Thule Apex Xt Hitch Bike Rack
- Ratcheting cab strap makes it easy to attach and secure bikes
- Accommodates multiple bike sizes and frame styles
- Seven inches of space between each bike
- Anti-sway feature keeps bikes stable while in transport
- Quick and easy to install and lock with included SnugTite stinger
- 150 lb. load capacity
- Swing function available to provide full access to the rear of your vehicle even when bikes are attached
- Bikes attach easily via ratcheting cable strap and can be locked to the rack with integrated cable lock
- Steel construction
Hauling your bikes to and from the trail doesn’t have to be a hassle. The Thule Apex XT Hitch Bike Rack is a hitch-mounted bike rack that attaches to your vehicle in minutes, providing ample room to carry up to five bikes. An anti-sway function is built into the Apex XT Bike Rack, which ensures minimal load shifting while driving. Security for your bikes is provided via an integrated cable lock, so you can make any pit stops you need to along the way safe in the knowledge that your gear is protected. When it’s time to store the rack, an integrated grab handle makes easy to remove and carry. Thule stands behind the Apex XT4 Hitch Bike Rack with a lifetime warranty.
Why We Like The Apex Xt Bike Rack
Constructed for smooth, luxurious bike transportation, the Thule Apex XT Bike Rack provides improved ground and bumper clearance than its predecessors, and makes loading and unloading your bikes easier than ever before. The SnugTite stinger system allows for easy and secure installation without tools, while the the HideAway anti-sway cradles keep your bikes stable when you’re on the road.
The compact cradle design accommodates a wide variety of bike sizes and frame styles, meaning there’s room for the whole family, and all four bikes sit seven inches apart on the arms to provide optimal spacing and eliminate contact. The reinforced cradle straps are now 25% stronger than the previous version, and Thule even included an Integrated Locking Cable to secure your bikes to the rack. The Hitch-Switch design allows the carriers arms to fold down and the entire carrier rack to fold away when it’s not loaded, giving you easy access to the rear of your vehicle.
Details
Sturdy Molded Wheel Trays
The EasyFold XT’s molded wheel trays can carry e-bikes, downhill MTBs, and most other heavy bikes. The top half of the wheel trays are made of durable, weather-resistant ABS plastic. The anodized aluminum bottom half provides a rigid outer shell without adding much weight to the rack.
Ratcheting wheel straps with quick-release levers let you secure your bike’s wheels to the tray. An adapter kit converts the wheel cradle sets for use with your fat bike tires.
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Thule Apex Xt Bike Hitch Rack Review
The Thule Apex XT series of hitch bike racks is one of the favorites of adventure and wildlife enthusiasts. They are solidly built and dont require any tools for installation. Moreover, the rack can hold most varieties of bikes with a specially designed 2-inch hitch receiver.
Thule Apex Bike Rack
If you are looking for a durable and easy-to-use hitch bike rack, the Thule Apex XT should serve all your purposes. With additional accessories for improved stability and safety, you can carry up to 4 bikes to your next adventure destination!
Bike Size And Frame Design
Like most hanging racks, the Thule Apex XT can pretty easily accommodate 20 kids bikes to adult bikes. Because bikes are hung by their frame, tire width is irrelevant, while frame design makes all the difference in the world. We even managed to get a 16 bike to fit with a top tube adapter!
The easiest bikes to hang have flat top tubes. For bikes with slanting top tubes , youll need a top tube adapter which mimics a flat top tube. When using a top tube adapter, it may be necessary to raise your seat a bit if you ride with it slammed down or close to the collar. Its a small inconvenience to reset your seat height each time you transport your bike, but comes with the territory of hanging bike racks.
We didnt have any major issues hanging our womens bikes with the top tube adapters, but it is slightly more difficult to hang the kids bikes. When adding a top tube adapter, if the angle between that adapter and the bikes actual top tube isnt very wide, it can be a struggle to get the bike on the rack arms and up and over all the cradles.
In general, the smaller the bike, the more difficult it will be. When loading kids bikes, it may be necessary to raise the saddle all the way to its minimum insertion point in order to get the top tube adapter to fit properly. Just make sure that saddle is in there tightly!
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Thule Apex Xt Hanging Hitch 4 Bike Rack
- Part Number:
- APEX4XT
The Thule Apex XT premium hanging hitch bike rack provides superior bike protection and multiple size options to fit the needs of two people or an entire family. The integrated anti-sway prevents bike-to-bike contact and disappears when not needed. Bikes are safe and secure during transport due to the 7 inches of spacing between each bike. The arms of the bike rack fold down when the rack is not in use. Quickly attach bikes and easily secure them to the rack using the ratcheting cradle strap.
