Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack Review

If you’re looking for an upright bike carrier, the Thule ProRide XT is an excellent choice. It’s easy to install and can support bikes up to 44 pounds.

The Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack is a premium upright bike carrier with maximum convenience and security.

It’s designed for fast loading and unloading bikes with minimal lifting required, making it an ideal choice for cyclists of all levels.

Key Features:

• Easy Loading and Unloading: The ProRide XT features a unique frame holder and wheel tray design that automatically positions your bike as you secure it.
• Secure Mounting: The torque limiter dial controls the force going into the bike frame with a clear sign of correct mounting.
• Pressure Spread via Large, Soft Claw Pads: These pads adapt to your bike’s frame tubes, minimizing the risk of frame damage.
• Safe and Secure Transportation: The bike is prevented from falling thanks to the claw’s extended lower jaw.
• Quick and Easy Strapping: Quick-release wheel straps secure the wheels to the tray.
• Versatile Design: It fits most bike frames up to 100mm (oval 80x100mm, round 22-80mm).
• Lockable: The ProRide XT is lockable to the bike and vehicle, offering added security.
• Universal Roof Rack Compatibility: It fits all Thule rack systems, round bars, and most factory racks.
• Weight Capacity: This rack can handle a bike up to 44 lbs.

Whether going on a cross-country road trip or heading out for a local trail, the Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack offers a secure, easy-to-use solution for transporting your bike on the roof of your car.

Pros and Cons

Pros of the Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack

• Easy to Load and Unload: The unique design of the frame holder and wheel tray automatically positions your bike as you secure it, making it easy to load and unload.
• Secure Mounting: The torque limiter dial ensures a safe and secure fit for your bike.
• Protection for Bike Frame: The large, soft claw pads spread pressure across the bike’s frame tubes, reducing the risk of damage.
• Versatile Design: The ProRide XT can accommodate most bike frames up to 100mm.
• Lockable for Security: The rack can be locked both to the bike and the vehicle, offering added security.
• Universal Compatibility: It’s compatible with all Thule rack systems, round bars, and most factory racks.

Cons of the Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack

• Weight Limitations: With a weight capacity of 44 lbs, it may not be suitable for heavier, high-end bikes.
• Costly: The ProRide XT is a premium product, and its price might be high for some budgets.
• Potential Difficulty for Shorter People: Loading and unloading bikes on a roof rack might be challenging for those of shorter stature or with tall vehicles.
• Increased Fuel Consumption: As with any roof-mounted cargo, there could be an increase in wind resistance and, subsequently, fuel consumption.

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Specs

Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack Specifications

• Model: Thule ProRide XT
• Product Type: Roof Bike Rack
• Load Capacity Bikes: 1
• Max Bike Weight: 44 lbs
• Dimensions: 57 x 13 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 9.92 lbs
• Fits Round Frame Dimensions: 22 – 80 mm (up to 3.1 inches)
• Fits Maximum Oval Frame Dimensions: 80 x 100 mm (up to 3.1 x 3.9 inches)
• Fits Maximum Wheel Dimensions: 3 inches
• Thru-Axle Compatible: Yes (adapter/s required – sold separately)
• One Key System Compatible: Yes
• Lockable Bike to Rack: Yes
• Lockable Rack to Vehicle: Yes
• Model Number: 598004

More Advantages

The Thule ProRide XT Roof bike rack is one of the market’s most stable and reliable. The system uses a locking mechanism to hold the front wheel upright and the rest of the bike in a straight plane.

If you have a bike with a through-axle, you will need an adapter for this roof rack.

It features quick-release adjustable straps to keep the bike steady even at high speeds. This feature is particularly important if you plan to mount a fork mount carrier on the car roof.

A front-wheel carrier, however, can be shaky when the car is moving at high speeds.

This is especially true if you have a big truck behind you and want to ensure the rack is clamped tightly to prevent this.

Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Another important advantage of the Thule ProRide XT is its simplicity of installation. Installing and securing your bike is easy without fumbling in the dark.

