What is the difference between Roof Mounted Bike Carriers

Thule Bike Carriers

There are three different models of roof mounted bike carriers in the Thule range each with its own key features.

Mounting bike carriers on to your roof requires two items.

1. A two bar roof rack is the base for mounting all types of carriers including bike carriers. If you don't already own a pair of roof bars you can simply find the right rack for your vehicle by using our Roof Rack Guide.

2. A roof mounted cycle carrier.

Thule FreeRide 532

The Thule 532 FreeRide starts from £44.95 and is the entry level carrier in the Thule range. This carrier has the benefit of being narrow at only 21cm wide so you are able to mount more carriers side by side on your roof bars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgKXbgOUMrM

Thule ProRide 591

The Thule 591 ProRide from £69.95 is a much stronger carrier than the FreeRide and made almost entirely out of aluminium and is also the smartest looking. Amongst the many benefits with the ProRide is the way you can simply attach your bike to the carrier. By simply rotating the arm on the carrier 30 degrees upwards, open up the wheel straps and place your bike on the carrier tray, then with only one hand resting the bike against the frame mount with the other hand rotating the knob which tightens the clamp on the bike frame. The tightening knob is also located at the height of your roof rack, which means you don't have to reach high to secure your bike, we highly recommend using the ProRide when you need to carry multiple bikes or if you have a high vehicle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jppG5PTfgY

Thule Sprint 569

The new telescopic Thule Sprint fork mounted bike carrier combines extreme convenience with the most stable and secure mounting system for maximum bike protection whilst on the vehicle roof. Judging how tight it needs to be is a thing of the past since the Sprint incorporates a unique patented AcuTight knob which “clicks” when the optimal tension is reached. This means that the bike is correctly secured to the rack at exactly the right tightness. The Sprint 569 is supplied with a set of 20mm T-Track adapters for mounting on to Thule WingBar, WingBar Edge and SlideBars. It is also possible to be fitted to non-Thule roof bars with T-Tracks. This bike carrier is suitable for mounting bikes with 9mm quick release axles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4d9Ian9aQ0

Thule OutRide 561

The Thule OutRide 561 is the most secure carrier out of the range. This rack requires dismounting of the front wheel and placing the forks into the front of the bike carrier. The rear tyre is secured in a wheel holder. You now have a wheel that needs to be transported and we all know how dirty the tyres can get. There are two options available for storing the wheel, ether the 563 Wheel Bag or the roof mounted 545-2 Wheel Holder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2CdMvzmzMQ