bing tracking image
Customer Service My Orders
  1. Accessories and Parts
  2. Thule
  3. Hitch Bike Rack
  4. Cradle and Arm Parts
  5. Cradles
  6. Apex
  7. Archway
Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks
Add to Cart
Thule

Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks

Part Number: 7521513002
73 Reviews | 17 Questions
In Stock
$16.99
Retail:$18.25
You Save: 7%
 Accessories and Parts
Add to cart
zoom in icon
slider vertical icon
zoom out icon
Comment field cannot be left empty.
Name field cannot be left empty.
By submitting this form, you understand and agree to our Terms of Sale, Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.

Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.

Product Images

thule accessories and parts cradle arm cradles 7521513002
thule accessories and parts cradle arm 7521513002
thule accessories and parts hitch bike rack cradle arm replacement hold fast for archway apex racks
thule accessories and parts hitch bike rack cradles 7521513002
thule accessories and parts hitch bike rack
thule accessories and parts hitch bike rack cradles replacement hold fast cradle for archway apex racks

Show All (6) Product Images

Show Fewer Product Images

Customer Photos

Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks customer photo
Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks customer photo

Show All (2) Customer Images

Show Fewer Customer Images

Videos

Show All (1) Videos

Show Fewer Videos

Need help with installation?
Locate installers near me
Replaces 1 Hold Fast anti-sway cradle for your Thule Archway or Apex bike rack. 1-800-940-8924 to order Thule accessories and parts part number 7521513002 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Thule products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks. Accessories and Parts reviews from real customers.
  • All Info
  • Reviews (73)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Related Parts
  • Videos (1)
  • Photos

Thule Accessories and Parts - 7521513002

  • Hitch Bike Rack
  • Cradle and Arm Parts
  • Cradles
  • Thule
  • Apex
  • Archway

Replaces 1 Hold Fast anti-sway cradle for your Thule Archway or Apex bike rack.


Features:

  • Replaces 1 Hold Fast anti-sway cradle for your Thule trunk mounted bike rack
    • Fits Archway XT bike racks (TH9009XT and TH9010XT)
    • Fits Apex bike racks (TH9025, TH9026, and TH9027)
  • Slides onto the arm of your rack for easy installation
  • Works with anti-sway attachment and rubber straps (sold separately) to hold your bike securely in place
  • Diameter of cradle opening: 1-3/16"


Dimensions


7521513002 Replacement Hold Fast Frame Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Carriers







Customers Who Purchased This Accessories and Parts Also Bought...



Video of Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks
Video Thumbnail Video Player Dialog

Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.




Video Transcript for Comprehensive Review: Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks

Today we're going to be taking a look at part number 7521513002. This is the replacement Hold Fast cradle for your Thule Apex Bike Rack. This will fit the Thule Apex Bike Racks part number TH9025, TH9026, and TH9027. It's designed to replace one Hold Fast cradle for your Apex Bike Rack. It's got the slot right here so it's going to slide onto the arm of your rack for an easy installation. It's got the anti-sway attachment location right here, so it'll work well with that, and then it's got the holds for your rubber straps.

Those items are sold separately. If you need replacements, you can find those here on our website. The cradle is going to gently hold the frame of your bicycle to prevent scratches and damage. It's going to feature three grooves right here on this layer. That's going to accommodate bike frame cables.

Not only does the top layer on this unit have plenty of cushion, but the whole top portion will absorb bumps and road shock to provide safety to your bike's frame, so you can see how just even with a little bit of a push, it really absorbs the force that I'm applying to the top. Again, this is going to fit the part numbers of the bike racks that I mentioned earlier, Thule Apex Bike Racks, and with this part number, you're going to get one replacement cradle. That's going to do it for today's look at part number 7521513002.

Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.9

73 reviews
5 Stars
(68)
4 Stars
(3)
3 Stars
(1)
2 Stars
(0)
1 Star
(1)
Review Sort Icon
by:
A vastly superior upgrade to the stock Thule rack cradles. Made of much stiffer plastic material, so the stretch rubber retention straps never come off and hold your bike much more securely. They are much more difficult to slide on the arms of the rack, using a bit of chain lube or similar light carrier oil will help. The soft cradle surface ensures great protection for your bike’s paint and finish.
Claire H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Claire H.

