Does Thule Hanging Bike Rack Tilt Down With Bikes Loaded

Published 09/01/2023

Question:

I have a 2021 Tesla model Y. I am curious why doesnt the Thule helium 2 and 3 bike racks NOT fold with bikes. I think the apex does, right?

asked by: Carlos

Expert Reply:

Just like the Thule Helium Pro, the Thule Apex does not tilt down with bikes loaded. It fact, there is only one hanging bike rack that tilts down with bikes loaded, the Softride Hang2 2-Bike Rack # SR27041.

This is because there would be too much stress on the cradles - the lower the bikes got the more they'd twist - and because the rack arms would no longer be horizontal and have a place for the bikes to rest on. The Softride is different because the bikes hang vertically.

So to tilt your bike rack down with bikes loaded you'd need to go with the Softride or a platform rack such as the Thule DoubleTrack Pro XT # TH92BJ.

expert reply by: Kyle S