Thule Apex XT 5-Bike Hitch Rack
With an integrated lock and 5.5 in. of space between bikes, the Thule Apex XT 5-bike hitch rack provides superior bike protection and enough capacity for an entire family.
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- 5.5 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
- Load capacity: 150 lbs.
Made in USA.
| Best Use | Cycling |
|---|---|
| Number of Bikes | 5-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 Kids' Bikes |
| Bike Mounting | Hanging |
| Bike Attachment Point | Frame |
| Trunk Access | Unloaded |
| Integrated Lock | Yes |
| Weight | 35 pounds |
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Works with risk...
I was able to get five bikes on. However, my bike was damaged by the strap and the peddle from the bike next to it. The cradle does not offer enough cushion and lossens up. I recommend the product if you need a 5 bike rack. It does take a beaten on a road trip from the bikes going up and down.
This is not a 5 bike rack!
Bought this 2 days ago to have enough space for the whole family of bikes. This will not hold 5 bikes in any configuration. I ended up using it for three bikes for which this was adequate space but upon coming home, the straps came loose and I almost lost the end bike! This thing is going back! If strap design was better, I would just use it as a 3 bike rack as it’s mainly me and the boys who ride. But not after watching one bike almost fly off! Disappointed!
Sturdy, good for 2 adults, 3 kid bikes.
Sturdy. Easy to install. Good for use with 2 adult bikes and 3 kids bikes (with the frame adapter) such as 24 inch, two 20 inch. When kids got bigger, it is challenging to fit all the bikes on. Now, it challenging to get all my bike done now. I have 3 adults bikes, one 24 inch and one 20 inch. I had to go with a vertical bike rack (Lolo Rack).
BEWARE IF YOU HAVE ROAD BIKES!
We got a hitch on our van for the purpose of finding a bike rack that could transport bikes for our family of 5. We like to travel and ride. This rack was purchased as the newest model recommended for 5 bikes but you absolutely cannot fit 5 road bikes with drop handlebars on this rack. The bikes are not spaced enough on the rack to allow for the handlebars, even with altering the direction of the bikes. I feel like the company should specify if only 5 straight bar bikes can fit. Also, the quality of the sway bar on this rack is less than stellar. They are cheap and don't hold the bikes well. For such a high end company I was disappointed..
Very Sad
Bought this rack about 2yrs ago for our family of 5 and have used it to full capacity several times. I do like it’s easy attaching to your vehicles hitch and the quick foldable stow when bikes are off or getting into the back of your vehicle. Unfortunately, however, this Mother’s Day as we headed out, all 5 bikes properly attached with both straps, my rather pricy brand new Marin bike fell off—on the freeway! Thankfully no one was hurt and we avoided being hit by oncoming traffic scooping the bike off the pavement. Really disappointed in the rack now to say the least. If it’s meant for 5 bikes, it should keep 5 bikes. Kudos to Marin btw! Except for a busted tire, and road rash on my seat and rubber covers on the hand bars (all a relatively easy fix) the bike is perfect shape! Frame intact, rims/handlebars too and all the little things. Highly recommend Marin, this Thule rack not so much
Horrible Purchase.
I am not knocking the Thule name, they have and continue to build quality products. 2 major complaints. 1) good luck with fitting 5 bikes. 5 road bikes with drop down bars maybe. I’ve tried manipulating the configuration and I will never get 5 mtb bikes loaded. 2) if your bike has dual suspension, forget it. Assuming you could fit 5 bikes, I would need frame adaptors at additional cost, for all 5 bikes. I’m very saddened that I spent so much money on a product that literally does not work for me. I would love my money refunded in full or partially, but can guarantee that will never happen. For those thinking “you should have done your research!”… I did :(
Hello Jeff, Thank you for providing your feedback on the Thule Apex XT 5. I'm sorry the bike rack did not meet you and your family's needs. The Thule Apex XT 5 is designed with enough space between cradles to fit many different bike styles, but the sizes of the bikes mounted may affect the fit. The shape of the frame may also necessitate an adapter if the bikes do not have a flat top tube for mounting, as is common in full-suspension and step-through bikes. These bikes tend to fit better to platform style racks. I'm glad we were able to work together to find a resolution that works for your family's needs. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to assist.
Would not recommend using with a2" receiver tube.
Installed factory 2" adapter to so that standard 1 1/4" mount would work in 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube. Used Thule Bike Rack in a 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube. Tightened as hard as I could. Re tightened after 30 miles, as specified. Drove with five mountain bikes about 600 miles with the family. Once stopped saw mount had somehow wiggled backwards out of the 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube about 3/4" and the Thule Bike Rack was close to falling out on the highway with all of our bikes on it. Took off bikes, loosened, re-tightened as hard as I could (I am a strong guy). Then re-tightened again after 30 miles. A couple of hundred miles later, the Thule again backed off about 1/2". Took off bikes and re-tightened. In the interest of safety (and liability) resorted to using a ratchet between the car and the back of the Thule to prevent any possibility of mount further backing off and Thule falling out with all five bikes onto the Highway. The Thule mount still found a way to back out about 1/8" but stopped there as ratchet was taught, preventing further backing off. Very scary. Kept stopping to check mount and kept looking in rear view mirror to ensure bikes still there. Would not use for bikes as potentially losing thousands of dollars in bikes and a lawsuit from the injured driver behind. Recommended use: Carrying shovels, rakes, etc around a farm, as long as you have spare shovels and rakes.
The space between bars are closer than Yakima
Originally bought Yakima Fulltilt, my son's 24" bike can't fit without extension bars. Tried this Apex XT, it fits, no extension bars needed. Also, this is much lighter than Yakima. So far, I like Apex better than Fulltilt.
Thule 5 Bike Hitch Rack
OUTSTANDING!! I just purchased the 5 Bike Hitch Rack and drove 1600 miles from FL to MA. It is outstanding! Easy to load and unload. Very safe and stable during travel. Car was a Chevy Tahoe. All the bikes were medium or large. (2 Hybrids, 2 Mountain, 1 Beach Cruiser) Here’s the trick- 1. Turn all the handlebars parallel to the bike before loading. It can easily be done with an Allen Wrench. 2. Buy and put crossbars on the bikes w no step over bar. Easy to use. We had 2 of these bikes. 3. Wrap rags and duct tape on any places that bikes may rub. Super happy with the purchase.
Excited, then disappointed
With a family of five I was excited to finally purchase a bike rack that would free up the inside of our vehicle when we all head out for a ride. The quality is great and the rack was easy to install, but then came reality. The first bike I tried to install was a Trek Fx 7.4 disk (small frame), the contact points of the two arms rested directly on the hydraulic tube and a guide, needless to say this frame would not fit without a special frame adapter. Next attempt was with a Novara Buzz (also small frame) but immediately ran into the problem of the contact points contacting two cable guides, this frame also requires a frame adapter. I then tried one of my daughters 24" bikes but immediately ran into the cable guide contact issue (two more frame adapters would be required), finally I grabbed my Felt road bike which fit perfectly. The end result was that I returned the unit due to it not meeting my needs without additional purchases. The rack would be great if everyone in my family road a traditional frame bike, or I had four frame adapters readily available.