8/21/2026

Glad to hear these were such a nice upgrade over the original Thule cradles! Great tip on using a little lubricant to help slide them onto the arms too. Thanks for sharing your experience!

by:
Exact replacement for original
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
Customer Large Image
Customer Image
Click to Enlarge
by:
They fit my Thule rack perfectly.
by:
It’s already coming apart and it’s not even been a year
by:
Excellent replacement for broken cradle. Waited to see how this worked before ordering a second. Is a perfect fit, but be prepared for a struggle getting it onto the shaft. Alls well that ends well!
by:
These were to replace the original item that was over 15 yrs. old. I love my lightweight Thule hitch bike rack.
by:
I upgraded my Thule Vertex Bike Rack with these Hold Fast Cradles for the Thule Apex Bike Rack. Both racks have the same diameter arms so the cradles are interchangeable. These cradles have the RDT (Road Damping Technology) cushioning that is non-marking. The anti-sway cages with RDT are part #852-3037-001. Great for carrying and securing your expense Carbon Fiber Bikes on a Thule Vertex Bike Rack !!!

I've been using these Hold Fast cradles with RDT for just over a year now and HIGHLY RECOMMEND them ...
by:
These replacement parts were exactly what I needed for my Thule bike rack! I was a little hesitant only because they weren't by the original manufacturer. However, they fit perfectly! They saved my kinda pricey bike rack from going to the junkyard. I'm so grateful that etrailer carries them. As a side note, we moved six bikes in two different 8-hour trips. Everything arrived secured and without any damage. Thank you thank you thank you!!!
by:
I have a Thule Apex 9024 XT 2 with the ratchet straps and anti sway with no offset. I found that on long drives it was not doing the job for me. I purchased the replacement cradle with straps and anti sway with the offset. This new cradle and anti sway is much beaffier and holds my bike more securely. So far I am pleased with this product.
by:
Everything is working very well.

Very satisfied with your products and service. In fact, several times over the last couple years, I’ve recommended your site to friends and coworkers looking for trailer, towing, fastening gear. Keep up the good work there at Etrailer.
by:
I bought 2 of these for my Thule Apex bike rack along with the anti sway attachments. I have been very please with the products. I use my bike rack almost every day.
by:
Used to replace the stock ones that came with my Quadratec rack so I could add anti-sway attachments. The silicon type material is nice. The only drawback is that these can slip a bit down the rack as your driving down the road. The stock attachments had clamp on fittings that held better.
by:
Parts fit perfectly. Staff was friendly and helpful. Shipped quickly. Would definitely order from etrailers again.
Tracy profile picture

Tracy

5/18/2023

Product has been performing well after 1 year.

by:
Great fit for my Performance Bike hitch rack. Easy to install. Good price and fast shipping from etrailer.
by:
I needed replacement cradles for my Thule Helium Aero bike rack. However, all published literature indicated none was available. I called etrailer and they confirmed that no replacement was approved by Thule. I took a chance and ordered two of these. They are exact replacements for the Helium Aero, look exactly like the old ones, and fit perfectly. To get them on, the rivet holding the end cap needs to be drilled out, and a new rivet installed, but it was a straightforward process. It took me 35 minutes, start to finish, to install.
by:
It was hard to find the part on any website. Thankfully they had a great description on etrailer.com and we can finally put all 4 bikes back on our rack for camping.
by:
This is still working after a year of heavy use. It was a perfect replacement part and it is great to know that etrailer supplies parts to extend the life of the Thule bicycle carrier.
by:
I ordered replacement parts for a used bike rack I’d bought on Craig’s List. The parts fit perfectly and, since they were a redesigned upgrade, actually worked better than the parts I’d replaced.
by:
Love that etrailer sells these replacement parts. Byvfar the most helpful service and easy to use website.