- Compact cradle design accommodates wide variety of bike sizes/frame styles
- Lock bikes to the rack using the integrated cable lock
- Quickly attach bikes and easily secure them to the rack using the ratcheting cradle strap
- Quick to install and easy to lock the rack to the vehicle due to the tool-free, SnugTite stinger
- Convenient access to the rear of the vehicle using the HitchSwitch lever to tilt the rack down
- Easy to carry thanks to integrated grab handle
- Easily transfers between 1.25 and 2 hitch receivers
- Load Capacity: 150 lbs.
Thule 9024xt Apex Xt 2 Bike Rack
The Thule 9024XT Apex XT 2 trailer hitch bike rack has all the features and conveniences you need to carry up to two bikes with ease.
- Bikes arms quickly fold down when not in use
- Integrated locking cable secures bikes to rack
- SnugTite receiver lock tightens and locks rack to hitch and allows for quick and easy tool-free installation and removal
- Included anti-sway cradles offer superior bike stability and reduce bike to bike contact
- The large 7 spacing between cradles makes loading bikes easy and reduces bike to bike contact
- Ratcheting cradle straps allow you to quickly secure bikes to rack
- Compact cradle design allows you to easily load of a wide variety of bike sizes and frame shapes
- Integrated carrying handle makes for easier handling
- Fits both 1.25 and 2 trailer hitches by using included adapter
- Rack weighs 16 kg
- Fits bikes up to 17 kg each
- Maximum load capacity is 34 kg
- Compatible with carbon frame bikes
- HitchSwitch lever at base of mast allows rack to be tilted down for easy access to rear of vehicle
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Warranties Are Processed In The Following Manner:
- Item is to be returned to MBS with prior approval, and at the buyers expense.
- MBS will contact manufacturer to process warranty claim.
- If warranty is denied, and it is outside of 30 days no refunds will be processed, and the return shipping is the responsibility of the customer.
- If the warranty is denied within 30 days of purchase, the customer will have the option of a refund less 15% restocking fee for the used item per our return policy, or to pay shipping for the return of the item to the customer.
Thule Apex Xt 4 Review: Results Of Our Testing
Great quality, easy to use, and easily able to accommodate four bikes, the Thule Apex XT 4 is our favorite mid-priced hanging rack for families. With a center mast and two arms that support the hanging bikes by their frames, the Apex XT is lightweight and also very low profile.
Whether you want to take the rack off after each ride, or leave it on, this little workhorse makes it easy. We also love that out of the box it works with both 1.25 and 2 hitch receivers.
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Thule Apex Xt 4 Bottom Line
There are many great hanging racks available on the market, but for families, the Thule Apex XT 4 is one of the best. With wider spacing, the ability to fit a wide range of bike frames and sizes, excellent quality and design, and a mid-range price tag, the Apex XT 4 gets our family-friendly seal of approval.
If youre still not sure if you should be a platform or hanging rack, be sure to check out our 10 Best Car Racks for Families.
Also interested in trunk racks that dont require a hitch for mounting? Read our review of the Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack.
FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. No monetary compensation was provided for this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View ourTerms of Use.
Adjustable Arms With Frame Clamps
The EasyFold XT’s dual arms are detachable so you can reposition them anywhere along the upright tube to fit bikes of any frame style.
Clamps with built-in Road Dampening Technology pads grab your bikes by the top tubes or downtubes to ensure safe transport with minimal movement and noise. The clamps can be rotated to grab bike frames with angled downtubes. The clamps include AcuTight knobs that click when they are tight around your bike frames. This prevents you from damaging your bike by over-tightening the knobs.
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Why Don’t We Show The Price
Adding this item won’t require you to purchase the product. You can easily remove it from your cart if you decide not to buy it.
| Price: |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 106.9 x 27.9 x 94 centimeters |
| Item weight |
- Premium hanging hitch bike rack for 4 bikes
- Superior bike stability and fit
- Anti-sway cradles prevent bike contact
- Quickly attach and secure bikes with ratcheting cradle strap
- Bike arms fold down when not in use
- Rack tilts down for rear of vehicle access
- Ideal for a wide variety of bike sizes/frame styles. Please note some frame styles may require a Thule Frame Adapter to securely attach to hanging bike racks.
- Designed to fit 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receivers
- Quick, tool-free installation | Load capacity: 150 lbs
- Please check the Compatibility Guide to confirm the fit with your vehicle’s receiver hitch.
