikes and drive (riding on the trails in this county is illegal!). My Thule rack system converts from winter toys to summer toys easy & they are safe and secure up there. Buy if you want a rack system that totes your snowboards and bikes etc and lasts and lasts. They also have super customer service I found out. | | Weaknesses: | The locks tend to get a little jammed up over time and lock de-icer etc. hasn't helped. If they could put a little better quality metal into the lock/key thing it would be fabulous. | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima roof rack system.ok but v. pricey.the springs in the front of the full tray give out on the Yakima mine never have (knock on wood) on my thule. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale delta V 500 (a super bike for the ladies) too bad they don't make them any more. I guess if it works, let's mess with it or stop making it all together. | | Bottom Line: | Thule customer service rules! I had a "little" parts issue, it was pretty major and customer service via a direct line on their web site brought response via e-mail and the old telephone so fast I couldn't believe it (real customer service). The site is very, very navigable and clean (more so than this one -a little cluttered) and a direct line to get me parts help in 24 hours. no time to whine. They JUMPED on the problem and I saw parts fast! hopefully the rest are in the mail. Steve @ Thule Rules. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vitor Cordeiro
a Racer
from Batalha Portugal
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | We'll see. Customer service in Europe???? | | Weaknesses: | See previous commentaries 9/20/99 & 12/22/99 | | Similar Products Used: | Thule 599Pros | | Bottom Line: | I finally got the velo vise replacement. From the US!! Customer service in Europe or at least in Portugal just plain sucks. I have to thanks the guys in the US for being kind enough to send me a replacement. Thanks Steve! I'll be getting back with a review in 3 months. The 5 chili's are to average out the other 2 reviews until I can get a real test review in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Langford
a Weekend Warrior
from Newnan, GA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | windridge | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Durable, fairly easy to install. VERY easy to use. | | Weaknesses: | Crazy whistling sound from rear of long tray. It comes and goes. I notice it now that the fairing is in place...couldn't hear it before that. There is an easy cure for it though...turn up the radio.
Also, for the price, Thule should include lock cores with the product. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale super v 500, Cannondale super v 400 and I used to have a GT LTS-3 | | Bottom Line: | I've had no problems with this rack. Everything is right that could be right. I've carried my Super V 500 on long trips at high speeds and had no problems. The velo vise is great and easy for one person to load. I'd buy another one in a minute. Plus, I bought the rack on sale and got my friend's employee discount so I didn't spend nearly as much as I should have...but I still think that Thule should include the locks with the thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Seaton
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | paved roads | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | It holds the bikes well enough. | | Weaknesses: | A bit cumbersome to install each time. Cheap feeling plastic knobs for the roof gutter clamps and the U bolt clamps. | | Similar Products Used: | various trunk racks | | Bike Setup: | all kinds of bikes | | Bottom Line: | Bought the whole bike roof rack back in 1990 or 1991. Whole bike meaning both wheels stay on the bike, not a fork mount rack. Holds 3 bikes. Fits 1986 and 1993 Corolla. A bit tedious to lock the gutter clamps on each time. Plastic knob is cheap feeling. U bolts with their corresponding plastic knobs require a bit of time to get on and off. Easy to lose the numerous small pieces. Have to keep a dedicated plastic bucket with the rack to store the small parts. Always concerned the down tube clamp will mare the paint. Hasn't but... Plastic wheel strap holders are finicky to get on and off the trays. It works but if I ever get another roof rack it will not be a Thule. Won't be an entire bike rack either. The fork mount ones are just more secure since you can really clamp the fork dropouts. Have to buy the front wheel holder so its not inside the car but its worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vitor Cordeiro
a Racer
from Batalha Portugal
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
At this moment I can't find one. | | Weaknesses: |
Everything | | Bottom Line: | It's been 3 months since my velo-vise broke, and I still haven't heard anything from Thule (see review dated Sept 20, 1999). I can't figure out who's worse thule or the distributor in Portugal, LPL. Don't buy this stuff! Thule just plain bites.
