Thule Apex XT 4-Bike Hitch Rack
The Thule Apex XT 4-bike hitch rack has capacity for an entire family and offers 7 in. of space between bikes to provide superior protection. An integrated cable lock helps secure bikes to the rack.
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- 7 in. of space between each bike prevents bike-to-bike contact
- Compact cradle design accommodates a wide variety of bike sizes and frame styles
- Anti-sway cradle extensions offer superior bike stability and fold away when not needed
- Ratcheting cradle straps quickly secure bikes to the rack
- Arms fold down easily when rack is not in use
- Integrated cable locks bikes to the rack (lock included)
- SnugTite stinger offers quick, tool-free installation and locks the rack to your vehicle (lock included)
- HitchSwitch lever tilts the rack down for convenient access to the rear of the vehicle
- Integrated grab handle makes for easy carry and handling
- Easily transfers between 1.25 in. and 2 in. hitch receivers
- Total load capacity: 150 lbs. (max weight per bike: 37.5 lbs.)
- Step-through bikes, kids' bikes and other non-standard bike frames may require the Thule Frame Adapter (not included) for use
Made in USA.
| Best Use | Cycling |
|---|---|
| Number of Bikes | 4-bike |
| Max Weight Per Bike (lbs) | 37.5 pounds |
| Extension Compatible | No |
| Hitch Receiver (in.) | Fits 1.25 or 2 inches |
| Bike Compatibility | Bikes with Fenders Fat-Tire Bikes |
| Bike Mounting | Hanging |
| Bike Attachment Point | Frame |
| Trunk Access | Unloaded |
| Integrated Lock | Yes |
| Weight | 35 pounds |
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Love it
It’s a solid bike rack, simple on and off, and a clean look. Just love it!
Buyer Beware
I recently bought this model from REI and used it twice. The first time was without any issues however the second time was catastrophic. I was traveling back home from a bike outing with my little ones doing about 50mph. A gust of wind from a dump truck hit my car and then bikes which were strapped in and locked with cable. The straps completely failed and let go dropping my 2020 Trek Top Fuel to the ground causing significant damage to my new bike (wheel, groupset and axles have to be replaced and frame is all scuffed up). I usually purchased Yakima products, but with a new expensive bike I wanted the "best." Thule's warranty only covers their product and not the results of their product's failure. Do yourself a favor and get a different rack! The cheap plastic straps are cheap and will fail at your expense.
Solid rack, one concern about hitch mount system
The rack is sturdy, well-built, and kept my bikes secure on the road. I was initially frustrated with the straps, but it turned out I was using them incorrectly. (If you don’t properly fit the ratcheting strap into the cradle, they can be difficult to loosen.) Now, onto my main concern: I’m still learning to fully trust the hitch mounting system. Since there’s no pin going through the parts, the rack is essentially held in place by "pressure." After the first use (around 100 miles), I noticed some wear marks on the 2-inch adapter, likely caused by wobbling. It also looks like the bolt rubbed against the “L” piece in the locking system, which has caused damage to the thread (see pictures). I came across another review where a damaged bolt was mentioned, and the knob was no longer tightening properly. In my case, the knob is still functioning, but I’m unsure how long it will last. For the price I paid, I honestly wasn’t expecting an issue like this.
Item is well made
And strong. Ordered it online and was delivered to the local rei store earlier then promised. As far as the bike rack, the instruction book is only pictures and not easy to follow since its not only this rack but other Thule bike racks. Words would be helpful or at least Thule should do a YouTube video . I had to call the 1-800 # twice the first time I was given wrong answer the second time I was lucky and got someone that gave me the correct answer. Anyway it's assembled and I find it's easy to put on/take off the vehicle and also easy to put the bikes on and off.
Disappointed
We ordered this Thule rack after borrowing an older model of the same rack from our son. It was back ordered twice and finally arrived at REI after four months. We have used it four times and are ready to return it. The older model had stretchy rubber straps to lock the bikes in place. They were easy to crank down and easy to release. The most recent design is poor. As others have commented, the straps are plastic and unforgiving. When the straps are locked down tight, which is important for stability, they are a real pain to release. Each time I use it I get more frustrated. Thule's been making high quality racks for a long time. Why mess with a good design? I'm disappointed and will be returning it.
great rack
Bought this to replace a 2 yr old Thule Aero Helium 3 bike rack...that only really fit 2 bikes. While this is a heavier model, it actually can fit all 4 bikes due to greater spacing between each bike holder. The pull-tabs take a little getting used to and can be a bit finicky when trying to release the bike. I like that the sway bars are attached to the bike rack this time as I felt the Aero version would fall off frequently when not in use. Does make it a little trickier though when trying to fit a smaller size frame bike closer to the vehicle side because you have to manuever the sway bars around a bit. Surprisingly, both of my kids' bikes fit on this rack without the need for the Thule adapters I bought ...which can possibly save you $50 per adapter if your kid's bikes fit just right. This was not possible w/ the prior Aero Helium model. Overall, I'm pretty happy with this rack.
Sturdy & Practical
Clever yet solid mount to the hitch receiver. Like the integral locks - both for the mount and bikes - and build in retractable cable. Would recommend narrative instructions, as some of the visuals were confusing until I figured it out.
Solid
Was wary of this after reading reviews like "tough to set up" "hard to use straps" "won't fit kids bikes or 4 bikes" and "broke on the highway" This thing was easy to setup/install/remove. Straps are also easy to use if you have any common sense. I easily fit two 29er MTB, two kids 26er MTB (and a 20 inch kids bike strapped on top!) and drove them to maine and back 2000 miles on the back of my suburban over terrible highway and broken mountain roads. Held up like a champ. Thing is a tank. Not sexy but does the job.
THE BEAST
Built like a tank this rack is well made and solid. It is extremely easy to attach & remove from vehicle. No rattle from the hitch mount and no needs for additional straps as it comes with an anti sway cradle and locking cable. Transporting four bikes (mountain bikes) can be a challenge with handlebars width & Gear shifters and spokes spacing. But with a bit of imagination (twisting the handlebars sideways) the issue is none. Five stars for the rack and two for the instructions as my seven years old makes better drawings ;)
Straps work easily when installed properly
My wife and I installed this today. It was easy, though we had to turn to a few online videos because the text-free instructions were unclear. When we first strapped on a bike, we ran into the same problem that others note about not being able to undo the straps. Once we got over the initial frustration, we realized that the problem was that we had not pushed the straps all the way into the frame holder, until the buckle snapped fixed into it. Once we did this, it provided the proper leverage for the buckles to work quite easily.