I originally had the Yakima Hold-up & switched to the Thule T2 Pro XT (black) featured here. First impressions: new Thule XT is a massive step forward in ease of use, less bob on the road, and more flexibility with the wheel trey accommodating road bikes (via small crevice to hold thin road bike tires) and wide enough for 5" fat bike tires. I'm currently using the Thule XT with the 2-bike add on (4 bikes total) and extremely happy with the platform stability and easy of installation. I have seen a decrease by 1 MPG on the highway, a happy compromise considering how beefy this rack is. I experienced -5 to -10MPG highway for roof mounted racks. Cannot comment on long-term durability as I've only had the Thule XT for 3 months, but so far there are no wear marks. The black looks and feels great! I have a 2015 Subaru Forester with a 'Hidden-Hitch' installed and can open my rear hatch with 760mm wide bars, I expect 780mm to be the max limit with the hitch in the down position. PS great video!
Super helpful man thanks for the work you put into this. We have a 4 bike Kuat NV 1.0 and it is destroying bars and saddles so we must upgrade. This may be just swayed me to the T2 Pro XT!
Great review of this rack. I'm looking for a better rack for my bikes and know almost nothing about them. I'll buy the XT now. Nice job and thanks for the great demo.
I'm looking to get my first platform bike rack and going for the xt. Nice review. Expensive upgrade for an inch or so.... I just use my dropper post to drop the seat and the bikes don't touch on my buddies kuat.
True. Not sure it would be worth the upgrade for those with XT. I work in industry, so easier for me. Dropper can help, but not always. I’m likely picking up a Kuat NV 2.0 this year, so we’ll see how it compares. Hoping to do a shootout video between that and the XT Pro. Btw, many don’t realize it, but the Kuat does have ability to “move” bikes to help eliminate contact. The arms can’t slide, but the front wheel tray adjust to 3 positions, and makes a surprising difference.
Just a heads up for anyone buying this rack or any tray style. If you have carbon rims, make sure the rack sits well away from the exhaust pipe! Your rims will melt!! I had this rack on a buddies Ford Flex.... the rim folded like the Leafs against the Bruins.
Wow. This video is perfect. I also have the T2 Pro with issues with the handle bars hitting the seat so I was looking at another rack. I was looking at the NV 2.0 but the drop mechanism is terrible. The Dr Tray, I have fenders on the front wheel and way they have the back wheel mount would mean the bike would move. The Saris, crappy hitch mount. The 1-Up, not tool-less removal and no cable locks. I got excited about the Thule Easy Fold but bikes are way too close. So I guess it's the T2 Pro XT for me too lol Thanks for this.
Glad it helped you out! Not to further complicate your decision, but I would take another look at the NV 2.0 if I were you. I too was skeptical because of not having a handle at the end of the rack, but I decided to give it a try about 6 months ago, and haven't used my T2 Pro XT since. I plan to put up a comparison video between the NV 2.0 and the T2 Pro XT soon. Headed to Whistler for Crankworx 2019 today, so it will be a little while though. :-)
Very true! Since making the video, I have discovered the same thing, and that's how I do it now too. It is a bit awkward when the rack is in the upright position, but quite easy to do when it is lowered. Still not as easy as the previous model, and I do wish they had extended the "beam" a bit, rather than just spreading the trays out on the same length of beam.
Hi Kevin, just wanna ask if the ratcheting arm on your T2 Pro XT has some side to side wobble. Mine's has quite a strong wobble even when fully locked which causes the arm to detach to the wheel from the bike's side to side movement when driving on rough terrain. Also, is it normal for the actual platform to have a little bit of up and down play, say, when Im lifting the platform when holding the HitchSwitch lever but not actually pressing it. Thanks a lot.
I haven't noticed any unusual play in the arms (and they have certainly never come off, even on rough terrain). As to the up-down play in the platform itself, I will have to check that out next time I have it set up on my car.
kevbinwek If you have a fender on your bike and or try to secure the arm to far past the apex of the tire: the arm will loosen from side to side movement and can loose your attachment. The arm is extended to far and will travel down the tire till it comes loose. If it is below the apex or top of the tire it can not travel down the tire because it is slightly shorter and would have to extend to get up and over the highest part of the tire. Hope this makes since. So if your front tire is on the left side of the rack, the arm has to be at some point past 12 o’clock and more toward 1 o’clock and up against the front fork to stay secure. This is because it has a tendency to hinge down the front of the tire during transport. IF it is at say 10 o’clock on the tire the arm is extended enough that if it hinges down toward 9 o’clock it gets loose. If it is at 1 o’clock it would have to extend to move toward the left and become loose. Hope this is not to confusing.
The auto locking pin on mine constantly gets bumped out of the hole. Is it purely to find a good position for the rack or is it supposed to be functional as some kind of fastener?
