Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Rating: 
31 reviews
Code: TH9002
Retail:$279.95
Price:$251.95
Shipping Weight: 27 pounds
Shipping Special
No hitch? No problem. Thule's Raceway trunk-mounted 3-bike rack is for riders who want security and a little style, too. This rack has anti-sway cradles, a cable lock and a patented dial system for mounting the rack to your vehicle with ease.
Features:
Specs:
The Thule Raceway bike carrier is not your parents' 70s-era, trunk-mounted bike rack. It's a revolutionary, rear-mounted bike carrier that combines style and function to safely transport up to three bikes.
The Raceway uses Thule's patented FitDial system to ensure a proper fit on your vehicle and to make installation a snap. The included instructions indicate which FitDial number is right for your vehicle; simply lift the lever and adjust the arm until the arrow lines up with the right number.
Sure-Tight ratcheting cables are extremely sturdy and provide outstanding security for your bicycles. They require only four attachment points for safe use, unlike standard straps, which require six attachment points. Having fewer straps makes it easier for you to put the rack on and take it off as needed. The installation instructions indicate the best attachment points for your vehicle. Hook the cables around the trunk panel, then tighten them by turning one of the oversize ratcheting knobs. The locking knob keeps the cables in place and deters theft of your rack when your trunk is closed.
The rack's narrowly spaced arms allow you to load a variety of bike styles on the rack and reduce the likelihood that you will need a bike adapter bar. They make loading and unloading a breeze, and the bike-carrier arms fold down to take up less space for storage, or for those times when you're not carrying bikes but don't want to remove the carrier.
Each bike cradle holds the bike frame firmly with soft rubber straps. No-Sway Cage cradles also help to prevent bike-to-bike and bike-to-vehicle contact, deterring scratches and abrasions on your paint finishes.
The Thule Raceway boasts a locking cable that secures your bikes to your carrier. The locking cable and locking knob both use Thule's One Key System lock cylinders, so they lock with the same key. These cylinders can also be changed out to make all your Thule products keyed alike.
Video of Thule Raceway 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today we are going to review part number TH9002 from Thule. This is their Raceway trunk mounted bicycle rack. This rack will actually carry three bicycles and this is also available in part number TH9001 as a two bike version. One quick note about this is that it is obvious that it is a radical departure from typical trunk mounted bicycle racks. In Thules previous ones you would use six straps but this bicycle rack actually uses only four straps. It has also got a nice aerodynamic shape to it which compliments a lot of todays aerodynamic cars. Lets cover the points about the bicycle rack. First off, it is very easy to install. In fact the rack comes with a fit guide to tell you exactly how to mount it on your vehicle because the arms on it have a dial gage to tell you exactly where to fit the arms before you even put it on the car. 00:45
The next thing we are going to go to is for the cradles of the bikes themselves. This is the same Thule cradle you have been used to. It has good padding and nice grooves in the padding for the cables and also for the straps to go over the top tube of your bicycle. You have got four points. You can criss cross them either way you want whichever works best for your bicycle. This does come standard with anti-sway cradles also. You will notice that the arms on here are a little more narrow than most. That way it fits most varieties of bicycles including a lot of kids bicycles that are out there. The arms, when you are not using it, easily fold down flat for storage too. In fact, when you get the unit it is going to come almost completely flat. Lets move on to the cables that attach the bicycle rack to the trunk. 01:23
First off, we are talking cables not straps. The cables wind up inside the cross beam itself. There is a little ratcheting device inside. That means no more straps flapping in the breeze while you have it on your vehicle. To adjust the cables there are knobs on the end of the bicycle rack that allow you to ratchet them tight. This also comes with a built in security cable for your bicycles. What is going to happen is the bike on the very end is going to get locked down and the other bikes behind it can not be removed because the first bike is locked into place. There is also a secondary lock for the cables themselves. It locks the ratcheting mechanism down and you can not take it off the car after that. So you have got security on the trunk and for the bikes themselves. This will show you a little more detail what the buttons do. To unlatch the cables you pull open this button here and you can pull them out. You will notice on the rack, this will be on the passenger side of the vehicle, there is a series of numbers from 1 to 11. This allows you to make the rack wider or smaller to fit around the trunk of the car. Pull back on these levers and that moves it any way you want. You use the arrow to line up with any number you need. Lets put this on the actual vehicle and load up a bike on it. The first step, do not pick up the rack, pick up a nice clean towel. You want to wipe down the area that the bicycle rack is going to make contact on. The best thing to do is to keep this area of the car clean and maybe a couple of layers of wax at this point also to protect it. Once you have that ready lets put the rack on. 02:55