Suck the 1 flaming winny. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Traverse City MI
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vasa-North Country | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Good fit
Velo Vise works nicley | | Weaknesses: |
little wind noise | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Attitude SID XC
Crossmax | | Bottom Line: | I own a 94 Volks. Jetta, and purchased the special Thule kit for the car. The thing fits great, and went on in about 30 minutes. The only thing I carry is a single bike, in the Velo Vise, which works nicley and stays adjusted. AS for price/ with fairing the Thule rack was 50 dollars cheaper than the Yakima. The only thing is the Yakima can hold more weight, but I only have one bike so it does not matter to me | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stu
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
When they work, they work great | | Weaknesses: |
If they don't fit, they suck
Customer service blows
Wind noise | | Similar Products Used: |
hitch racks
Rack on Pathfinder, Dodge Stratus, soon to be Dodge Intrepid | | Bottom Line: | 0 stars for Thule customer service. I am converting the setup for a Dodge Stratus onto my Intrepid. Firstly, the Stratus fit sucked bigtime. The fit kit was a generic one, not molded for the car at all. The result was dirt got underneath and marked the paint, no matter how diligent about installation and cleaning. The Intrepid kit is molded for the car but the bar spread is too narrow to mount my ski box, also a Thule. Thule's response, that's too bad, there is nothing we can do about it.. End of story. Given the price of the rack and a box, they should have done better. Maybe Yakima or Saris is the answer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Strong
Fit great on a Jetta | | Weaknesses: |
Don't fit well on a Civic | | Bottom Line: | These racks fit great on my VW Jetta (which has slots in the roof specifically for the racks). One time I carried a 300+ pound swing set (in boxes) on these racks, with no problem at all. But I recently sold my Jetta, and I now needed some way to cary my bike on my Honda Civic.The cheapest option was to use the bars I had and buy just the feet and fit kit for the Civic. This still cost me about $140.The feet and fit kit don't fit very well on the Civic. The part that wraps around the roof and into the door opening is just too thick, and does not fit flush with the body of the car. The doors (all 4) do not shut as easily as they should, and when you open a door, you can feel it pop or push open due to the stress from the clamps. It is also pressing very hard on the rubber stripping around the door. I don't think it would be more than 6 months before it starts causing damage. Just this last weekend, I saw another civic with Yamika racks, and they seemed to fit much better.Test fit these racks at a shop if at all possible.5 stars for the Jetta
1 star for the Civic
Avg = 3 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Avid MTBiker
a Racer
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
- Looks nice
- Velo Vise racks are made of light, durable material | | Weaknesses: |
- Does not work well on cars with rounded roofs (Yakima seems to be better)
- Main bars have cheap plastic coating that tears away with use
- Easy to steal the protectors on the main bars (it has happened to me)
- Cumbersome to attach racks to bars (too much screwing)
- The rears screw and plate combination are unrealiable and too difficult to tighten
- I never feel a sense of peace when placing my bike on the Thule | | Bike Setup: |
Rock Shocks Jucy XC (Specialized Stumpjumper Comp) | | Bottom Line: | Thule makes a good rack, but there are many improvements to be made. Too much money for the quality. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vitor Cordeiro
a Racer
from Batalha Portugal
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Ease of use (this after instalation). | | Weaknesses: |
The plastic nose broke in half and yes
The bike went flying. | | Similar Products Used: |
thule 599 Pros- I own 7 of them | | Bike Setup: |
This is a review for the 511 Velovise
(589 in the US). | | Bottom Line: | I have had absolutely NO!!! problems with the 599 Pros (I've been using them for years with no problems). The nose on the Velo Vise, however, cracked sending my Y bike flying not only f#&%ing up the rear hatch on my car but trashing the frame and suspension on the Y. 5 Dogs for the 599's -10 for the Velo Vise. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Whistler, BC | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Bikes snap on in a second, very little wind noise and worrying at highway speeds (I have fairing also). I drive 85-90 with 2 bikes on...no problem.
Very strong materials | | Weaknesses: |
I get worried around speed bumps and off road that the swaying will eventually make the bikes fall off | | Similar Products Used: |
Rear rack, but got rid of that after about 2 weeks...just didn't trust it at all off road. | | Bike Setup: |
Rock Shox Judy XC
Manitou SXe | | Bottom Line: | I'm very happy with the quality of the rack so far. I have a Volvo 850 and those Swedish companies must be in cahoots because the rack fits perfectly on the car. For the amount of riding I do, it's an absolute necessity just to keep everything sturdy when you go off road. The bikes sway a bit when you encounter bumps, but I'm not too worried about that. At highway speeds I have no problem.To illustrate how strong this product is, let me tell you a story...My mom (not me) forgot that one of the bikes was on top of the car one day (a week old Fisher Joshua F3) and drove into the garage. The bike was fine and the rack system stayed on the car well, but the velo-vise behind the rear bar support bent back almost to the roof level. It still worked fine after that event, but it looked kinda funny. The aluminum that the velo-vice is made of is so strong that when I clamped it down to a 1/2 inch bar of steel, the steel bent with the countour of the rack! I had to get a steel T-bar to get this thing straight and it's kinda bent. It's also bowed out like a pregnant *female dog*. After all that abuse, it still works well and I use it all the time. It is rather expensive though, but it is a necessity. I give it 4 stars because it is easy to use and very good quality, but it is a bit pricey. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jade
a Cross-Country Rider
from Logan
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wind Caves Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Velo-Vise system is nice to use, decent locks | | Weaknesses: |
Squeeks real bad, bike shakes a lot and does not always seem secure | | Similar Products Used: |
None--- | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Mantra (A REAL NICE BIKE, I HAVE UPGRADED EVERYTHING, IT IS SOOOOO SWEET!) | | Bottom Line: | I do like the rack a lot but the Velo-Vise fork mount doesn't hold the bike as securely as I would like. It flexes, creaks, squeeks, and really makes me worry when I see my sweet ride shaking all over the place. The bike shop where I bought it from said that Thule has made the fork mounts out of some material the will flex some but will not break. I just hope it doesn't break.... I'd go ballistic if I was cruising down the road and suddenly saw my Klein bouncing down the road behind me---- I just would like it to be a lot more stable and secure. One of the reviews below says that the 98-99 rack is better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sudbury
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
The 1999 Velo Vise is the smoothest opperating fork mounting bike adapter on the planet... end of story. | | Similar Products Used: |
non-revised'98/'99 Velo Vise | | Bottom Line: | After having problems with the '98/'99 velo vise system, Thule gladly replaced my two existing base units for new and revised ones. The new units have encoorporated a hex bolt and wrench in place of the wing nut (for increased torque capacity), and a thread cap in the skewer that now prevents accedental loosening of the skewer beyond its limit.