It's a safety backup, so it should stay engaged in the receiver. I've never had it pop out. Maybe try engaging it, then pull the rack backwards to force it to contact edge of hole, then tighten the rack via the knob. That might help it stay engaged, and is also a good practice for all pins going through the receiver because it helps reduce rattle. Hope that helps. Let me/us all know if it works
Just found one of these at a garage sell but they didn't come with lock cylinders for the hitch knob and lock cables. I cant seem to find the part number for them. Do you know it?
Sometimes adjusting the height of the seat can work, but other times you might have trouble no matter what. It all depends on the bikes and how exactly they are shaped, how wide their handlebars are, etc.
Great review! I have a T2 Pro, and need a tray. Since I have a black car, I'm wondering I can put a black T2 Pro XT tray on my T2 Pro. Do you happen to know that would work or not? Thanks
Can't say with 100% confidence (might want to call Thule), but I'm pretty sure that it would work fine. I don't think there is actually any difference in the arms except the length of the tracks that the bolt slides in, allowing for greater spread between bikes.
In case anybody curious about this, I figured it out. bolt holes of newer T2 Pro XT trays are wider than older T2 Pro base, so won't fit. Hope this helps
Yes, the rack can tilt down, away from the rear hatch, allowing the hatch to open and close even with bikes attached. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. The lock doesn't do anything to prevent the bike being taken off the tray. It's a cable lock, but does not stop you from being able to loosen the arm or the rear wheel loop. Can you provide a link to the Kuat NV 2.0 video you mentioned?
Thanks. I watched that video, and I don't think you will have that problem with this rack. The Kuat wheel tray is fairly flat, whereas the T2 wheel tray is quite deep. I still don't see how this has anything to do with someone being able to more easily steal the bike, but as far as the bike shifting around or coming loose while driving/cornering (the issue he shows in the video), I don't think you will have a problem with the T2. It's a solid rack, and I've never had any trouble with bike movement in any direction. Hope that helps!
Was seen reviews on REI about t2 pro xt. One person said it was stolen from his SUV. Apparently Thule puts a key code on the cylinder lock and key can be made. Have you seen 1up usa rack? What are your thoughts about both.
Be warned: if you have a hideaway hitch (hidden behind bumper) this rack will not work! The locking latch is attached to the side of the stinger and will not pass through the bumper 'plug' on my crosstrek. Good video, but it doesn't show the stinger/latch. It's going to be fun repacking this thing and shipping it back to Cali.
$580??? Too expensive to be able to leave it on my parked car while I'm riding. I've had a lot of Thule and Yakima racks over the years and they are just too expensive for what they do and often how badly they do it.
The T2 Pro XT can be stolen despite the lock swiveling if they pull it off with a chain attached to a car or truck. So make sure to tighten the 2” insert very much and back in park so that a thief cannot gain access to forcing the bike rack from the receiver.
Absolutely. Not super common, but definitely something to be aware of, and backing in is a good idea. I cover this issue in my T2 Pro XT vs Kuat NV 2.0 video: ua-cam.com/video/8DM0JkyNicc/v-deo.html
This hitch isn't some high end security safe man. Anyone with a cutter or a dremel or a grinder can steal your bike with ease. Thats even easier than using a truck to pull a bike rack out of a hitch.
@@kevinhill.8 the 2 bike rack (t2 xt pro) load capacity is 120lbs. Then they sell a 2 bike add on to the rack that weighs 41lbs. Then suddenly the rack load capacity magically increases to 250lbs total? I'm not following how Thule is calculating their load ratings.
Comparison of the Thule T2 Pro and the new T2 Pro XT tray style, hitch mount bike racks.
I originally had the Yakima Hold-up & switched to the Thule T2 Pro XT (black) featured here.
First impressions: new Thule XT is a massive step forward in ease of use, less bob on the road, and more flexibility with the wheel trey accommodating road bikes (via small crevice to hold thin road bike tires) and wide enough for 5" fat bike tires. I'm currently using the Thule XT with the 2-bike add on (4 bikes total) and extremely happy with the platform stability and easy of installation. I have seen a decrease by 1 MPG on the highway, a happy compromise considering how beefy this rack is. I experienced -5 to -10MPG highway for roof mounted racks. Cannot comment on long-term durability as I've only had the Thule XT for 3 months, but so far there are no wear marks. The black looks and feels great! I have a 2015 Subaru Forester with a 'Hidden-Hitch' installed and can open my rear hatch with 760mm wide bars, I expect 780mm to be the max limit with the hitch in the down position.
PS great video!
Super helpful man thanks for the work you put into this. We have a 4 bike Kuat NV 1.0 and it is destroying bars and saddles so we must upgrade. This may be just swayed me to the T2 Pro XT!
