BUYING THE RIGHT THULE BIKE RACK
When purchasing a Thule bike rack, you have four options as to where on your vehicle the rack will be mounted: the roof, hitch, trunk, or truck bed.
Roof
A roof-mounted bike rack from Thule can cost between $150 and $240, with a $500 outlier for tandem bikes. Each rack only holds one bike, which is fastened in place by the wheels, the frame, or the fork. If your vehicle has a factory-installed crossbar system on the roof and you’d like to have access to your trunk or hatchback, this may be the model for you. Just remember to be careful when approaching a low bridge.
Hitch
A Thule hitch-mounted bike rack can cost between $270 and $780. For many, it is the most desirable option because it provides the best protection for the bikes and the vehicle. Hitch-mounted racks can transport up to five bikes at once, but you must already have a Class 1 – 5 receiver hitch on your vehicle (or be planning to install one). This model is the easiest to load and has the most versatility for accepting bikes with a variety of frames. Notably, it also sports the highest price tag.
Trunk
A Thule trunk-mounted bike rack can cost between $150 and $480. This rack works on cars that do not have a roof rack or hitch. It installs quickly and is easy to store when not in use. These types of bike racks can hold one to three bikes and are designed for the casual rider who only needs to transport bikes occasionally. The downside of this design: it’s the most likely Thule rack to cause minor damage to your vehicle.