Cradles are very easy to replace. Just one screw (but you'll need a security bit). Pop off the end cap, wiggle the old one off, wiggle the new one on. Done.
by:
The prefect fit. Easy to install and it took very little. I even found out what to do about those pesky rivets. Overall I would definitely recommend etrailer to anyone who needs replacement pieces and I will definitely be shopping on this site again.
by:
Difficult to find part, fits perfectly.
by:
Excellent quality parts from etrailer to replace those I lost on my Thule Aero 2 bike carrier. Very fast service complemented a very easy to use online catalog and ordering.
by:
etrailer is one of the best service providers on the internet. The combination of ease of use of their website and human interaction is something I really have not experienced elsewhere.

by:
The product came as described and in perfect condition. I will be ordering more of these in the future. It is an exact replacement of the original.
by:
Cradle, anti-sway arm, and straps all look to be great quality and easy to replace. Shipping was fast, and I can't wait to install these on my rack.
25
73
true
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Thule Accessories and Parts

Do you have a question about this Accessories and Part?
  • Can Current Thule Apex Bike Rack Frame Cradles Fit on Older Model Apex
    Hey Gary, so the current Thule Apex uses a different style of frame cradle that fits the same diameter arm as what your older rack has so you can upgrade to that if you like. It uses zip straps instead of stretch straps too which will make it a little easier to load/unload. Here are the part numbers you would need: # 1500056001 # 1500056002 # 1500056003 # 1500056004
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Anti-Sway Attachment and Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Apex Bike Racks
    It sure is Juan. The Replacement Anti-Sway Attachment item # 852-3037-001 is exactly what you need for your Thule Apex Bike Rack 9025. It is sold individually and a identical replacement for the one that came on your bike rack. We also have the Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Apex Bike Racks item # 7521513002 and the Replacement Hold Fast Cradle Strap item # 852-3006-001 if you need to replace the rest of the cradle parts. What kind of bikes do you have? Feel free to answer this...
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Cradles for Thule Apex XT 2 Bike Rack for Different Style Cradle Than New Hideaway
    The Thule Apex XT 2 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting # TH9024XT has the hideaway cradles that are the update from the Hold Fast cradle # 852-3005-002 you referenced. I measured the Apex and the cradle and they will fit but they don't screw in place like the new cradles. Then you will use the Replacement Anti-Sway Attachment for Thule Archway, Gateway, Roadway, and Vertex Bike Racks - Qty 1 # 852-2903-001 and straps # 852-3006-001. You may also want to consider the Replacement...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • How To Install Replacement Hold Fast Cradle For Thule Archway And Apex Bike Racks
    When replacing the Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks # 7521513002, the previous cradles may have screws in which case you can just reuse them and be done with it. If it happens to have rivets, which you can look on yours to check, then you would just take a drill bit that fits the rivet size and drill it out. Then go to the hardware store and match up some screws to secure the cradle in place. If you are handy with a drill or basic tools then this should...
    view full answer...
  • Tips for Replacing Thule Hold Fast Cradles on Thule Bike Racks
    At the ends of the arms on Thule bike racks that take the Hold Fast cradle # 7521513002 there are end caps that usually have to be removed in order to remove the old cradles and put on the new ones. These caps can either have a screw holding them on or a rivet. If there is a rivet it will have to be drilled out (a screw can be used in place of the rivet once installation is complete). To work the cradles off and on it helps to twist the cradle side to side while simultaneously pushing...
    view full answer...
  • Tips for Preventing Thule Apex Bike Rack Cradle from Sliding
    You can try hairspray, but if the cradles are new they shouldn't move that easily. You can also put a single layer of electrical tape around the arms of the rack to add space and friction to the cradle assembly. What bike rack did you install the part # 7521513002 on?
    view full answer...
  • Tips for Moving a Cradle on the Bike Rack Arms of the Thule Apex
    I have some tips that will help you get your bike rack cradles on your Apex back into position and help keep them there. All you need is a can of hairspray! No, you aren't going to cut and style the bike rack; the hairspray actually serves 2 purposes. Hairspray is, at first, slippery, which will help the cradles to move. Then it becomes tacky which will help the cradles stay in place. Spray the hairspray on the bike rack arms in the direction you want the cradles to go. Then grab a cradle...
    view full answer...
  • Removing Cap on Arm of Thule Bike Rack to Replace Hold Fast Cradle