Bike Storage And Features
On paper, the Thule Apex XT can hold up to 4 mountain bike or road bike. Thule hitch racks come with a knob mechanism that makes installation/uninstallation of the rack to/from the hitch very easy. The knob also allows it to be used with 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitches. Overall, the rack offers superior stability and minimal wobbling of the bikes.
With around 7-inches of free space between each bike, the thule rack also comes with additional straps that can hold down the bikes for reduced swaying and better stability. The best feature of this hanging rack is that it can be swayed to one side or be tilted for accessing the trunk of the vehicle.
Moreover, it comes with additional hitch locks and bike locks for the safety of the multiple bikes being held by the rack.
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Thule Apex Xt Bike Hitch Rack
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 106.9 x 27.9 x 94 centimeters |
| Item weight |
- Premium hanging hitch bike rack for 5 bikes
- Superior bike stability and fit with anti-sway cradles
- Anti-sway cradles prevent bike contact
- Integrated cable lock keeps bike safe and secure
- Bike arms fold down when not in use
- Rack tilts down for rear of vehicle access
- Ideal for a wide variety of bike sizes/frame styles. Please note some frame styles may require a Thule Frame Adapter to securely attach to hanging bike racks.
- Designed to fit 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receivers
- Quick, tool-free installation | Load capacity: 150 lbs
- Please check the Compatibility Guide to confirm the fit with your vehicle’s receiver hitch.
- This item: Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack$518.95Only 4 left in stock.Ships from and sold by Cap-it Online.Get it
- Ships from and sold by Amazon.ca.Get it by Saturday, Aug 27
- Only 9 left in stock .Ships from and sold by Amazon.ca.Get it by Saturday, Aug 27
Thule Apex Xt Swing 4
Excl. tax
Thule Apex XT 4 Swing is a premium hanging hitch bike rack providing superior bike protection and unobstructed access to the rear of vehicle. For 2″ hitch receivers only.
- Superior bike stability and fit with integrated anti-sway that prevent bike to bike contact and disappears when not needed
- Bikes are safe and secure during transport thanks to 7 of spacing between each bike
- Easily fold down bike arms when rack is not in use
- Compact cradle design accommodates wide variety of bike sizes/frame styles
- Lock bikes to the rack using the integrated cable lock
- Convenient access to the rear of the vehicle, even with bikes attached, due to the patented swing-away design
- Quickly attach bikes and easily secure them to the rack using the ratcheting cradle strap
- Quick to install and easy to lock the rack to the vehicle due to the tool-free, SnugTite stinger
- Easily opens and closes with the pull of a pin
Read Also: Thule Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Custom Orders Do Not Apply
Custom ordered wheels, small parts or soft goods cancelled before receipt of the item, are charged a 10% restocking fee. For custom orders of wheels, small parts or soft goods returned unused within the 30-Day Guarantee window, we charge a 15% restocking fee and any shipping fees are at the expense of the customer.
Free Shipping Over $50*
Get free shipping, on most items, with your $50 purchase today! Same day shipping on most orders if placed by 3pm PST.
PLEASE NOTE: This offer is only available to physical shipping addresses in the 48 continental United States , and some exclusions apply.
Oversize Charges Some large and/or heavy items are subject to additional oversize charges that are separate from standard shipping costs.
Bike Build Process All bikes are built, tested, tuned, and ready to ride upon shipment. The bike build process typically takes 2-3 days to complete depending on the bike model and the complexity of the build.
Stock Status Orders for in-stock items placed by 3PM PST usually ship on the same day. Orders that include special-order or backordered items may be subject to shipping delays depending on product availability. Refer to estimated delivery times in cart when selecting shipping options.
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Here’s How Cancelling A My Bike Shop Order Works:
Warranties are at the discretion of the manufacturer.
The buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs.
My Bike Shop cannot be held liable for warranty claims or labor charges carried out by any other business.
If a replacement item is purchased by customer for immediate shipping, the transactions will be deemed as unrelated, and the following steps will still have to be followed for the item in question.
Yakima Ridgeback Hitch Bike Rack Review
The Yakima Ridgeback is a fairly simple hitch mount bike rack without any bells or whistles. It has Yakimas special UpperHand design, with the levers being at the top of the frame. This also makes it easier to secure a bike to the rack. As the rack is fully-assembled out of the box, you can set it up for your vehicle in 5 minutes!
Yakima Ridgeback
Yakima Ridgeback Rack
The Yakima Ridgeback is a great trailer hitch bike rack for its price. It can hold up to two bikes and has nifty features that make it easy to load and unload bikes. However, bikes have to be secured properly to prevent mishaps.
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