BOTTOM LINE:
The revised velo vise now grips the load bars stronger and holds onto the forks more securely.I never thought carrying a bike on a car could be this fun! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wayne Groovy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Graham W.A
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ranger Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Easey to use,my wife really digs that. | | Weaknesses: |
It makes my wife happy. Therefor there are no weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: |
Most upright racks at one time or another. | | Bike Setup: |
ELT.Noleen | | Bottom Line: | The thule velo vice bike carryer seystem has brought peace to a highly flamable topic of asking my wife to load our bikes,now she says sure your driveing which I prefer anyway.And that lets us get on with rideing and enjoying our THULE easey loading bike carryier. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marjan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Slovenia
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Alps | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
tha AL tray and the back wheel clamp | | Weaknesses: |
cheap plastics, not safe | | Similar Products Used: |
old Thule long tray fork carrier | | Bike Setup: |
it doesn't matter | | Bottom Line: | I've been using Thule racks (car racks for VW Golf and Renault Clio + bike pro 589 and ski 577)
for three years now and they still work like new. Now I wanted to upgrade my old bike carrier
pro 589 to the new Velo vise 511, because I heard that it is easier to handle - you don't have
to adjust it every time. I went to the local store and I checked it out. The new feature is really
good and it works! BUT I was very disappointed with the materials and the design of the head of the carrier!!! It seems that there's hardly any metal parts in it, the lock locks into plastic! And the plastic used looks much cheaper than the plastic housing of my old long tray fork carrier Thule pro 589! The bottom line: I didn't buy it because I think that it is not safe enough. One can use a small hammer and steal your bike of the velo vise. I think that a kick from bottom up in front would be more than enough!
Don't buy it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sudbury
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
The thule velo vise '99 is extreemly easy to use and quick. | | Weaknesses: |
This thing couldn't hold a tricycle steady. | | Similar Products Used: |
the '97 velo vise | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn XC | | Bottom Line: | CONSIDER THIS!!!!!!!!.............;
The new velo vise '98/'99 is a complete work of art in terms of its design, ease of use, and looks.
The problem with this new design is that its is totally unstable when carrying a 23 pound bike.
The old velo vise clamps very securely AROUND the cross bars and does not pose any
troubles. The '99 velo vise sits on top of the cross bars and is totally totally totally unstable. If you try this product out and you have a sunroof on your car, have a look up and watch your bike swing all over the place as you drive to the trails. The clamp to the cross bar is as tight as it can go without breaking the, ONE SINGLE, bolt that holds the thing down.
If you only care about the ease of use and looks then buy this mount. If you care weather or not your bike flies of you car do not buy this mount.
