Thule EasyFold XT 2 Review

Platform-style hitch bike carriers bring extra security while holds the bike by the wheels. With their ground clearance and wide spacing between trays, most bicycles can be loaded and unloaded in seconds. Platform bike racks are a good fit for the majority of bike styles being capable of carrying road and mountain bikes, carbon fiber frames, suspension, fat bikes, or e-bikes. Fits both 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch receivers.

EasyFold XT from Thule is no different, being capable to transport e-bikes and heavy mountain bikes. There is a large distance between wheel holders enabling the transport of sturdy bikes with large wheel bases. EasyFold provides easy trunk access even with bikes mounted, thanks to smart foot pedal tilt. The easy mounting of bikes is made through detachable bike arms with lockable Thule AcuTight torque limiter knobs that click when optimal torque is reached. Foldable bike loading ramp integrates into the carrier for convenient storage.

LOWS (-)

Expensive

Hard to configure for multiple bikes

Loading and Unloading is a Breeze

The EasyFold is an easily assemble carrier and you would hope that from Thule’s most expensive rack. Mounting it to the car or SUV it’s an easy thing to do. There is a foldable loading ramp integrated which lives inside the tray that makes loading the bike on and off a breeze. The ramp is light and flexible which allows you to mount it and remove it. Once the straps are undone they can be tucked away down where they won’t flap around; the unloading will come up after this process. Full-suspension mountain bikes could present a challenge, however. Some owners mentioned that wheel straps couldn’t be attached. The solution was to use the clamp designed for the outside bike. It features a 9-inch distance between bikes.

Full Tilting Mechanism

It’s a premium carrier therefore, it features a full tilting mechanism for easy trunk access even with bikes mounted, thanks to smart foot pedal tilt. You just need to push a central foot pedal and the whole rack moves. It makes a clicking noise when the rack is pushed back into place. More than this, it is fully foldable for convenient handling and storage.

Great Security

Fat bikes or e-bikes can be quite expensive and that’s why you have to be prepared for transportation. The EasyFold XT is promising total security through various aspects: it is quite sturdy and strong built, contains 3 locking cores (one on the short arm, one on the long arm, and one on the hitch knob), comes with two keys, and has wheel straps with adjustable pump buckles for fastening wheels  (Optional XXL Wheel Strap kit to fit longer wheelbases and tires up to 4.7”). There’s a carbon fiber protector available if you’re clamping on a carbon frame.

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Our verdict

Thule EasyFold XT 2 fits almost all bicycles by clamping to the bike’s frame rather than using a hook over the front wheel. Usually, this carrier works fine if you have the same 2 bikes. Long wheelbase bicycles might not work well. Other than that, it presents great security, easy access to the car trunk with bikes loaded, easy mounting, and loading/unloading.

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