Differences Between Inno Tire Hold 2 And Thule Helium 2 And Recommendation

Updated 02/25/2022 | Published 02/24/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Inno Tire Hold Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

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$578.44

Question:

Hi, I am confused between the below 2 bike racks. Thule Helium Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4 and 2 Hitches - Wheel Mount Item # TH44VR and Inno Tire Hold 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4 and 2 Hitches - Tilting Item # INH120 What are the pros and cons of these 2 models. Which one would you suggest ? Regards,

asked by: Vivek M

Expert Reply:

One of the major differences between the Inno Tire Hold 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting, part # INH120, has a maximum bike weight limit of 60 lbs and a maximum weight limit on the rack of120 lbs. The Thule Helium Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount, part # TH44VR, has a maximum bike weight limit of 37.5 lbs and a maximum weight on the rack of 75 lbs. The Helium is not e-bike friendly, while the Tire Hold 2 will be able to carry some e-bikes.

The Inno Tire Hold 2 weighs 48.6 lbs, while the Helium, which was designed as a light weight alternative to a traditional hitch bike rack, only weighs 43 lbs.

Your Tire Hold 2 can carry bikes with wheel sizes from 20" thru 29" bikes. The Helium can carry bikes with wheel sizes from 26" to 29", but it can carry bikes with longer wheelbases than the Tire Hold 2, up to 50". The Tire Hold 2 is limited to wheelbases up to 48".

Last, the Helium does not have any removable parts. It has a ratcheting mechanism to keep the bikes in place on the trays. The Tire Hold 2 has removable plastic pieces that have to be manually adjusted if you carry a bike with different size wheels.

If I have to pick one, I prefer the Inno Tire Hold 2. You do not suffer much of a weight penalty and it can carry heavier bikes. While I like the ratcheting mechanism, I decided a while ago if I would just carry the tire grips in my car when I was not carrying bikes on the rack. Keeping me from losing them.

expert reply by: Mark Smith