I highly doubt that this product was in any way scientifically tested for its strength and ability to hold a bike down when driving.Good luck | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
easily put the bike on | | Weaknesses: |
comes off easily too, sadly by itself | | Similar Products Used: |
Thule standard upright | | Bike Setup: |
Klein attitude comp | | Bottom Line: | This Velo Vise thing is friction challenged. After 40 minutes of twisting mountain road at 15-20 mph, one bike came off when I made a left turn in a parking lot. Such a sight. I secured everything before the trip though. When I checked the carriers, I found that ALL screws on both carriers were shaken loose, the ones attached to the front, the back screws and the fork wheels. The other bike merely stood on the fork clamp, waiting for an inertia induced separation too. Those cheap plastic fork wheels just can't stay tight. It may be good for a quick run to a nearby park, definite not for a trip longer than 10 min. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shaun
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arlingtob, VA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wakefield Park | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Bar set is nice and sturdy. | | Weaknesses: |
Cheap Velo Vise 589. My bike flaps in the wind like a flag because Thule has made this thing out of tin can material. | | Similar Products Used: |
VW Votex rack. | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Mantra | | Bottom Line: | I really like the bar set on this rack and the wind fairing looks cool and helps with wind noice. But, I hate the Velo Vise. This thing is just plain flimsy, especially for the $100 price tag. I give it three flaming turds for the awesome bar set and the fairing and minus two stars for the cheap Velo Vise. Get with it Thule! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Henrion
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Versatility, easy getting bike on and off | | Weaknesses: |
Price, wheel straps | | Bottom Line: | I recently bought a TRR setup from my LBS with two 599xt Big Mouths. I wanted a roof rack where I could get bikes on and off as quickly as possible without having to disassemble them in any way. The 599xt's fit the bill perfectly. For anyone who transports bikes daily, this is a godsend. My only complaint I have is that the rivets in the wheel straps aren't nearly as durable as they should be. I popped my first one 2 weeks after getting the rack. Invest in a couple of extra sets and you should be fine. That's the only thing that keeps the rack from getting 5 chiles. Also, remember to get the KEY LOCKS when you get your rack. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kent
a Weekend Warrior
from Morris County NJ
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Versatility
Durability | | Weaknesses: |
Flairing (optionally purchased, and not a factor in rack design) is only offered in on size. | | Similar Products Used: |
I've seen them all and talked to their owners. Yakima is the only one I consider of equal quality | | Bottom Line: | I've used Thule racks for over 15 years on 6 different cars/trucks to haul everything from whitewater kayaks, canoes, MTB's, skies, wood and other supplies, and even a 130 gallon aquarium (extremely heavy)! I've been transporting bikes/boats on my car 3 to 5 days a week for 9 months out of the year for the last 12 years. The other 3 months it may go down to 1 or 2 days a week (sometimes I wimp-out for sevaral weeks in bad weather). The point being, these racks are extremely durable and reliable.I hate to admit this, but I've hit my garage with bikes twice, hit a basketball goal once, and hit a low overhang at a drive thru window with the kayaks once. In every instance, the rack structural integrity was maintained. I damaged the bikes, and the car, but the racks are still fine! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Alliance, OH
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Rack is very stable on my car. You could probably pick the whole car up with the rack. Velo-Vise is easy to use, holds my bikes securely. Looks cool. | | Weaknesses: |
Wind noise even with the optional deflector.Expensive. Thule should include locks - I had to buy a set of 6 for $40.00. | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Wahoo MTB
Raleigh R600 Road | | Bottom Line: | I purchased the entire Thule package from my LBS last year. I have yet to regret my decision. I purchased two Velo-Vise carriers and despite others comments, I have yet to have any. The simple to use Velo-Vise with its one hand adjustment operation makes it a simple task to attach the bike to the rack. I never worry about my ride even when traveling at 70MPH on the freeway.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bloomington
Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Gnaw Bone | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Modular Design
Easy to install
Easy to remove bicycle from rack | | Weaknesses: |
1) The cheap plastic front
2) The even cheaper wheel strap | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale CAD3 with Manitou FS | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the 589 Velo Vise Bike Rack. After only 1 year of use the rivets for the wheel straps are rusting and breaking. I don't understand why Thule can not invest in
stainless steel rivets or in using a solid stainsleel tubing for the price that they chare. Hopefully, I will not have to pay to purchase a new set since the rack is still covered by a three year warranty. For reliability I give the rack only two stars. If the Thule dealer does not honor the warranty the ratings should be zero stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JB
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Weaknesses: |
can't lock Noleen fork on the rack | | Similar Products Used: |
yakima | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale CAAD3, Noleen Elite
Mtn Cycle San Andreas, Jr.T Marzocchi | | Bottom Line: | I don't understand why people make such a big deal about what type of rack you use, It has no effect on how well you ride. I like my Thule, but you can go out and buy a Thule, Yakima or go to K-mart and buy a $20 piece of crap and use the money for a chi chi crankset, etc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Pearre
a Weekend Warrior
from Palo Alto, CA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Easy to clamp the bike into and out of. Works with standard rectangular racks (I'm reaching here). | | Weaknesses: |
Yes! The head of this usit is cheap plastic crap. When I put in a lock core, the head no longer closes without binding because the lock clamp (weak molded plastic) doesn't line up right. And it really takes no effort to pry it open. | | Similar Products Used: |
Older Thule fork carrier, which I took back because it broke, and because the mounting screw holes on the plastic didn't line up with those on the metal bracket, and the skewer spring was DOA... | | Bike Setup: |
Doesn't matter... | | Bottom Line: | Velo Vise (589) sucks! I wish I'd gotten a Yakima or something else. Lucky I rarely need a rack. Perhaps I'll take the whole deal back to REI and get something decent. Lifetime satisfaction and all that... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rene
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Very easy to clamp the fork into. Easy to remove from rack also. | | Weaknesses: |
