How Effective is the Locking Mechanism on the Thule OutWay Trunk Mount Bike Rack

Updated 09/16/2013 | Published 09/13/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(16)

$449.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(352)

$51.16

Question:

How would you rate lock that secures the cable to the car? Is it good enough to leave it attached to your car all the time, even if you park outside at night? I wouldnt leave a bike on it... just would like to leave the rack on the car. Would someone bother trying to steal the rack?

asked by: William

Expert Reply:

The locking mechanism on the Thule OutWay # TH45JV makes the rack harder to steal but lock any lock it can be defeated if a thief was determined enough. The lock prevents the cables from loosening on one side. This makes it difficult to steal but not impossible. Also, if stolen, the thief would have to figure out some way to let out the cables to fit a different vehicle.

You should not leave the rack on the car for long periods of time or it can leave settling marks on the vehicle. The rack is easy enough to install and remove to where taking it off and stowing it inside the vehicle would not be much of a chore. I own the 3-bike version of this rack and it takes only a couple minutes to install; much faster than any other rack I have used.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical mens bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # TH982XT. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wifes bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my sons bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H