A good way to start off is to put the bottom on first and then go up to the front and hang the rack by the top cables. Take up the slack with this knob right here on the end. The smaller does the inside. The next thing we want to do is open the trunk and we will slip our hooks on the bottom. Next we are going to tighten our lower cables and that is going to be the inside handle right here. Make sure you have it centered the way you want it on the vehicle. It might be a good idea to take both hands and see if you can get another click out of it. Once you have it tightened down you should be able to shake the car. Now that we have got it strapped down lets lock it into place and that locks it in. Now you can not undo the latches or anything to take this off the trunk of the vehicle. If you notice we have got the arms slanting down just a little. You probably want them on a horizontal plane. This big latch takes care of that. Pull up the latch and you can move it any way you want. Push it back down and it is locked into place. Make sure the anti-sway cradle is out of the way and we will put our bike into place. We will do one strap right here. This strap we will take off and put it on the other side and pull it over. You do not have to do it diagonal but it is more surface contact. Now we will put down our anti-sway cradle. Our bike is strapped down. Take the cable and go over the top of the bike and lock it. The bike and rack are definitely not going anywhere from here on out. You can see how this arches over right here, there is a pretty good space there. That means this bike rack will serve a variety of vehicles with a factory installed rear spoiler. Maybe a few after market spoilers too. Not the tall ones but the normal ones you see that come from the factory, the ones like that will fit just fine with this bicycle rack. With that, that finishes our review of part number TH9002 from Thule. Also available as a two bike version is part number TH9001. TH9003 is the platform style from Thule.
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Replacement parts available for this product
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (31 Customer Reviews)
by: Jason04/22/2012
Is this review helpful?
Works great - I have setup on Kia Soul 2012. No Issues38026
by: Joseph01/11/2013
Is this review helpful?
This product was installed on a 2011 Prius. The carrier easily installs in 2-3 minutes. A bike can be mounted or dismounted from the carrier in 5 -15 seconds. The arm that is used to carry bikes swings up and down with a simple locking lever. Two strong rubber straps hold each bike to the two arm brackets and a third rubber strap is used to attach the sway bracket to the bike's seat down tube. The rack is very stable and secure. However, when attaching a single bike to the outermost position where the cable lock is available, a provided strap must be used or the front handle bar and wheel move freely and there is a bit of sway and bounce when vehicle encounters non-natural movements such as bumps or quick acceleration/deceleration. I avoid this by mounting a single bike in the bracket closest to the vehicle and use a separate cable lock to secure the bike when needed. Also, as other Prius owners have noted, the rear window wiper cannot be used when this product is installed. Other than the cable lock limitation for a single bike configuration, this product is excellent, especially for carrying three bikes on a Prius. I carry triathlon bikes, mountain bikes, and cruising bikes with this rack. Of course any bike without a horizontal top tube (ladies bike) will require an adapter to be used with this product. For a reasonably priced trunk mount carrier, this is a good solution to transport 3 bikes with a Prius. I think the manual stated that the total weight of the bikes must be less than 100 lbs. I use this product to transport 1 to 3 bikes about 3-4 times per week and am very satisfied. 62733
by: Jeff B08/01/2012
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Coolest trunk rack out there. Clean and tidy install with Cable system vs. straps. Nice padding for car finish. Heavy though. Got new lift gate shocks to help rear hatch open on Highlander. Still borderline but works. Wife friendly.50111
by: S.Pryor05/18/2012
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user friendly instructions.I was glad the instuctions asked you to refer to the hint page for a more accurate and easier installation.It handled my 3 bikes without any concerns.thank-you for requesting feedback about your product.It seems to have paid off due to the details that have been placed in the design and ease of use.40983
by: Robert S.04/25/2012