New plastic head is cheap SHIT. This plastic is so weak. | | Similar Products Used: |
Old Thule 529 fork mount (not as convenient but I was confident in its strength) | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Genesis with a Bomber | | Bottom Line: | Thule has really screwed up with this product. When I got the rack home after buying it, I tried to pry the head open while locked. I used a SPOON and had no problem doing so. I spent alot of money on my bike and the Thule rack and I expect alot more from a company with such a good reputation. The old 529 rack was ackward to use, but I never worried about my bike being stolen and coming off on the highway. Thule should fire the moron who allowing this product to be released! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Bridgewater, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Weaknesses: |
The front fork mount on the Velo #589 is very flimsy. It's also made of plastic which is a cheesy way to save money and skimp on quality. | | Similar Products Used: |
The old short tray version bike mount with a metal fork mount attachment and quick release lever. | | Bike Setup: |
I have a 1998 GT Zaskar with a Judy SL | | Bottom Line: | THULE has really blown my image of them with this years VELO VISE #589. I hate this new bike attachment! My bike sways all over the place on the roof when the car hits the smallest bump in the road. I just paid a nice chunk of change for my new bike and I would rather not see it splattered all over the road one day because THULE decided to cheese on their design to save money. About 9 years ago I bought the short tray version and it was great! My bike never moved on it. I decided to go with the long tray this time and I'm very disappointed with the amount of sway when it's up there on the rack. If I could return it I would. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tiffany
a cross-country rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I had the whole Thule roof rack system (with 2 Ultimate bike carriers) for my Cherokee, but when I sold the car, I had to start all over with my '98 Honda Civic HB. Not an appetizing proposition, as I had to buy new FEET, new FIT KIT, and the (interesting-looking) short-roofline adapter. Assembly was much more complicated with the Honda than with the Jeep (<1 hr for Jeep, 2.5 for Honda...maybe I'm just a slow perfectionist?) but the fit is great when I finally got the thing on. Just my opinion about the ease of assembly -- operating a transmission electron microscope is easier than installing this rack!An interesting problem occurred when I mounted the rack to Thule's specs: when the front & rear load bars were the recommended distance apart and the front bar was the recommended distance from the windshield, you couldn't open the hatch all the way because the back of the Ultimates stuck out too far. It would hit on the spoiler above the rear window (this may not be an issue with the CX Civic, which doesn't have the spoiler). To solve this problem, I had to move the front bar about 1.5 in. closer to the windshield than the instructions recommended. It didn't seem to affect the sturdiness of the rack system, though. I haven't had any problem with wind noise yet, which surprises me because the rack is quite tall on the Honda. (Wind noise wasn't a problem on the Jeep either, and I have never used the fairing.) My husband jury-rigged a Thule rack with gutter feet to the cab of his VW truck, and even though the load bars are REALLY close together, it works fine. Both of us like Thule for its durability...but not the price. I guess the price of the rack with all the fit kits and adapters etc. is high, but they do offer a secure fit, which is better than dumping your bikes all over the highway.I'll give 5 peppers for performance, 4 for price/value, and 3 for installation, which makes it an overall 4. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Grimes
a downhiller
from Flagstaff, Az
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I am a snowboarder and an occassional mountain biker and I found that the Thule roof rack is by far the best investment I have done to my Jetta. I wouldn't use any other product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a cross-country rider
from Pasadena & Seattle Wa
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The thule racks have served me very well since 1984. The quality of material used for the product is excellent. The fork mounts completely secures your bike to the rack. Even if you accidentally do not properly lock the bike, its built in safety feature will not allow the bike to fly off your roof. About the wind noise, you'll need to purchase a fairing for a few dollors. I've driven from California to Utah, California to Chicago, Indiana with my bike racks. Thanks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kordoroy
a weekend warrior
from Staten Island, NY
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this is a follow up review. i 1st got my THULE back in June (98). its been about 6 months, and this rack is great. i have an old 88, Chysler LeBaron, and it fits great, no problems, no noise, and the bike stays on great (Velo-vise, long tray). it has actually never left my car in 6 months, a great buy, and i hope it will continue to be a great product, later | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugh
a weekend warrior
from goof GA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Damn Racks are square tubing and whistles like your mother in heat after I reach 20 mph. Not as strong as my buddies yakima which is almost 6 yrs old and shows no deterioration like my 3 week old rusty ass thule has. Damn bolts rust and cant be loosened. Won't hold anything like a Yakima will. Yakima gets 50 falming poop piles and the thule gets 1 for being a piece of poop. All of you who buy them to looke cool are missing the beauty of a Yakima Rackima | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cristiana
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this rack with my new beetle, and had it installed by the dealer. At first the rack caused a lot of noise when I was driving, so i decided to get the fairing. After calling thule they said to get the vw adaptor kit and the fairing would mount fine, well it didn't. I has to bend the brackets that hook the fairing up to the rack so it would sit on the winshield, and as for the adaptor kit, well I didnt need it. Anyway the kit was only 8 dollars so I wasn't too unhappy with not needing it. So now with the fairing the wind noise has decreased dramatically. I like the rack (#599 Utimate) it takes seconds to rack and unrack the bike, I think it is much better than the racks that lock on to the fork. I have one problem with it though, the locks are cheap. When I was trying to lock my bike to the roof the lock popped out of the plastic lever that you use to clamp the bike. The locks were held in by friction alone, there was no metal or anything holding the lock to the lever. The locks also arent a deterrent if someone wanted to steal your bike, all you need is an allen key to remove the cradle and the bike from the roof rack. But with these few flaws the bike stays on even when I am driving at 70 mph and I have no complaints with the stability of the bike while driving. All in all i give it four stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EEFA
a downhiller
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
HAVE HAD THULE ROOF MOUNT FOR MY HONDA x 1 YEAR.