It also features diagonal straps, soft claw pads, and a tool-free interface. In addition to its ease of installation, this roof bike rack is durable and can support up to 44 pounds of weight.

Thule ProRide XT has two locking systems. One secures the T-track adjustment handle, and the other secures the cable lock.

One can choose between the two depending on your preferences and the model of your car. The Thule racks are compatible with third-party roof racks as well.

Another advantage of Thule roof bike racks is their durability. Although they tend to cost a bit more than other brands, Thule has a longstanding reputation for quality.

The company offers a huge selection of roof bike racks, including roof boxes, skis, snowboard carriers, and roof tents.

The company also makes fishing rod racks, kayak racks, and utility trays.

Another Thule rack is the Thule OutRide, which secures a bike’s rear and front wheels without the bike’s frame contacting the car’s frame.

This rack is a great choice for non-traditional-style bikes. It is compatible with 20x20mm T-tracks and can hold two to four bikes.

Both brands have adjustable lengths for the front and rear bars. You can choose the length of each bar to fit your car.

The Yakima is much easier to install than the Thule because it has a locking knob on its rear closing bar. However, both systems are easy to adjust.

The Thule ProRide XT Roof bike rack is an excellent choice for most people. It is a durable and versatile option that can be mounted on the roof of a car.

It is compatible with nearly all vehicles. However, you may need a roof bar if your car does not have one.

Installation

The Thule ProRide XT is an upright bike carrier. It is easy to install and can carry up to 44 pounds of bike. The rack is made of steel for strength and is quick to mount.

Depending on the model, you can install this rack in about 30 minutes.

The rack comes with instructions for installation. The front wheel needs to be removed to install it. You can easily install the rack with a crossbar rack.

The crossbar attaches to one set of suction cups, while the rear wheel attaches to another.

A one-year warranty is included with the purchase. Thule and Yakima both make comparable racks.

The Thule ProRide XT Roof Mount 1-Bike Rack is easy to install and can hold one bike securely during transit. It includes a frame holder, wheel tray, and torque limiter.

The rack also includes soft claw pads to protect your bikes.

Thule is the largest manufacturer of car racks and has a stellar reputation for quality. However, other brands are also considered reputable regarding roof bike racks.

So, it’s important to choose the best one for your vehicle. And if you want to add accessories, it helps to choose a roof rack that offers the most options.

Roof bike racks are available in different sizes and shapes. Some are complete rack systems that mount to the bare roof, while others attach to factory-installed crossbars.

Other models use suction cups to attach to almost any surface. Some racks are compatible with two bikes, but check compatibility before purchasing one.

If you want to use multiple racks, choose a model with a large enough capacity to carry all your bikes.

What People Are Saying

User Reviews for the Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack

1. User-Friendly Design: Many users appreciate the design of the ProRide XT, noting that it’s easy to assemble and install. They also appreciate the ease of loading and unloading their bikes.
2. Secure Mounting: Users have mentioned that the bike stays secure during transit, even at high speeds or over rough terrains. The torque limiter dial is a frequently praised feature for ensuring the bike is safely mounted.
3. Versatility: Several users have commented on the rack’s versatility, noting that it accommodates various bike sizes and types and fits on most factory and aftermarket roof racks.
4. Integrated Locks: The ability to lock the bike and the rack to the car is a feature many users appreciate, as it provides additional security.
5. Premium Price Point: While most users believe that the quality of the ProRide XT justifies its price, some feel it’s a bit expensive compared to other models on the market.
6. Weight Limit: A few users have expressed concerns about the 44 lb weight limit, as it may not accommodate heavier bikes or e-bikes.
7. Height Concerns: There have been a few comments from users who find it challenging to load and unload their bikes due to the height of the rack, particularly on taller vehicles.

Overall, user feedback suggests that the Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack is a high-quality, reliable, and user-friendly choice for transporting bikes on a vehicle’s roof.

Happy Biking!