The seller won't accept returns for this item. Many of Thule's outdoor recreation products like carrying racks for bikes or skis come with integrated locks that are based on universal (for Thule gear), removable lock cylinders. Thule's car bicycle racks come in different types and can be mounted on your roof, hitch, towbar, or on your trunk. They are very outspoken about it even. This is by no means a major fix, and anybody can do it. The presenter in the video, Tim Cook, has filed a claim with Thule for two bikes damaged when his rear tray slid off on an Interstate highway just before Christmas. No bolt or screw should be unfastened. Some bikes easily fit inside a cars trunk. Why and How to Cut Bike Cable Without Cutter, Grip Shifter Hard to Turn? They even boastfully said that the world is their lab. Just to follow up, I contacted Thule a few days after my incident, and without questioning, they agreed to replace my rack with a new updated one. How do you remove a hitch from a bike rack? How do you drill out Thule lock cylinders? Thule 982XT Frame Adapter. Here are the main reasons why most bike racks wobble: 1. Open the wheel ratchet strap. Bike racks are primarily expensive for having robust builds and employing intricate engineering designs. Once fitted, your bike rack responds to the vehicles motion and doesnt work independently. Vehicle Compatibility Trunk-mounted bike racks work on many different kinds of vehicles. The possible cause for such trouble can be dirt and debris that the lock picks up and gets jammed when you go off-road. Check Price. The door hinges are not designed to hold the extra weight and the rear door could come down on whoever is underneath. But when is the wobbling serious? Driving home from Austin to Houston, I had my roadbike on the inner tray and my mtb on the outer. A friend with an older Thule rack is experiencing just what you describe. Also though I haven't tried any other brand, I've had great success with the older 2" Thule T2 Pro from 2009 and even got the extension thereafter to carry 2 more. Externals measures are an absolute necessity. Carry on. I definitely recommend you to get the Thule Crossbar or adapter because not only it will make your rack adaptable to all kinds of bikes, but it will attach another layer of protection so that the headset or saddle doesnt get stolen. Simply put, a bike rack can wobble in response to the vehicles movement. Open the wheel ratchet strap. However, we have found some other prominent causes behind these bike racks problems that we have described below. It could also scratch your car or even detach and drop your bike. What to Do When Youve Locked Your Keys inside Your Car, How to Pick Locks On Doorknobs: Knob Types & Lockpicking Tutorials, https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/thule-support/spare-parts-keys?keycode=D1251, https://www.carid.com/images/thule/cargo-carriers/pdf/859-installation-instructions.pdf, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrNVTJxAOSU, http://goneoutdoors.com/thules-lock-cylinders-out-8046297.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKFB9xxrSkk. I must say that this thing is pretty easy to use. Ans: Thule is extremely careful in testing their projects. Thule T2 Bike Rack malfunctions on interstate causing injuries and destroyed mountain bike from Angie Hyndman on Vimeo. So, worry not! Code: TH934XTR. But, you wont see spare tires on modern vehicles, but nevertheless, if you have a spare tire attached, then chances are that you own a spare tired mounted rack. CAPACITY: 2 or 4 with up to 5 wide tires. Open them and tighten them correctly. Where do I find my part number? Thule truck bed bike racks are a secure way to transport your bikes and protect both the bikes and the truck from any damage. Globally renowned and selling their multiple products in over 100 countries, they stick by their motto very hard Active Life, Simplified. Because they try to keep things as minimal and as easy as possible. You should now be comfortable sharing with others on how to deal with this simple problem. Tim says he did have the bikes on the rack locked together at the time but that wouldnt prevent the situation either. The cable extends out of the arm and then wraps around the frame of the bike and locks back onto itself with the included locks. Roof rack locks are recommended for when you need to use your roof rack, but when youre not using the rack, you should take it off the car and store it in your garage. Lower the rack until it clicks into the bike install position. The hitch mount bike rack secures