    At the ends of the arms on Thule bike racks that take the Hold Fast cradle # 7521513002 there are end caps that usually have to be removed in order to remove the old cradles and put on the new ones. These caps can either have a screw holding them on or a rivet. If there is a rivet it will have to be drilled out (a screw can be used in place of the rivet once installation is complete or if you have a rivet gun you could rivet in place). To work the cradles off and on it helps to twist the...
    view full answer...
  • How to Remove the End Cap of a Thule Bike Rack That is Riveted On, to Replace a Hold Fast Cradle
    At the end of the arms of the Thule bike racks that use the Hold Fast Cradle # 7521513002 there are end caps that have to be removed in order to remove the old cradles and put on the new ones. These caps can either have a screw holding them on, or in your case a rivet. Since there is a rivet, it will have to be drilled out (a screw can be used in place of the rivet once the installation is complete). To work the cradles off and on it helps to twist the cradle side to side while simultaneously...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Removing Cradles of Thule Bike Rack with Riveted Arms
    At the ends of the arms on Thule bike racks that take the Hold Fast cradle # 7521513002 there are end caps that usually have to be removed in order to remove the old cradles and put on the new ones. These caps can either have a screw holding them on or a rivet. If there is a rivet it will have to be drilled out (a screw can be used in place of the rivet once installation is complete). So you'll need a drill and a small drill bit to drill the rivets out so they can be removed. This is...
    view full answer...
  • Replacement Cradle for Old Thule Bike Rack
    That must be a very old rack, my Thule representative didn't even have record of that part number. If the rack has a 1 inch diameter tube that the cradle slides on to, the Thule Stay-Put cradle # 853-7887 would be an acceptable repalcement. You'd also need cradle straps # 852-3006-001.
    view full answer...
  • Availability of Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule 9042 Helium Aero
    According to Thule, the only cradle replacement part for your 9042 Helium Aero is the cradle overmold. That being said, I did find that a customer purchased the Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks # 7521513002 and found that it was identical to the part on their Helium Aero bike rack. I have attached their review for your reference.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Replacement Frame Cradle Recommendation for a Bike Rack with 1 inch Outer Diameter Arms
    The replacement cradle # 7521513002 fits Thule Apex bike racks and they have arms that are approximately 1-1/4 inches in diameter. The cradles would be too large for your Outback rack. The Thule Stay-Put cradle, # 853-7887, will fit on 1-inch diameter arms, as will the T3, # 853-5829. Hollywood Racks offers a 2-cradle set, # HR740-P, that will fit 1 inch diameter arms. I would go with one of these three products since they all fit 1 inch diameter arms.
    view full answer...
  • Installation of Replacement Hold Fast Cradle 7521513002 on Thule Archway 3 Trunk Bike Rack TH9010XT
    Thule Replacement Hold Fast Cradle # 7521513002 will install on your Archway 3 trunk-mount bike rack exactly as you describe. I do recommend using stainless steel hardware to replace the rivet. Most full-service hardware stores usually have a decent selection of stainless and sometimes galvanized hardware. You could use either but I would go for the stainless if it is available.
    view full answer...
  • How Wide Is The Pad On The Thule Hold Fast Cradle
    The pad on the Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks Item # 7521513002 measures 2-1/8" wide.
    view full answer...
  • Will Thule Apex Replacement Cradles Fit a Bell Bike Rack with 1 Inch Diameter Arms
    The replacement cradle # 7521513002 fits Thule Apex bike racks and they have arms that are approximately 1-1/4 inches in diameter. The cradles would be too large for your Bell rack. The Thule Stay-Put cradle, # 853-7887, will fit on 1-inch diameter arms, as will the T3, # 853-5829. Hollywood Racks offers a 2-cradle set, # HR740-P, that will fit 1 inch diameter arms. I would go with one of these three products since they all fit 1 inch diameter arms.
    view full answer...
  • Will Thule Apex Replacement Cradles Fit a Thule Gateway Trunk Mount Bike Carrier
    The Thule Gateway # TH9006XT and the Apex both should have 1-1/4 inch diameter arms so you should be able to fit replacement cradle # 7521513002. The cradles on both are known as Hold Fast cradles its just that the ones on the Apex are upgraded with road dampening technology. Otherwise the holes have the same inner diameter.
    view full answer...

Do you have a question about this Accessories and Part?


Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Adam R
Expert Research:
Adam R
Employee Laura H
Written by:
Laura H
Employee Cole B
Installed by:
Cole B
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Manda E
Updated by:
Manda E

At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.