Great review of this rack. I'm looking for a better rack for my bikes and know almost nothing about them. I'll buy the XT now. Nice job and thanks for the great demo.
*Really great **Latest.Bike** trunk mount rack! Works well with my Honda civic & the price is affordable. Would recommend ✔*
Glad it’s working well on your civic!
Very clearly demonstrated: particularly the nuances of spacing.
Excellent video! Exactly what I needed to make a decision to go with the Thule XT. Thanks!
Thank you for the review. I am going to purchase this rack due to your review.
Great review I just got a Subaru and need something like this.
Great Video! Very informative, I was wondering what the differences were, the black looks very sleek too.
Great review! That rack is sweet! The T2 Pro XT!
dude thanks for making this video.
Thanks, this vid made my decision to get this rack.
Great and detailed video. Thank you!!
thanks for the tip! I just dont like the weight on the Thule but I think its durable!
I'm looking to get my first platform bike rack and going for the xt. Nice review. Expensive upgrade for an inch or so....
I just use my dropper post to drop the seat and the bikes don't touch on my buddies kuat.
True. Not sure it would be worth the upgrade for those with XT. I work in industry, so easier for me.
Dropper can help, but not always. I’m likely picking up a Kuat NV 2.0 this year, so we’ll see how it compares. Hoping to do a shootout video between that and the XT Pro. Btw, many don’t realize it, but the Kuat does have ability to “move” bikes to help eliminate contact. The arms can’t slide, but the front wheel tray adjust to 3 positions, and makes a surprising difference.
Just a heads up for anyone buying this rack or any tray style. If you have carbon rims, make sure the rack sits well away from the exhaust pipe! Your rims will melt!! I had this rack on a buddies Ford Flex.... the rim folded like the Leafs against the Bruins.
Dang, that's crazy! Good point for sure. It's also something I never thought to even consider. And nice analogy. :)
Wow. This video is perfect. I also have the T2 Pro with issues with the handle bars hitting the seat so I was looking at another rack. I was looking at the NV 2.0 but the drop mechanism is terrible. The Dr Tray, I have fenders on the front wheel and way they have the back wheel mount would mean the bike would move. The Saris, crappy hitch mount. The 1-Up, not tool-less removal and no cable locks. I got excited about the Thule Easy Fold but bikes are way too close. So I guess it's the T2 Pro XT for me too lol Thanks for this.
Glad it helped you out! Not to further complicate your decision, but I would take another look at the NV 2.0 if I were you. I too was skeptical because of not having a handle at the end of the rack, but I decided to give it a try about 6 months ago, and haven't used my T2 Pro XT since. I plan to put up a comparison video between the NV 2.0 and the T2 Pro XT soon. Headed to Whistler for Crankworx 2019 today, so it will be a little while though. :-)
great video!
I also upgraded and I love my T2 Pro XT. Absolutely no bounce with the Pro. I also think it's looks good on my Toyota Highlander. :-D
1:43 hahaha cute cat man!!
The arm only obstructs the handle lever when squeezing from the inside. When squeezed from the outside there is no obstruction.
Very true! Since making the video, I have discovered the same thing, and that's how I do it now too. It is a bit awkward when the rack is in the upright position, but quite easy to do when it is lowered. Still not as easy as the previous model, and I do wish they had extended the "beam" a bit, rather than just spreading the trays out on the same length of beam.
Thanks very much Kevin! That was useful.
Glad it helped! Thanks for letting me know.
Hi Kevin, just wanna ask if the ratcheting arm on your T2 Pro XT has some side to side wobble. Mine's has quite a strong wobble even when fully locked which causes the arm to detach to the wheel from the bike's side to side movement when driving on rough terrain. Also, is it normal for the actual platform to have a little bit of up and down play, say, when Im lifting the platform when holding the HitchSwitch lever but not actually pressing it. Thanks a lot.
I haven't noticed any unusual play in the arms (and they have certainly never come off, even on rough terrain). As to the up-down play in the platform itself, I will have to check that out next time I have it set up on my car.
kevbinwek
If you have a fender on your bike and or try to secure the arm to far past the apex of the tire: the arm will loosen from side to side movement and can loose your attachment.
The arm is extended to far and will travel down the tire till it comes loose. If it is below the apex or top of the tire it can not travel down the tire because it is slightly shorter and would have to extend to get up and over the highest part of the tire. Hope this makes since. So if your front tire is on the left side of the rack, the arm has to be at some point past 12 o’clock and more toward 1 o’clock and up against the front fork to stay secure. This is because it has a tendency to hinge down the front of the tire during transport. IF it is at say 10 o’clock on the tire the arm is extended enough that if it hinges down toward 9 o’clock it gets loose. If it is at 1 o’clock it would have to extend to move toward the left and become loose. Hope this is not to confusing.