HAS SUFFERED THROUGH ONE (CANADIAN) WINTER WITH NO PROBLEMS.
WAS VERY EXPENSIVE-ABOUT 600$ (OUR CURRENCY IS NOT THE BEST RIGHT NOW)
HERES WHAT I THINK -GOOD: GREAT FIT, SOLID+++, EASY TO FIND PARTS, VERSATILE
BAD: WIND NOISE, CORRODES QUICKLY, EXPENSIVE, CREAKS IF BOLTS NOT TIGHTENED FREQUENTLY (FIXES UP WITH LOCTITE)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a cross-country rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Thule has probably the most diverse prodcut line out there. There are some major durabilty problems though. The plastic coating usualy cracks open exposing the interior metal ( and begins to rot!), the fork mount hardware begins to rust the first time it gets wet, and don't ever put the fairing on you're paint (make sure it contacts windshield) cuz it will eat your car for lunch. Minus 3 chilis for durabilty. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pjm
a cross-country rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a Thule for 1 year now. I is awesome. It gets baked daily in the hot Texas sun and hasn't faded, cracked, or changed since I bought it. It has never been covered by a garage and it locks like new and holds my bikes as solid as ever. It does whistle a little at 70mph but that's what the optional wind flaring is for (I don't have it). I'd buy another one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a cross-country rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Thule system in December for my Jeep Cherokee. At first I thought the thing was great. After making a few adjustments I realized it was realy quite a pain to move around, even on my factory roof tracks. I use the ultimate uprights, these have given me no problems. I recently purchased the fairing and it took about three weeks to finally get the thing to stop vibrating, I had to jury rig it. Yakima offers a better product that is much easier to use, I'm in the process of converting. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Bunchuk
a cross-country rider
from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Thule Docking Station: This is the best hitch rack I have ever seen or used, especially if you have a Y type frame. The bike mounts via the crank and front wheel. Very easy the mount and unmount a bike. Mine holds 2 bikes and can be expanded to hold 4 bikes. It folds down with bikes installed so you can open the rear hatch. I've got the one for a 2 hitch. Very heavy duty, typical Thule construction I have come to expect. It has a neat latch to eliminate rack rattle and movement and comes with locks for the rack and your bikes. This rack is absolutely the best.I also have a Thule Velo Vise. It's a fork mount carrier for my roof rack system. Very easy to use and comes with a lock. A great roof carrier. On another note I use my Thule roof rack to carry my canoe. Excellent mounting system for that too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a weekend warrior
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: June 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had mine since 95 & it still works great, never had any problems.These racks are the only ones i've ever used so i can't tell if this's better than another. But it did cost more than Yakima and Saris. I chose Thule because they have custom fitting for each different vehicle, plus their good reputation.The set up I have is for 2 bikes, fork-mount type (don't remember those model numbers..) Anyway, the initial set up was painfull 'cause i wanted precise, equal measurement. But after the initial set-up, it takes a simple 5 minutes to take it off/put it back on. The bikes go on these racks easily & holds it in place quite well.Complains:
WIND NOISE! I didn't buy fairing cause i've heard bad stuff 'bout it (see other reviews also). The shape/structure of the nose is like a whistle generator! it's damn loud & it bothers me. I'll try to put some tape over the opening below the nose & see if it'd help (see review posted by Ben Miller, bottom of this page)RATTLE/SQUEAK! maybe my racks are getting worn, but it rattles & squeaks badly when you go over bumps or make a sharpe turn . i tried tighten every bolt/nut but didn't help much.Overall, it's a good, durable system, I'm also carrying other stuff like ski/snpwboard, etc. It looks a little bulky on my 94 Honda Prelude though.
Oh, I try not to think how much extra it will cost me when I change to another car! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bower
a weekend warrior
from Hollis, NH
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 416 tracker feet to go right into my Cherokee, and the 50 bars. Paid a little out the nose locally, but it matched within $5 the performance sale price when you factor in shipping. Goof thing too, because one of the bar ends was missing the plug, and the store just took one off the floor and handed it over. Anyway - I was suckered into buying the cool fairing, and once installed, it rattled like a friggin bastard, and I had to tweak for several hours to get it on there solid. But hey - it's quiet now, and looks cool. No problems since. I got the 529xt carriers because the new Velo Vise ones will give you problems with the fairing (you can't get your hand in there to open them up.) Installation was a snap, and they work great. Also - if you do this on a cherokee - just slide the exsisting racks to the back of the car, and you can strap packs on top as well. All said and done, it cost like $300 to get the rack, fairing, and the two carriers.
