Thule has a range of new bike transport options for the top and back of your car.
Gate Mate is their new truck bed pad for laying DH bikes over. It has thick padding and a felt back with Knock Blocks on either end to keep bikes on it. There’s a strap running length wise to bungie the frames to for a little extra security. It retails for $100 and comes in 54″ and 62″ widths. There’s an access hatch for the tailgate handle.
New AeroBlade roof bars are $149 for a pair and hook into their Aero Footpack mounts. They’re slotted T-Track low profile mounts or work with the newer style Speedlink mounts or any other universal carrier mount. Available in 43″, 47″, 53″ and 60″.
Apex Swing hitch rack introduces a totally design along with a new hitch entry and locking system that will move onto their other high end racks soon. it has an Auto Pin that clicks into the pin hole on the hitch. From there, you simply tighten the knob to firm up the expansion wedge. It has a built in lock that’s keyed the same as the integrated lock on the arms, keeping both bikes and rack secure. They can be keyed to match any other Thule items you have, too.
The base is hinged to articulate away from the rear of the car for trunk and hatch access. The main beam is curved for more clearance for the car. The support arms are also curved, which slightly staggers the height and angle of the bikes to help handlebars clear each other better.
The RDT (Road Dampening Technology) pads are slightly suspended to give a little on big bumps, keeping your frame a little safer. It’s made in the USA and retails for $499 for this model. There’s also 4- an 5-bike models that don’t swing that retail for $399 and $429.
