Thule Helium Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Review - Video
Features:
- Ultra-light, aluminum construction
- Half the weight of traditional carrier
- Easy installation and removal
- Sliding, anti-sway (T3) cradles
- Provide maximum frame protection and stability
- Reposition along arm to accommodate different bike styles
- Secure bikes with soft rubber straps
- No-Sway Cage accessory for each bike
- Prevents bikes from rocking back and forth
- Narrow cradle arms
- Promote easy bike loading/unloading
- Fold down for storage when not in use
- Hold wide range of bikes, including women's bikes and smaller children's frames
- Reduces need for bike adapter bar
- Quick-release lever (Hitch Switch) tilts carrier away from vehicle
- Allows easy access to hatch or tailgate
- Integrated locking cable and receiver lock for security
- Lockable with 2 One-Key lock cylinders (included)
- Lock bike to carrier and carrier to hitch receiver
- One-Key lock cylinders can be changed out to make all your Thule locks keyed alike
- No-tool anti-rattle installation
- Turning the knob takes the rattle out of the hitch connection
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Capacity: 2 bikes
- Application: 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" (Class II only) and 2" x 2" hitches
- Clearance:
- 1-1/4" Hitches - measures 10-1/4" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the upright bar
- 2" Hitches - measures 12-1/4" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the upright bar
- Outside of arm to outside of arm measures 10-1/2"
- Lifetime warranty

Dimensions for the 2" shank

Dimensions for the 1-1/4" shank
970 Thule Helium Hitch Mounted 2 Bike Carrier, 2" and 1-1/4" Hitches
Reliability
Performance
Ease Of Use
Installation
Cost-Benefit
Light and easy bick rack.
vlad from San Jose, CA
I purchased Thule Helium 970 in July of 2009. I like the bike carrier because it is light and very convenient.
I just unsure about the rack anti - theft protection. You can't lock the receiver pin like on previous Thule models. And in locked position the Thule Stinger Swinger hitch knob will spin freely but you could easy release the hitch rotating the tighten bolt using a fine plumbing pliers at the open bolt space next to the knob.
I think the stinger assembly needs better anti - theft protection or Thule should design a lockable receiver pin for the model.
I would recommend Thule Heliem if you have class 2 hitch.