Thule Sidearm (594). Quick rooftop bike loading in seconds. Accommodates most bikes regardless of frame design, suspension, or wheel size. Xadapt1 required when used on Aero bar.
Strengths: Moderately easy to load and unload, although arm takes some force to move.
Weaknesses: The arm has released twice. On the first release, the rear strap secured the bike. On the second release, the bike fell off the car and was destroyed. The arm latching mechanism can release under the right combination of wind and vibration. When using a road bike, the front wheel could not be secured. It would hop from the tray. A bungee had to be used.
Bottom Line:
If you value your bike, buy a different rack.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Robertr720
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, Texas, US
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2012
Strengths: Holds bike very securely, easy to load and unload, just make sure you can lift your bike above your head...,
Weaknesses: kind of an eyesore when not in use, some of the lag bolts and sidearm bracket bolts rusted inside of a week of owning them, and yes it offers little to no security
Bottom Line:
It holds the bike very securely on the top of my wrx going 80 down the highway or driving on curvy roads with bumps and gravel. It does contact the fork some but does no damage to the bike. If it didn't there is no way it would be so secure. If your bike is falling out of this rack you are not using it properly.
Submitted by
cfrea
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2012
Strengths: Very easy placement/removal of bike
No need to remove front wheel
Weaknesses: Horrible instructions
Doesn't mount perfectly to Thule Aeroblade bars
Lack of security
Bottom Line:
Overall I'd would definitely go with the 594xt but add a few extra things as safety.
First, get a second wheel rachet for the front. This is crucial! Before this, I had the front wheel lifting into the air and wobbling at around 60-70mph even though I had throughly secured it down. The second ratchet in the front solved this. Second, the security lock stinks, someone can easily steal the bike. I solved this buy using my Kryptonite bike lock and attaching it to the front wheel and the back support for the front wheel.
Instructions stink, and the fit with the Aerobars isn't perfect.
Submitted by
i.a.n.
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2011
Strengths: None that I can honestly say.
Bottom Line:
I did my due diligence before purchasing this rack system, and thought I had made a well-informed purchase. I couldn't have been more wrong.
The arms are incredibly stiff to operate and require regular lubing, otherwise rotating them is quite a chore, especially when standing below the pivot.
Mounted they aren't the most attractive works of art, but I figured I got to hold my bikes, not look good. On the maiden voyage one of the locking covers for the feet blew off on the freeway. It was secured properly and apparently the tab that held it in place snapped off. Also, the Sidearm spontaneously backed out, leaving the bike bobbing from side to side.
It's first real trip was a ride to Oregon. I had a 29er HT and a Cannondale Left mounted to the roof of my car. Driving on I-5 created much more drag than I was expecting, but that's not the racks fault. After a quick gas stop I noticed the front wheels of both bikes had hopped out of the trays and were resting dangerously on the edge of the trays nearly popping out completely. I centered the wheels back in and made sure to check that everything was installed properly. The Sidearms were fastened tightly and locked down. I pushed up on the wheel and it rolled back easily, almost rolling past and out of the wheel catcher. One not-so-hard push and the wheel would roll completely out. I realized that the wind had pushed the bikes up and out of the tray, which meant I had to strap the front wheel to the tray in addition to the rear, otherwise it will lift completely out and flop around on the hood of my car.
I quickly realized that it would take no more than 10 seconds to release a bike from the Sidearm...while locked, with a simple push.
Do not purchase this rack system. I can't stress enough how poorly thought out this design is and can't believe Thule even considers these crappy locking cores a viable anti-theft option.
I've since purchase a 1Up Quick Rack and consider this an expensive life lesson.
Submitted by
r1de
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2010
Strengths: Very stable mount, easy to operate.
Weaknesses: Doesn't straddle Thule footpacks, and there isn't enough free space on my crossbars to mount in front of/behind the footpacks. Bought it to replace a Big Mouth mounted in that position, so it's a non-starter for me (since I have another Big Mouth + a ski rack already on those bars).
Also, the "security" is a joke and the rack is pretty obtrusive when not in use.
