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Review: Thule UpRide roof rack simplifies bike transportation

Thule UpRide Roof Rack
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Just in from Thule is their UpRide roof rack bike mount. Introduced at Eurobike last year, what sets it apart from others in their current lineup is its method of holding a bike without touching the frame. It’s a large rack compared to other bike mount systems, but its ability to hold nearly all bikes out of the box makes it worth a look.

Thule UpRide

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

The $220 UpRide is compatible with aero, square and round cross bars and comes with all of the needed parts for all options. Our setup is on Thule’s AeroBlade crossbars, in which case the mount is attached inside the top ‘T’ slot. Three cam levers (two on the front attachment point, one in the rear) close to secure the tray into the T slots, and one has a keyed lock to prevent theft.

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

Where the bulk comes in is on the front wheel mounts. There are two, one resting against the back of the tire, and one clamping down on the front. They end up interlocking to offer a secure, wobble-free hold. The grey pull-button unlocks the front hook to adjust for wheel size. Out of the box, it supports plus sized tires and wheels from 26″ to 29″.

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

The backward facing hook lifts up and locks into the forward facing hook at the cross joint (seen in the top pic). This holds the bike securely in place and prevents bike wobble. A simple turn of the lever at its base releases both hooks.

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

Ratchet straps cinch the front and back wheels in place and have a robust feel with crisp clicks. The rear wheel mount is a simple cup with a ratchet strap. An included rubber guard prevents rim scuffs. Its stock setup doesn’t accommodate fat bikes but an adapter is available for $30.

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

Also, a bike lock is housed in the tail of the mount and requires a key/locking core to use (not in photo). It’s just long enough to loop around a few spokes and and through the rear triangle.

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

Thule UpRide Roof Rack

Road bikes fit just as well as their mountain equivalent. The rear wheel tray slides forward and back to accommodate shorter wheelbases while the front hook has a small notch on the inner side to better grip narrow tires. As you can see, the rear lock is just long enough to loop around the rear triangle a few spokes. The lock is a bit difficult to reach around even with a 58 frame, it may be even harder with shorter bikes.

Thule UpRide

The Takeaway

The Thule UpRide has been a great system for quickly packing up the bike and hitting the road. Its compatibility across a range of wheel and tire sizes works well for those looking to carry both road and mountain bikes. And because it doesn’t mount to the fork means you don’t need to worry about which axle type or width your different bikes have. Plus, not having a muddy wheel roll around in the trunk saves time during cleanup. One drawback I’ve found is a lack of a front locking mechanism. It’d be nice to see a locking core in the release switch for the front wheel to ease my mind during quick stops. Overall, I’d recommend checking out the UpRide mainly for its cross-compatibility among bikes, quick functionality, and its simple installation process.

Retail is $219.99 per bike, available through bike shops and REI.

Thule.com

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14 Comments
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Bobby F
Bobby F
5 years ago

Who makes that basket in the last picture?

ChknBreast
ChknBreast
5 years ago
Reply to  Bobby F
Matt Johnson
5 years ago
Reply to  Bobby F

Kuat

Ric Liang
Ric Liang
5 years ago

That’s a great idea to have the cross bars. Much more stable and no need to touch/damage carbon

Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot
5 years ago
Reply to  Ric Liang

1 Up would be another choice

Cheese
Cheese
5 years ago

1 up doesn’t make roof racks.

floatch
floatch
5 years ago
Reply to  Cheese

They absolutely do. I have two of them on my car right now. They’re flawless.

Cheese
Cheese
5 years ago
Reply to  floatch

Really? Are they not shown on their site?

https://www.1up-usa.com/product-category/bike-racks/

Bob
Bob
5 years ago

1Up racks are over priced and over rated. you are paying a premium price and getting middle of the road features. No built in lock, they look like a guy made it in his basement and the tilt latch is up by the hitch. Thule has the handle at the back and Kuat has the foot thing. both are way easier to use. Kuat also has a bike stand built in for $20 more, plus locks.

Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot
5 years ago
Reply to  Bob

Thats a bit harsh. No Locks are a disappointment but they are actually extremely well made from anecdotal team mate experience. This is coming from a Kuat owner.

i
i
5 years ago
Reply to  Bob

you honestly think those built in locks are worth anything at all? They’re worse than nothing if you’re deluded into thinking they would slow down a thief.

Thule and Kuat look like toys. They cost as much as 1up and are mostly made of very fragile plastic. And generally no replacement parts available because they obsolete products so fast. In 3 years they won’t be making this model any more, so when use and sunlight destroys the plastic crap, you’re in for another $220/bike carrier.

Joe Romano
Joe Romano
5 years ago
Reply to  Bob

I’ve had Thule bike racks for years, and even live in sunny Arizona, and they’ve never melted….I think you are exaggerating a bit, whether you have a lock or not, the bike should never be left alone or leave your eyesight. People these days need to wake up and “smell the coffee” if you still think “today’s world” is still like 40 years ago, it’s Not, Let Reality set in …..Your a “Box of Rocks” if your bike gets stolen, it’s your own fault

-s
-s
5 years ago

Have two of these, and the best part is that the front arm holds the bike upright while you secure the rest of it. It is super stable while driving too.

Edu
Edu
5 years ago

I did´nt get it well, but as a security issue , whatif you deflate the tire the lock system goes out?

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