Comparing the Original Thule Helium Bike Rack to the Thule Helium Aero Bike Rack

Updated 05/08/2013 | Published 05/05/2013

Question:

what diferences are between thule helium and thule helium aero? Measurments between arms?

asked by: Martin

Expert Reply:

The original Thule Helium was made of ultra-lightweight aluminum, featured sliding anti-sway T3 cradles with rubber straps. The cradle arms were spaced 12 inches apart (outside to outside). The rack could fold and tilt. It also featured an integrated cable lock and knob for anti-rattle. It fit Class I, II, and III hitches (Class I hitches limited to 2 bikes).

The new Helium # TH9043PRO is a complete design change. The upright bar or mast of the rack is no longer a rounded shape. It is now more of a blade shape. The cradles have been updated with road-dampening technology. You still get the integrated cable lock and the ability to tilt and fold the rack. The new Helium also fits Class I, II, and III hitches (Class I hitches limited to 2 bikes). The arms on this rack measure about 13 inches apart outside to outside.

The Helium Aero is, for lack of a better term, an awesome bike rack. I have included a link to a video review for you.

expert reply by: Michael H