Bottom Line:
It's a great mount for stability, that anyone can easily steal a bike from (and possibly take the whole mount, too), and that won't fit on your roof unless you have plenty of space on those crossbars.
Submitted by
fmdonovan
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2010
Strengths: Rock solid. Easy loading. Best bike rack that accommodates the bike with both wheels.
Weaknesses: It's not cheaper...but you pay for the quality.
Bottom Line:
Get this rack if you don't want to take wheels off any more. I took other review's advise and put a wheel strap on the front wheel as well as the rear. No problems. The dual straps allows me to ratchet the sidearm down another notch for extra security. Never had it rise up at speed. I have the bikes facing backwards on the car as well. Not sure if that really make any difference.
Similar Products Used: Thule peloton and other fork mounts
Bike Setup: Specialized Enduro SL, Scott Addict R2
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
kenzen410
a Cross Country Rider
from Ellicott City, MD
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2010
Strengths: Solid.
No adapter required for attachment to Thule aero bars.
Once I figured out how to install, installation was very secure.
Very quick and easy to load and unload.
Weaknesses: Not for road bikes (IMO, see below).
Installation instructions are unclear.
Kinda ugly when collapsed.
Bottom Line:
The sidearm works very well for a bike with disc brakes, holds a bike very securely. I did not have the problem that others have stated - one needs to ensure that the bike is properly mounted, per the instructions. It held both my 29er and roadie securely, and it is a snap to load and unload. Worked with a fairing, too.
My issue is with the design. The arm that holds the front wheel sits right at the fork, per Thule instructions. This means that it sits on top of the front brakes (rim brakes), potentially pushing or twisting the brake pads out of alignment. Realigning is not a hardship, but it is something I'd rather not worry about before each ride.
The instructions were terrible - very confusing.
My advice: great if you're hauling mountain bikes and bikes with disc brakes only. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
Submitted by
rideronthestorm
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2009
Strengths: Hassle free, easy on, easy off. Built well. Easy to mount carrier on rack.
Weaknesses: Doesn't collapse very well when not in use. It has a larger profile then other bike racks in the same category.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike rack. No need to take my front wheel off anymore. Pop it on my rack, set the ratchet, strap the rear wheel and I'm off. I have 20mm and 15mm thru axle front wheel. I had to keep switching off the Fork Up adapter on my Echelon. Now it's a breeze to mount my bike. I haven't experienced the front wheel lifting at freeway speeds but I might just purchase a strap for it so I have a piece of mind. The only bad thing about this rack is that it doesn't collapse well when not in use. It's a little ugly for sure but I can live with it for now.
Submitted by
tammin
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay Area, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2009
Strengths: Easy on, easy off - no front wheel removal. Optional locking system provides peace of mind - rack locks to top of car; and arms lock bikes in place. Keeps honest people honest, anyways - probably could be easily defeated by someone determined to get your bikes off.
Weaknesses: On recent freeway trip, driving 70-80 mph, front of bikes tended to lift, raising front wheel perilously close to top edge of trays, creating some stress (we could see them through the sunroof). Ended up using a bungee cord to tightly secure front wheel of one bike to the tray. Probably best for transporting bikes to more local trails, rather than taking them on cross-country trips involving lots of freeway travel.
Bottom Line:
Thule side arm roof rack is great if you want easy on, easy off bike transport to your local favorite trails. And since it's built on the Thule rack system, if you're into kayaking, skiing, etc. there are lots of other things you can carry on your roof rack besides bikes.
Weaknesses: Pricey, and like all roof racks, it can be hard to load, especially if your by yourself. Wind drag
Bottom Line:
I've had these racks for a few years on the top of our honda odyssey, and frequently carry 4 heavy downhill bikes. they are extremely sturdy, and have withstood fast, windy mountain roads and bumps. Not only that, but we were recently in a head on crash on the highway, which deployed our airbags and totaled the van, but I was extremely pleased that all 4 of the racks and all of the bikes were perfectly intact and still secure on the roof. I could not have been happier with the construction and sturdiness of the racks. If your going to get a roof rack, I wouldn't recommend anything else.
