Thule  Apex XT 5-Bike Hitch Rack

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.

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. 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).

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..

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

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 :(

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.

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.

Way too small for five bikes. Wouldn't even load four bikes again. Three bikes max. Ratcheting straps don't stay tight and so bikes bounced out of rubber cradles. Mounted on a 2-inch hitch on our Dodge Durango. Never went off road. Just highway driving was frustrating with this rack. For two bikes, recommend a platform rack. For more than two, we did a vertical (hanging) rack system that secures handle bars and wheels.

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.