Product Review: Thule T2 Bike Rack

by Kevin Hurysz

A few years ago, I had a trunk mounted bike rack that I never thought was sturdy.  It always worried me when I would drive with my bike.  With the purchase of the new Kevironmobile (a 2013 Honda CR-V), I was in the market for the best bike rack out there.  With Matt’s help, I quickly settled on his recommendation:  the Thule T2.

The Thule T2 Bike rack in the box

The Thule T2 is a hitch mount platform carrier and is available in models that will accommodate both 2” (Model 916 XTR) and 1.25” (Model  917 XTR) receivers.  Be sure to get the correct one for your hitch receiver.  The rack as purchased will carry two bikes, but an extender is available to the 916 XTR (Model  918 XTR) that can increase capacity on that rack to four bikes.

Be sure to get the right model for your hitch receiver (or vice versa if this is your first hitch mounted rack!)

Installing the rack on your vehicle is not difficult and is easily achieved with two people.  To load a bike on the rack, the wheels are placed in the wheel wells, a hook swings over the front wheel and clicks downward, locking in place.  An adjustable strap is looped over the bottom of the rear wheel.  No part of the rack is in direct contact with the frame.  I am paranoid about my bike, so an additional welcome feature is the integrated cable lock.  Once your bike is in place and locked down, it is secure.  A lever on the rack is pulled to fold and store the platform vertically when not in use, or tilt the rack downward, so the vehicle trunk can be accessed. 

The Thule T2 rack folds up when not in use

I have had the Thule T2 917 XTR rack for over four months now.  It has been used for short trips to rides around Atlanta and long trips to races in the Southeast, performing flawlessly.  I am thoroughly impressed with the Thule T2 rack and I’m a lot more confident driving with my bike.  Thank you Matt and Podium Multisport!

The Thule T2 in action - carrying precious cargo