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I was very excited to see the quality of the product. The video of installation you provided on your site was also a huge benefit over the instructions provided. The first time I put it on the vehicle I was a little clumsy, but the second time was a breeze. Your process for ordering and shipping was seemless and professional. Your follow up thru delivery was extrodinary. I recommend the product and your company highly!!38301
by: Mike L.09/07/2011
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Pros: Extremely stable and secure mounting. The rack points of contact seem to protect the trunk paint very well. Con: durability is questionable. The tenth time I used it one of the cable racheting mechanisms got off track and can only partially spool the cable. Gear materials may not be the best. Hope Thule honors the warranty.23673
by: Zack06/01/2011
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This is the easiest, most straight forward rack I have ever used. It doesn't have pull tight straps that have extra length to deal with and are hard to center. I installed it on the back of my car the first time and have just left the top straps at that setting. When I want to use it I just hang it on the top straps then tighten the bottom straps. It honestly take about 45 seconds to a minute to install on my car. The rack locks to the car and the bike locks to the rack. The anti sway bars work perfectly. It holds tightly to the back of the car and stays solidly in place. If you want a trunk mount rack, this is the only one to buy.15845
by: Jim W.04/24/2011
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I ordered the Thule Raceway because I wanted a rack that I did not have to take my front wheel off in order to use. It is quick and easy to install to my car and I also like how quick and easy it is to strap my bike into. I am pleased with this rack overall. The only negative that I have found so far is the weight of the rack. Other than that it has been a great rack so far. 12292
by: JC05/21/2013
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The bike rack is very well made and looked very sturdy. My only complaint is the hooks that mount the rack to my Prius. They are very difficult to fit trough the rear windows (the angels are too "acute"). 81379
by: Jeff K.05/14/2013
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Great rack, super easy to mount on the car. Fits our Accord, Crosstour & Odyssey, one rack fits all !80216
by: Jim F.05/09/2013
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Just received. Quality appears very good. First time mounting took a moments; will be easier next time. Haven't taken it for a loaded test ride yet. Your S&H was very efficient. Rack arrived day before estimate.79629
by: Dr. Pahl04/26/2013
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This was the fastest delivery of any product ever and I do a lot of online shopping! I received my bike rack the very next day and I had ordered just before noon! The box was in good condition and the bike rack was safe and securely packaged inside. I have already put on my vehicle and it fit perfectly. I placed my bike on the rack and what great features with the anti sway bar, key locks, and especially love the fast back looking design that collapses when you don't have your bike on it. The best feature so far that I have discovered is the cables instead of nylon straps! Very clean design and rugged looking and feeling!77952
by: Lisa04/14/2013
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Seems to fit my 2012 Mercedes E350 very well. It is heavy and need to make sure that you have 2 people putting it on, but it seems to be a good fit. I will need to drive with it a while to let you know how it is driving with bikes on the car, but I think it will fit good!75936
by: Kathi03/01/2013
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The folks at E Trailer are great! My order was processed and shipped the same day and received a few days later. It's easy to unpack and installs to my Jeep Patriot easily. I have no problems getting 3 bikes securely on it. Love the security lock features-great product!68359
by: Bob - Maine02/02/2013
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We really like this product. We can now take the kids' bikes when we go camping with our VW Passat Wagon (otherwise crammed with camping gear). The product fits tightly to the vehicle and the bikes immobile to the mount so you never have to be concerned about it while driving. The manual provides the settings for a huge list of vehicles so it will fit well on many vehicles. The only issue is that kids' bikes do not fit well if they are too small for the arms to pass through the frame. Kids grow fast of course so this is not very much of an issue. Overall great product - 5 stars!64855
by: JasonT09/12/2012
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Fit well on my 04 MiniCooperS. I routed the upper cables under the spoiler by removing the cable hooks, running the cables through the spoiler, then reattaching the hooks. Our road bikes are all Giants with compact geometry. Hanging the bikes "backwards" seems to work best. The seat tubes are to short for the stabilizers to work in the normal position. They hit the bottle cages. Flipping the bikes around lets the stabilizers rest on the downtubes. 3 bikes are a challenge to fit. Bars, wheels & pedals need to be in the perfect position.54501