Submitted by
Kevin73
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany, NY
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2009
Strengths: Stability... Way better than my old bigmouth. I have added a front ratchet and it made all the difference. I have also found that mounting the bike with the rear wheel forward makes it way more stable. I have had no security issues with the thule lock cores attached. I have driven for hours on the highway in high crosswinds and have had no issues. The key is to make sure there is absolutely no play in your rack to start with. I highly recommend the front ratchet.
Weaknesses: Heavy and difficult to get on and off your rack. Much harder than a velovise or big mouth. Also it is not that attractive on the car when the bike is not on. It is odd looking and sticks up way too much which makes for a lot of road noise.
Bottom Line:
It has been a good rack for me. It give me piece of mind on the road. It can haul a 42 pound Kona Stab with out issues.
Similar Products Used: Big mouth, Thule pro upright, velovise, xt pro forkmount that are all in my basement.
Bike Setup: I use it on my Kona downhill bikes... 2.4 or 2.7 tires depending on the bike. I would not recommend a really skinny tire for stability sake with this rack.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dirk McGirk
a Weekend Warrior
from Corona, CA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2009
Strengths: wheels on, sturdy, easy to use, holds road and mt bikes (26") no sweat.
Weaknesses: Doesn't hold my 29ers like it said it would. Have to let the air out of the fronts to make it work.
Bottom Line:
Expensive new, lots available used. Pretty much bomb proof. Lots of my friends use em and no one's had trouble. Everything's perfect except the issue with the 29er.
Submitted by
tonyride1
a Cross Country Rider
from Piscataway, NJ
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2009
Strengths: Quick on and off. Don't need to remove front wheel. Fits bike of any size. Typical Thule quality.
Weaknesses: Proper engagement of arm on the front wheel is not always positive. At first I thought the arm was secure on the front wheel until I start driving as saw the front wheel wobbling through the moonroof. I had to reposition the arm on the front wheel again. Now I know the proper placement of the arm on the wheel but it took a few tries to get it right.
Bottom Line:
Great roof bike rack. Quick on and off the bike. The bike is very stable on the rack once you get the hang of it.
Favorite Trail: Mahlon D, Allamuchy, Kittatinny, 6 Mile, etc.
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At: Marty's Reliable in
Similar Products Used: Thule Bigmouth, Thule fork mount.
Bike Setup: Giant Trance X1, Jamis Dakar Sport, KHS Team ST Single Speed.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
JCole
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2008
Strengths: easy and quick for storing my bike...especially nice when I am training for a race and don't want to leave my bike on the ground at the trail-head.
Weaknesses: I have never felt 100% with the side arm's ability to really hold onto my bike.
Bottom Line:
I have been pleased with the side arm, on short drives...but I still don't trust it for extended drives on the interstate.
On a drive back from Bryson City to Charlotte, I actually had the bike come out of the front mount. Luckily, the back ratchet held the bike on the roof while my kayak supported most of the weight.
I got out and really made sure that the front arm was as snug as possible on my front wheel - but I could still see a lot of movement.
But this could be because I set the rack up for another one of my bikes that was a little bit smaller...but if I have to adjust it every time I put a different bike up there, the Side Arm may find its way to craigslist.
Next long trip I make, I will be adding another ratchet for my front wheel in addition to the arm.
Submitted by
mtbnachos
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2008
Strengths: Easy to get bike on/off, fairly stable if mounted correctly, wheel strap.
Weaknesses: Front tire bracket useless, no wheel strap for front, security feature terrible.
Bottom Line:
This rack is so-so. No need to remove front wheel and saves space aplenty. Yay! Security on rack, boo! My complaint is exactly Spencer's review covered. Deflate the front tire and bye bye bike. Luckily my Soma has a bent top tube where I can secure the arm low enough to ratchet and lock it where it is most stable. Then again you still can deflate and steal. Only a separate lock to your load bar will make you feel safe. Thule engineers need to have more common sense. They should combine the Sidearm w/ the Big mouth clamp and that should solve it.
