Thule T2 Pro XT

You can’t consider any bike rack without thinking about Thule. The company has been in existence since 1942 in Sweden, it has more than 2,200 employees across the world and is dedicated to creating innovative, stylish, and practical solutions for carrying bikes and other accessories. Of course, if you’re trying to look after your bike you need to make sure you have a high-quality bike stand to store your bike at home. If you haven’t already got one then check out this article, you’re certain to find the perfect complement for your Thule T2 Pro XT.

The Thule T2 Pro XT is a hitch bike rack. This makes it very simple to slide onto your vehicle and take your bike with you, wherever you’re going. It is also the top rack in the Thule range, and with good reason.

It’s a stylish, durable, and well-designed bike rack. If you’ve got bigger wheels this rack is definitely something to consider!

The Basics

The Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack carries two bikes but can be expanded to carry up to four bikes. It weighs 50 pounds and can accommodate tires up to 5” wide. 

This rack is surprisingly easy to put together and even easier to fit on to your vehicle. A retractable hitch pin is integrated into the rack. All you need to do is slide the hitch into the receiver and align the pin to slide it into position. That’s it!

The rack accommodates tire sizes between 20″ and 29″. It supports 60lbs per bike and measures 54” x 15” x 43”. When the rack is not in use, it can be folded and becomes 54.7” x 22.5” x 33.8”.

You can get the Thule T2 Pro XT in black or silver. This rack has a wider gap between itself and the trunk, allowing it to be used even if you have a tire on the rear of your vehicle.

The Positives

There are plenty of positive attributes to the Tule T2 Pro XT:

• Tilting Action

This Thule TR Pro XT bike rack is considered to be one of the choices when it comes to class tilt lever. Simply pull the lever and the bike rack will tilt away from the vehicle. This allows you access to the vehicle’s trunk. Most hitch racks offer this but the Thule is exceptionally well designed in this regard.

Take note that the small screw that holds the lever switch in place can become loose over time. Use a little lock tight when putting the rack together, this will prevent this from being an issue. 

• Tire Sizes

Perhaps what really sets this bike rack apart is the fact that it can accommodate virtually any size bike tire. It doesn’t matter how big the wheel is or even how wide the tire is, this rack is designed to accommodate up to 5” tires, your fat bike will be safe on here. 

• Tool-Free Install

The Thule T2 Pro XT can fit 2” or 1.25” receivers. The integrated hitch pin makes it exceptionally easy to slide the rack into position and secure it. In addition, as soon as you’ve slid the rack into position you can turn the handy knob which will expand the inner cradle, securing it into the receiver.

The idea is to prevent the rack from wobbling while in use. If you’ve chosen to have locks these are built into the rack and will prevent it from being removed without the key.

• Built-in Security

As just mentioned, the Thule T2 Pro XT comes with built-in locks. Simply pull the cable out and wrap it around the bikes, securing them to the rack and keeping them safe if you leave the vehicle.

• Versatility & Ease Of Use

The ThuleT2 Pro XT is one of the heaviest hitch racks on the market, thanks to the quality of the materials used. 

But, it’s more than just durable, it is also very easy to use, simply lift and slide it into the receiver and lock it into position. The rack also folds against your vehicle when not in use, allowing you to keep it in situ. The rack has trays which your bike wheel sits on, you can even an extra receiver to accommodate 2 extra bikes. 

However, this is only an option on the rack with 2” receiver and it will double the cost of your rack. 

The Negatives

As always, there are a few points that should be considered before you commit to a Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack:

• Tightness of Rack

I’ve personally used this rack and haven’t had an issue. But, there have been some users who have experienced an issue with a slight wobble in the rack after fitting. In general if you tighten the knob properly this shouldn’t be an issue, however, it is worth being aware of the issue. 

• Rail Adjustability

The trays are designed to handle virtually any size of bike, which is great. However, the rack has limited side-to-side rail adjustability. This could be an issue if you have several wide bikes.

Of course, the fact that the Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack is capable of carrying virtually any bike more than makes up for this small inconvenience.

• Cost

This rack is one of the most expensive racks on the market; the cost is almost double if you want to extend the carrying capacity from 2 to 4.

However, it should be noted that the Thule T2 Pro XT is extremely durable, the cost may be high but the rack will last you for many years.

• Locks

The integrated cable locks are a great idea but they could be a little longer. They are not long enough to fit through the frame and the wheel of your bike, which is a shame when you’re spending this much on a rack.

If you’re stopping briefly then the integrated lock around your frame will be sufficient. But, if you’re intending to leave your bikes on the Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack for any period of time you may want a second chain lock to secure them properly.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right bike rack is a difficult decision, you’ll need to consider the budget you have available and how often you’re going to use it.

The Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack is not necessarily the best looking bike rack on offer. However, it is one of the best on the market. If you’re always out on your bike, or if you just want the very best rack available, then the Thule T2 Pro XT is the right one for you.

While there are a few downsides to the Thule T2 Pro XT, the quality and durability of this bike rack make it seriously worth considering; even if you are only an occasional user. Sometimes spending actually saves you money in the long run. This is definitely true for the Thule T2 Pro XT.