quickly and easily to the vehicle and locks in place. To move the cradles on the Thule Passage # TH910XT grab a cradle firmly and apply a twisting motion back and forth while pushing or pulling on the cradle at the same time (depending on which direction you want the cradle to go). Question: How To Install Thule Hitch Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Use A Thule Hitch Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Lock Bike Onto Thule Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Strap Bikes To Thule Hitch Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Use A Thule Trailway Hitch Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Install Thule Hitch Bike Rack With Pin, Quick Answer: How To Install Thule Hitch Bike Rack With Pun, Quick Answer: How To Change Lock On Thule Bike Rack. A wobble doesnt always mean an immediate problem with your bike rack. Dont forget to mount your bike correctly on the rack. Expert truck bed bike racks advice wit . Unlocking: Insert the key and turn clockwise to the unlocked position. My rack was recently stolen from my car and the thieves didn't have to work hard as there were no signs of force. Mainly, these problems occur when your bike rack gets old, damaged, or picks up some dust and debris in its moving parts. Well, if the wobbling is excessive to cause some disturbing noise, it could mean something serious. So, I am not surprised that you seek to know how to lock your bikes safely and securely on Thule Racks. Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Dual Arms (132 reviews) Code: TH963PRO Retail: $429.95 Our Price: $399.95 Spare Tire Bike Racks Frame Mount - Anti-Sway 2 Bikes Bike and Rack Lock Dual Arm Folding Hanging Rack Thule more information > Instructions Instructions for TH963PRO Go to products Back Filter & Sort Sort by Product type Roof bike racks (6) Hitch bike racks (16) Trunk bike racks (8) Truck bed bike racks (7) Number of bikes 1 2 3 The tilt bike racks are comparatively cheaper than the swing-away bike racks. They all work by clamping around the trailer hitch ball. Over time, that flex will stretch the steel. To rely on friction, no matter how tightly bolted, is an act of faith in potentially life-threatening situations. One of the most premium tier brands out there for bike lifestyle products, you cannot skip talking about this brand whenever there is a conversation related to biking, traveling, and bike racks. By using our site, you agree to our. Put the mechanism in the locked position before inserting the master key (this shouldn't work, but some people swear it does occasionally!). If the wobbling doesnt stop after going over the bumps, it could be another more serious reason. Wouldnt locking the rack have kept it from opening? Lift the arms of the Super Shuttle to make them parallel with the ground. Bikerumor | All The Best Cycling News, Tech, Rumors and Reviews! Wilder Ranch State Park Mountain Biking: Ripping Singletrack! I own an original Sportswork rack that continues to perform flawlessly. The type of wiring and installation difficulty depends on the vehicle. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How to Use a Thule Bike Rack Place a palm on the lever and pull the rack out. You should therefore check the bolts and nuts to ensure they are tight. When should you act? Loosen it just enough you can remove the rack. On your next biking trip, conveniently pack your things in a bike duffel bag. X. Also, a faulty installation can lead to bike rack problems. Best for Serious Riders: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 at REI. With the extra time I had as a result I found multiple sites and multiple people reporting the same issue with the T2. They come in many different sizes and types, but the trailer coupler must match the tongue on your particular trailer. Usually, if you screw up a trailers wiring, you will end up with a blown fuse. As of this writing Cook and Thule are exchanging emails; well update as available. . Read our guideto learn more. Over time, hitch racks experience some play (movements), which happens when the receiver gap widens. Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style. So, whenever you take a sharp turn or speed up, your riding momentum forces the rack to respond, and so it wobbles. ), What Size Are BMX Pedals? Thule brand bike racks are known for their high quality and durability. Because if you have a Thule bike rack or racks that has similar features to the Thule, I am here to assist. Even a small car can benefit from the installation of a trailer hitch. Donations may be made through PayPal by clicking on the button below. Can you attach a bike rack without a hitch? How do you remove a hitch from a bike rack? Complete locking convenience with an integrated cable lock and lock knob. 2023 Bike Intelligencer. Even a little in through the parts would keep the rack from sliding back, no? Many users claimed that their bike racks handle release wasnt working correctly, and they failed whenever they tried to squeeze the handle to position the rack. Thule Raceway Pro Rack - 3 Bike. The best way to transport a bike in a car is by mounting it on a bike rack. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. First, you need to clean the wheel axles and apply lubricants to your Thule bike racks moving parts. Usually, this problem is more serious as the rack could detach any time and fall on the ground, bringing down your bike with it. Some roof racks have no way of permanently securing to your vehicle; some have built-in locks. The seller won't accept returns for this item. But before reading the information, we recommend you have a quick look at the table below to get a glance at the problems and causes. thankfully and very luckily we were on a deserted road and no one was injured. How to lock bikes on Thule racks based on different types of bike racks? Finally, screw in the M6 screws and bolts. And ever since then, we've made it our business to bring you closer to the world and your passion for life. So, you wont even feel the wobbling. This carrier was brand new and could not have been damaged in any way prior to the failure. Hence, if you decide to invest in a high quality Thule bike rack, you are certain to be able to derive your moneys worth as replacement or repair costs would be nil. When you're looking for a vehicle that can do it all, the Kia Soul is a great option. THULE BIKE RACK MODEL 9104 HOLDS 3 BIKES. Our take as an owner of a T2 is that the clamp bolts should go into and even through the strut. The rack itself is made of steel which is powder coated to ensure the metal is protected from corrosion. The number on the lock is the key number. Others are just expensive for having bigger capacities. The key or lock code can be found in your user manual or listed when you registered the product on our website. Check Price. The four colors that make up your 4 wire trailer cables color code are brown, green, yellow, and white. Your bikes won't fit, and are also too heavy to work with the Thule truck bed bike rack. Thule Rack Locks will keep your car racks on your car where they belong. I am disgusted with Thule. Exceeding those limits can strip the device. HITCH SIZE: 2 and 1.25 (extensions only available on the 2 hitch) EXPANSION KIT: 2-tray for 2 hitch only. You can also buy them from online or brick-and-mortar retailers that sell Thule products, or directly from Thule at 888-238-2388 (in the U.S.) or. Your bike rack wobbles because of any of these reasons: Bike racks sway when there is play (movements) between them and the receiver tube. Lower the rack until it clicks into the bike install position. If you are not sharp enough with the tools, then you are inevitably going to struggle. You can try another pin, part # 853-5917, and see if this fixes the issue. Side straps for increased lateral stability. The Thule Brand: Why should you choose the Thule bike racks? An interference fit or clamping the parts together for something like that seems insufficient. The Thule bike rack for cars you buy is thoroughly tested to ensure your safety - and the safety of others on the road - as well as to protect your precious bike from any damage and scratches. Code: TH934XTR. I dont think its safe to have to torque all the mounting hardware weekly, or consider which bolts to tighten first on a bike rack. My grandpa once had an old class III 2" hitch on his Ford Escape, and normal 2" hitch receivers and such wouldn't fit either - same thing, just a slight bit off. And, some of them come in cheaper even. You will need to insert the universal change key into an unlocked cylinder that is currently in your Thule rack and then remove the cylinder. Ill tell you a few you will need if its necessary to make some adjustments with your car. How do I keep my bike rack from being stolen? Please contact bikeintelligencer (at) gmail.com for terms, rates and details. Finally, if users still have the wobbling problem after trying all of these solutions, they may need to replace it or call for a professionals help. To remove a bike rack from the hitch, you first need to use your key to unlock the unit. Generally, while