by: DRKelly07/21/2012
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I am very satisfied with the product and service. I am 71 and retiring. To keep active I plan on taking my bike on trips around Iowa and to Wyoming and Missouri to ride trails when visiting my family. My son helped put product on the car this time, but it seemed pretty easy so I should be able to do alone.48823
by: Moose07/19/2012
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Bike stays very secure the only thing I added was a Bungee Cord through the front rim to the bike frame so the front wheel stays straight and does not swing back and forth when accelerating and brake. Highly recommended. Moose48570
by: Skip H07/15/2012
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Just finished installing the three bike carrier on our VW Sportswagen. Have not carried any bikes yet, but the install was quick and easy and judging by the fit and the quality of the rack, I believe it will work well.47995
by: greenko06/25/2012
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Hands down, what you are looking for. Simple, sturdy, strong, and secure. Not to mention stylish and smart.45585
by: Felice B06/13/2012
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The rack was very easy to install and was solid and stable on my car. Right after mounting it, I drove over an hour to my first destination, almost two hours to my second destination (the next morning), and then almost an hour back home (later on that second day). The bike didn't shift or rattle, and the rack stayed tight and secure.44031
by: Jeff G.05/30/2012
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Product is great. Very easy to attach to my 2010 Honda Fit. I was able to attach it without reading the instructions. It tightens down super snug so that you can shake the car and the carrier doesn't slide. Much better than the older bike trunk mount carriers. I had thought about the trailer hitch carrier, but I am very pleased with this carrier, and it can be used on multiple vehicles.42073
by: Ellis N05/27/2012
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Sturdy, clever design. Took a couple of minutes to figure out but the rules were clear enough. Very prompt shipping, thank you. In plenty of time for a birthday gift. 41783
by: D.S.05/24/2012
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I am extremely pleased with etrailers service. They were so helpful on the phone helping me to pick a car rack that is best for my car, they spent a long time walking me through it. When I found one slightly cheaper elsewhere, I went ahead and ordered through etrailer because of their great service, and they honored their price match guarantee and matched their competitors pricing immediately upon request. So I got the best pricing AND the best service! The package shipped and came quickly.41537
by: Crystynam05/23/2012
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The bike rack worked like a charm. It was not too heavy, but I did have help the first time putting it on. I have 1 adult girl bike and 1 child girl bike and bought the adapter bars. It was a little more difficult to get the bikes on correctly so the bottom strap had to go across the cross bar (the one at an angle). I went over lots of bumps and the bikes stayed in place. I loved the fact that my new car remained damage free! I was a little disappointed that the rack I received looked used and had a bent trunk hook. Unfortunately, I did not have time to return it, but it worked and that is all that mattered!41409
by: Stephen Cox05/21/2012
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All good so far, I need to order 2 of the adapter bars but will be calling in to see if I can get free shipping for these as well since I have bought from you already. Thanks again!!!!!41210
by: Emily K05/14/2012
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Great rack! Used this to transport 2 bikes on a drive across the country. Very stable hold on the bikes, minimal movement. Easy to install and easy to use. The locking aspect is well thought out and secures the rack to the car very well. Very pleased!40291
by: Andriy S.04/07/2012
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I am satisfied with this rack. Really easy to install. Bikes and rack are secure mounted. No problems with the driving on the highway.36479
by: rodel t12/20/2011
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I am very satisfied with this rack. Very nice and easy to install because of the cable system instead of straps. It fits my 2010 toyota corolla sport with a rear factory spoiler. This rack is super heavy though, I should have bought the raceway 2 instead of the raceway 2. thanks 28377
by: guadalupe S06/20/2011
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stable. no "rocking". Felt secure on a 300 mile drive on the highway. Very pleased!17476
by: H Nguyen06/22/2012
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Great product , good customer service and it ship quickly.45265
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Installation Details