Whatever - at least I don't have to get my car all muddy anymore. Just drive into one of those car washes and hose them all off. I'll give it a 4, if the fairing worked the 1st time, I'd give it a 5 - but I hated it for a day! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kordoroy
a cross-country rider
from Staten Island, NY
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got mine from my LBS today, bars and a Velo-Vise long-tray. I like it when people put the prices up with their reviews to so others can compare. Well i have a Performance bike catalog with reasonable prices, and i just got one where the THULE racks were on sale! well my LBS's price matched the sale prices, without me showing them the catalog. i paid a total of $185. As far as fit goes, it fits perfect, as if it was meant to be on my car. and the installation was a snap too, 5 minutes, no tools, easily. it looks sweet, and my bike is pretty secure, the Velo-Vise is great, easy to adjust, and to operate. i think i am getting the fairing put on it too. oh well i hope you learn from this, cya.
PEACE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JVCII
a cross-country rider
from Fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Thule's since I bought my 96 VW Jetta GLX. I had a full yakima system on my old style of Jetta and was quite pleased with the racks. However, for my new Jetta the Yakima's did not fit as well as the Thules. I found that the Yakima racks, inorder to install them, you had to open the doors and not make use the the Jetta's natural gutters. Thule made a special rack to accomodate to the new style of VW Jettas. So, the rack actually attached to the gutters where the factory reccommends putting the rack. These racks are sleeker and low riding than those found in the VW Trek racks. They are easy to install. I do find that they are noisy even at relatively slow speeds . I was debating whether or not to buy the fairing. However, the fairing arms(connects the fairing to the rack) seems rather short. Therefore, the fairing sits back instead of right over the top of the windshield when the racks are installed where VW recommends it to be. The fairing for my old jetta(yakima) seemed to work quite well. I felt it did reduce gas mileage and noise. I could actually leave my sunroof open and it would be tolerable. For now I am leaving them on for a week at a time to help with gas mileage, noise, and as in the case with all racks, marring the paint on my roof. Overall, the product does it's job | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john jans
a cross-country rider
from princeton, nj
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
STURDY! Getting the bikes on and off the roofrack requires skill regardless of brand. I've never had a problem with my roofracks. They clamped right onto my optional SAAB factory racks, and looking up through the sunroof, the bikes DO NOT MOVE! The clamping action on the locking cam could be better, but still this is a very good rack. Remove the skewers to clean and lube them every once in a while and you're laughing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Coyle
a weekend warrior
from Tampa,Fl
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the new 589 rails. The idea is nice, but the action is difficult. Once tightened properly, closing the system requires pounding with my fist. Even trying to open them requires alot of effort. Thule should have put an extender handle on them for easier use. They also should have been made of metal!!!
That way I could put my own handle on them.
Also after purchase I notice alot of noise with the rack on my Saturn. I considered the fairing. But would not be able to open the latch because you have to get under it from the front and whack it up to open. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan Stechmiller
a racer
from Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: May 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a Thule rack system for my new used car ('95 Accord Wagon). I currently have a similar system on my Explorer and wanted to stay w/ Thule for price, swapability, and overall functionality. The Accord Wagon's rear windows did not lend itself to Thule's mounting scheme but after several hours in the garage, everything worked out o.k. The cross-bars were a little closer than desirable, but since I'm carrying two relatively light bikes via fork mount trays the Thule technical person said I did not need the short roof line kit which is good cuz' it's ugly and $70 extra.Good News: The new Velo Vice trays are sweet. Look great, easy to use, easy to adjust w/ one hand, and lock the bike to the tray and the tray to the cross bars (not the case w/ previous trays).Bad News: The mounting hardware for the cross bars was very awkward to deal with, which probably is in part due to my vehicle. Mounting the cross bars on my Explorer was much easier (factory rack). Since cross bar installation does not happen very often and since loading bikes happens very often, I say..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tev
a racer
from Miami, FL
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had these racks for about 10 years now. I have not experience any real problems. I originally bought these racks to carry my surfboards. I use the racks to carry anything that does not fit inside the car: surfboards, bicycle, mattresses, waterbeds, wall units, fishing rods, etc... To carry my bike I use the model that the fork mounts unto (remove the front wheel) and the rear tire sits on a short (7 inches) alumminum gutter strapped by a strap/locking mechanism. I also have the air spoiler. I have not used any other racks so I cannot say that this one is better or worse, but I am satisfied. The only small problem that I've seen is that the paint is peeling off of some of the side brackets - but that's after 10 years. I used some touchup paint to recote them. If I were to lose them, I would not buy them again because they are kind of expensive compared to a rear hanging bike rack. Besides, each bike adapter is about $60. I give it 5 for quality and performance but 3 for price. Average=4 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Beall
a cross-country rider
from Chattanooga, TN
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have not experienced many problems with mine and have really enjoyed it. Wind Noise has not been a problem except when approaching even when doing 120 mph. I found installation to be a pain in the butt however and have started seeing a lot of rust on it even though it is less than 8 months old. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Durante
a cross-country rider
from Milwaukee, WI
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have had the Thule for quite a while. This is a great rack, accessories are easy to install, and bikes load like a dream. I have had zero problem installing the rack, and even changing between cars.