its normal for bike racks to wobble a little, it shouldnt be for long or too frequent. Ive been told numerous ghetto fixes, but I know that this will void the warranty and preclude an future claim should something happen anyway. Free delivery for many products! Then, at the base of the rack at the point where the bike rack attaches to the receiver, there is a black bar on the right side, pull the bar out slightly away from the rack and then loosen the anti-rattle knob. It fits both 1.25 and 2 receivers with no additional adapter. I just bought a Thule T2, installed it step-by-step verbatim according to the instructions, and I also have the wobble. Bike racks mostly wobble when you hit a bump, speed up on a rough road or take an unexpected turn. . For use with carriers using a non-locking hitch bolt attachment. They may be at a high price point but it surely wont be a bad investment. Are Hitch Bike Racks Safe Compared To Other Bike Racks? I think this is bogus- purely a case of operator error by the person who assembled the rack. Let us talk about the easy steps to lock your bike on a Spare tire Thule rack. Can I mount a carbon bike on a Thule bike rack? . Cook graphically depicts exactly how the shimmying of a bike on the tray can work the fastening clamp loose. So, its okay to ask, why does my bike rack wobble?. Thule Snug-Tite Receiver Lock is designed to work with all Thule hitch racks with hitch bolt receiver attachment. Its obvious to me, an owner of a T2 bike rack, that the demonstrator in the video did not adequately tighten the allen head bolts. Want to go there? RV Bike Racks. Its not just an incorrectly bolted bike rack that you should worry about but also loose straps. Safe, stylish and easy to use. TO do it with out the key you need to be able to get at the back side of the lock cylinder. Thule bike rack problems can be annoying and make many users avoid using this excellent bike rack. Huh, Im with you a bolt through the strut seems like a no brainer. Excess play occurs when the racks receiver widens due to metal-to-metal contact. We welcome advertising that makes sense for Bike Intelligencer readers. In some cases, you will only be able to tow a very small trailer. Below, we have shared those problems and talked about the fixes. Lemon Grove Loop Mountain Biking, San Luis Obispo, Mount Madonna: San Luis Obispos Mountain Bike Romp, Thule T2 Bike Rack malfunctions on interstate causing injuries and destroyed mountain bike. Stuck hand knobs and jammed anti-rattles are one of the significant problems often seen in the Thule bike racks. When I got home, I retorqued all of the tray clamp bolts. Also, if the wobbling culminates into the rack swaying and rubbing against the cars body, thats another cause for concern. Like I mentioned earlier, bike racks can briefly wobble when you go through a bump, take a turn, or speed up. There are brands like Kuat, Allen Sports, Yakima, Swagman, and so much brilliant brands that you can consider. Yes, a Thule rack bike is worth it as it consists of heavy-duty materials and lasts for an extended duration. Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount (414 reviews) Code: TH903202 Our Price: $999.95 Hitch Bike Racks Platform Rack Tilt-Away Rack Fold-Up Rack Frame Mount Bike and Hitch Lock 2 Bikes Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch Fits 2 Inch Hitch Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch Electric Bikes You won't get the hard sell from us and we're pretty laid back on negotiating packages or plans to fit any budget. Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack 192 Amazon's Choice in Bicycle Car Racks 27 offers from $220.00 INNO RT201 Truck Bed Bike Rack - Bike Mount for Standard Pickup Truck 790 9 offers from $69.49 Swagman PICKUP Fork Mount Bike Rack 656 Amazon's Choice in Cargo Racks Thule Outway Hanging 2 Review A quality trunk mount rack that stands out for its security features, stability, and adjustability Price: $450 List | $399.95 at REI Compare prices at 2 resellers Manufacturer: Thule By Jeremy Benson Senior Review Editor Dec 1, 2021 69 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #18 of 25 Ease of EveryDay Use - 20% 7.0 So, double-check everything before hitting the road and in the course of your road trip. Thule bike racks are expertly designed to make it safe and easy to transport your bike. Wouldnt most people make sure the rack was sturdy and wobble-free before throwing their bike on it and driving down the interstate? Thule bike racks are designed to work with either 1.25 or 2 . You may also be liable