Fit of Triathlon Bikes With Deep Dish Rims and Disc Rear Wheels on Thule T2 Rack TH69TX

Updated 07/02/2012 | Published 06/28/2012

Question:

Will any accommodate deep dish wheels and rear disc wheels found on triathlon or time-trial bikes?

asked by: David P

Expert Reply:

The Thule T2 Pro XTR 4-bike carrier you mentioned, part # TH69TX accommodates tires up to 5 inches wide. The ratcheting wheel retaining straps can accommodate dished rims up to 4-1/2 inches or 115mm tall. The retaining strap must be able to pass through the wheel in order to completely secure the bike to the rack. A solid rear wheel with no spokes or openings of any kind would not allow the strap to pass through and fully secure the bike to the rack.

We initially thought reversing the bike on the rack would be an acceptable option, but Thule does not recommend it, because when reversed on the rack, the front wheel could skip off the side of the rack and cause the bike to become detached. Which would be a bad thing.

My contact at Thule recommends switching out the disc wheels to spoked-type training wheels for transport. If you go this route, the rack would work for you.

Otherwise, a hanging-type bike rack like the Thule Hitching Post Pro, # TH934XTR may be an alternative.

expert reply by: Mike L