I'm not sure what Tommy (below) is talking about.... I initially bought the rack w/out the faring, and could notice the wind noise, so I bought the faring, installed it, tweaked it once and it works awesome!! It drastically reduces wind noise, and it looks way cool!! Tommy try adjusting it so the rubber seal along the base of the faring is at the very top of the windshield, and anchor the outside connecting bars at an angle so it pulls the corners of the faring in toward the car. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great rack!! a little noisy though. This could be fixed with a taller faring.This is the only rack that will fit my car and allow me to open my sunroof - I have a 1997 Honda Prelude. I used to have a Saris - good rack - definately the best looking, but doesn't hold the bikes very well. The Thule is a monster! The bikes don't budge at all.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I like my Thule rack. It performs perfectly. The only problem I've had is with the wind fairing. I thought this thing was supposed to REDUCE noise. All mine does is flap uncontrollably in the wind. I've tweaked the thing to death and it still rattles. Also, I haven't noticed a significant difference in gas mileage with it on the vehicle. Eventually, I just took it off. My car has factory racks on it so at least I'm used to that noise. Otherwise, I would recommend these racks. They work as well as Yakima and they're cheaper, too. Just don't waste your money on that cool looking (but non-functional) fairing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry W
a
from Palo Alto, CA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have tried both the Yakima and Thule Roof Rack systems. I originally bought the Yakima Roof rack system because or their round bars which I felt would adapt better to curved gutters. Also, according to their Fit Book, their gutter mount would fit all three of my cars. However, their book was wrong. It did not come close to fitting one of my cars. The dealer, (REI), couldn’t believe thelr Fit Book was wrong but came out to my car and confirmed that this was indeed the case and exchanged the entire system for a Thule system for me.I bought 5 of Thule’s Ultimate Upright bike racks. Their Upright system works better than Yakima’s in that their latching and locking mechanism is down at roof level rather than up by the downtube. (In 1998 Yakima is supposed to come out with their “Ankle Biter” bike mount however, which attaches to a bike’s crank arm, making downtube diameter irrelevant. Also, this keeps the cranks from turning while driving. But it does not use a triangulated mounting system with two upright struts per bike, but one strut only, which seems inherently less stable.)Furthermore, if you want to switch your racks from car to car, the Thule requires only one knob. Yakima requires a knob, but in addition, requires you to use a wrench on a bolt on the hard-to-see backside of the gutter foot. This wrench can only be turned about an eighth turn at a time. Furthermore, as you tighten the foot, the angle of the foot to the bar changes, which has a tendency to bend both feet on the bar in towards each other, changing their distance between each other, so you have to loosen the bolt and start the tedious process all over again, predicting by trial and error, where the foot will end up after it’s fully tightened. This may not be so tough if you have to set it up for just one car, but if want to switch cars, repeating this process is very inconvenient.The Thule Ultimate Uprights appear quite sturdy, and can hold road, mtn, kids bikes, or even our kid’s trailer bike, (Alley-Cat). Thule’s rectangular bars have not been a problem. We even bought Thule’s Adventurer 16 cu. ft. cargo box, which there is room for on the rack in addition to our bikes.I also like Thule’s quick release levers to attach and detach the bike uprights. It makes it easy to slide the outer racks with bikes into the center of the roof while mounting additional bikes. The bikes lock to the Ultimate Uprights which lock the Uprights to the bars.I have had no problems with wind noise on our 1983 Volvo wagon. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Miller
a downhiller
from USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this rack for my 96 VW Jetta because I bought my car 2 months before the Jetta Trek combo deals came out. I am not very happy with it. It fits like a dream because it is specific for my make model and year unlike the universal Yakima racks. My complaint is about all of the noise the thing generates. I had the wind deflector on the roof and I took it off to see if the noise would decrease, it didn't. I found that the hammerhead bike mounts that mount your fork to the locking hammer assembly have a hollow bottom and they whistle and howl at any speed above 15 MPH. My car is very quiet inside and this really bothers me so I put tape on the bottom of the locking assy so that air could not get in there and it almost silenced it but it still drives me crazy. I do not want to mount them backwards either because that would be stupid so I just opted for some scotch tape. They are ok overall but do not get them if you have a sunroof where all the sound can come into your cabin. | | Overall Rating: |
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