for breaking traffic rules if you drive an empty or unsecured bike rack. Depending on the bike rack, you need to follow various methods to tighten your Thule bike rack. If you want to install the lock cylinder without a master key, you'll essentially reverse the process: push the inserted locking key and cylinder into the opening as far as it will go; access the back side of the cylinder; and press on the tab with your screwdriver (while pushing in from the front side) so the cylinder can pop into place. Also, you can get the Thule straps for more attachment so that the thiefs life gets more difficult in trying to steal your favorite bike. Afterward, they should loosen the center screw, remove the handle, align it correctly, and set it up. . So, to remove a Thule roof rack, for example, you'll need to remove the lock by removing the cylinder. Thousands of Impreza hitch bike racks reviews from Impreza owners like you. However, to re-align the release handle, users first need to remove the side screws located on the handle. We purchased this after narrowing down our choices to just three that would accommodate 2, 60 lb Pedego e-bikes. While continuing to press on the tab with the screwdriver, use a finger on your other hand to push down on the lock cylinder. Attach any desired accessories to the roof rack, such as bike racks or storage boxes; Make sure that these are also securely tightened before driving; Kia Soul Roof Rack 2022 . Ans: Yes, there are quite a few actually. Also Read: Thule 450 Vs 450r: What Are The Key Differences? You'll need four M6 screws and four M6 bolts for the bike rack to attach to the wall. I was able to put the cylinder in place, however, the other key does not lock or unlock. Note, nonetheless, that this doesnt apply to every rack as some are firmer than others and come with anti-rattle features. Step one: Just like the roof-mounted rack, you also need to care if the parts are perfectly assembled or not and have all the tools necessary with you. Its not to create another challenge or stress point. . The wobbling, however, usually is short-lived. . Thule Easy Fold XT Bike Carrier. While some of the bike racks come as pre-installed, the majority dont actually. This small device prevents wobbling and even rattling. Most states dont allow you to obscure your license plate with a bike rack, and thats not all. . Many riders dont follow the guideline and dont use the necessary tools to mount the bike rack on their vehicles. They should tighten the straps that hold the rack. Our Price: $ 271.84. view all Hitch Bike Racks; Hanging Rack; Tilt-Away Rack; Fold-Up Rack . And so, users need to re-align it perfectly to address the issue. Thule has screwed up a great design. Instead, youll need to use a cable lock like the 10 Long Cable Lock, part # e98891, to secure your bikes and rack together to the hitchs safety loop, improving the security of the rack and deterring theft. Ill share with you tips you can use to stop the rack from wobbling. Going back to my Yak rack for now and will look at other hitch-mount platform carriers because I like the no frame contact aspect. If you don't secure your rack on the bike, it's likely to get loose and wobble when riding. It is one of the most asked questions often found in the riders community. And as the receiver distance widens further, the wobbling becomes more serious and dangerous. Bike Trailers and Bike Seats. A user named Meshach F stated the issue on Etrailer as follows-, My Thule rack wont removed from the hitch of my vehicle. 1. Robust design fits e-bikes and a wide variety of bikes, Fully foldable with folded dimensions 31 x 12 x 26 in, Fast to install and easy to take off when not in use. Bought the carrier from Halfords for a cycling holiday and fitted it the very next morning before departing on holiday with 4 (3 small kids and 1 adult) bikes secured to the carrier. RV Awnings, Tents & Panels. Why does the rockbros bike rack fail? How do you install a Thule rear bike rack? Features : Patented design fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUV's consult manufacturer web site for specific vehicle fit information. Best of all, the comfort-focused design makes every single ride more . Please keep in mind that you should only tighten the knob so the rack is snug. Push down and in on this tab with your small screwdriver. . Good quality, easy to fit onto the car. The above situation of the bracket snapping is odd (bolts too tight I would imagine), but for bikes sliding off the back stupid easy to fix. 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