The auto locking pin on mine constantly gets bumped out of the hole. Is it purely to find a good position for the rack or is it supposed to be functional as some kind of fastener?
It's a safety backup, so it should stay engaged in the receiver. I've never had it pop out. Maybe try engaging it, then pull the rack backwards to force it to contact edge of hole, then tighten the rack via the knob. That might help it stay engaged, and is also a good practice for all pins going through the receiver because it helps reduce rattle. Hope that helps. Let me/us all know if it works
Just found one of these at a garage sell but they didn't come with lock cylinders for the hitch knob and lock cables. I cant seem to find the part number for them. Do you know it?
Nice find! I'd suggest reaching out to the manufacturer directly if you don't see what you need online.
Can you just adjust to lower both of the bike seat instead of upgrading?
Sometimes adjusting the height of the seat can work, but other times you might have trouble no matter what. It all depends on the bikes and how exactly they are shaped, how wide their handlebars are, etc.
Great review! I have a T2 Pro, and need a tray. Since I have a black car, I'm wondering I can put a black T2 Pro XT tray on my T2 Pro. Do you happen to know that would work or not? Thanks
Can't say with 100% confidence (might want to call Thule), but I'm pretty sure that it would work fine. I don't think there is actually any difference in the arms except the length of the tracks that the bolt slides in, allowing for greater spread between bikes.
In case anybody curious about this, I figured it out. bolt holes of newer T2 Pro XT trays are wider than older T2 Pro base, so won't fit. Hope this helps
Good presentation, thank you
You are welcome!
Can you shut the door to your rear hatch after bikes are in ?
Yes, the rack can tilt down, away from the rear hatch, allowing the hatch to open and close even with bikes attached. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions.
Can the bike be wiggled from left to right and them come off the tray ? For easier bike stealing? I saw a vid where kuat nv 2.0 that happens
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. The lock doesn't do anything to prevent the bike being taken off the tray. It's a cable lock, but does not stop you from being able to loosen the arm or the rear wheel loop. Can you provide a link to the Kuat NV 2.0 video you mentioned?
Kevin Hill its called (securing bicycle on kaut nv 2.0)
Thanks. I watched that video, and I don't think you will have that problem with this rack. The Kuat wheel tray is fairly flat, whereas the T2 wheel tray is quite deep. I still don't see how this has anything to do with someone being able to more easily steal the bike, but as far as the bike shifting around or coming loose while driving/cornering (the issue he shows in the video), I don't think you will have a problem with the T2. It's a solid rack, and I've never had any trouble with bike movement in any direction. Hope that helps!
Was seen reviews on REI about t2 pro xt. One person said it was stolen from his SUV. Apparently Thule puts a key code on the cylinder lock and key can be made. Have you seen 1up usa rack? What are your thoughts about both.
Be warned: if you have a hideaway hitch (hidden behind bumper) this rack will not work!
The locking latch is attached to the side of the stinger and will not pass through the bumper 'plug' on my crosstrek.
Good video, but it doesn't show the stinger/latch.
It's going to be fun repacking this thing and shipping it back to Cali.
Great value!
Not inexpensive, but they are pretty well built.
Thank you
My pleasure 👍🏼
Will the xt work for 29 inch tires?
Yes. It works for wheel sizes between 20”-29” and the 20”-24” wheels require the included adapter.
We also analyzed t2 pro,t2 classic and Yakima Holdup in the following article exterioraccs.com/yakima-holdup-vs-thule-t2-hitch-bike-racks/
Nice! Thanks Mehmet.
Does it scratch your fork?
Negative.
$580??? Too expensive to be able to leave it on my parked car while I'm riding. I've had a lot of Thule and Yakima racks over the years and they are just too expensive for what they do and often how badly they do it.
Yeah, they are definitely not cheap. And the new Thule XTR (w built in wheels) is $700 and the Kuat NV 2.0 is now $850.
The T2 Pro XT can be stolen despite the lock swiveling if they pull it off with a chain attached to a car or truck. So make sure to tighten the 2” insert very much and back in park so that a thief cannot gain access to forcing the bike rack from the receiver.
Absolutely. Not super common, but definitely something to be aware of, and backing in is a good idea. I cover this issue in my T2 Pro XT vs Kuat NV 2.0 video: ua-cam.com/video/8DM0JkyNicc/v-deo.html
This hitch isn't some high end security safe man. Anyone with a cutter or a dremel or a grinder can steal your bike with ease. Thats even easier than using a truck to pull a bike rack out of a hitch.
Thule's load rating is useless.
Not disagreeing, but can you elaborate?
@@kevinhill.8 the 2 bike rack (t2 xt pro) load capacity is 120lbs. Then they sell a 2 bike add on to the rack that weighs 41lbs. Then suddenly the rack load capacity magically increases to 250lbs total? I'm not following how Thule is calculating their load ratings.