Now more than ever, Thule is all about the active lifestyle. Having expanded far past their original car racks and auto accessories, Thule continues to enter into new product categories like child carriers, bags, and more. A big part of this expansion is the acquisition of other companies from Case Logic to the more recent Chariot Carriers and GMG B.V. Those last two are chiefly responsible for their new line of child carriers which are subtly redesigned versions of the originals. We got a sneak peek at the new Chariot Cross trailer last year, but now with the acquisition of the makers of Yepp child seats, Thule has on-bike transportation options for your little ones as well…
Called the Yepp Nexxt Mini and Maxi (front and rear), Thule is not trying to hide the fact that these are basically the same Yepp child carrier seats that made the brand so popular. The Nexxt models are essentially the upgraded versions with features like removable padding, a child proof 5 point harness with magnetic clips, and the lightest seat on the market with the Mini coming in at 3lbs (5lbs for the Maxi). Built with adjustable should positioning and adjustable foot cradles, the Mini is meant for kids 9mo to 3yr or 33lbs, while the Maxi goes from 9mo to 6yr or 48lbs.
The Mini and Maxi are very similar with the obvious exception of one being meant for the front with an adapter to fit most steerer tubes/stems and the other meant for rear racks. The Maxi has a clamp mechanism meant to fit most racks and there is an adapter to allow it to fit the super narrow racks out there. Both seats are lockable so no one walks off with your carrier, and pricing is set at $179 for the Mini and $219 for the Maxi.
The Chariot Cross is basically the same trailer we saw last year, but it’s now available. Designed to be the most premium trailer in their line, the Cross includes posh features like independent adjustable suspension, individual reclining seats, and a ton of accessories like the tray with cup holder above. Able to fold up in a flash, all of the adjustable points have blue touch points and the trailer includes an intuitive locking system that shows red when the joints aren’t properly secured, and green when you’re good to go. The trailer also features a clever ball joint at the attachment point on the bike so if the bike falls over, the trailer stays right side up. Speaking of safety, the Cross also includes an aluminum roll cage should the trailer get knocked over in a crash.
There are far too many features to list here, but if you can imagine it, the Cross probably has it – though you pay for it at $899 for the single and $999 for the double. If that’s too pricey, the Chariot Lite sells for $699/$799 and eliminates the cargo bag, reclining seats, and includes a non-adjustable suspension.
As the latest bike rack in the Thule portfolio, the Double Track Pro is meant as an affordable tray style rack. The two bike rack uses a foldable center mast which includes adjustable soft jaw clamps which hold onto the frame. Calling them carbon safe, the jaws clamp onto the frame with the turn of a dial and are lockable to keep the bike relatively secure.
Each wheel tray is adjustable with a quick release for wheelbase adjustments, and the whole rack folds up when not in use. The cradle straps include a rubber cover for protecting the rim and the rack will fit up to 5″ fat bike tires without an adapter. Weighing in at 35lbs, it’s one of the lightest tray style racks for Thule and it sells for $349 as a 2″ rack but has a removable sleeve that allows it to work with 1 1/4″ hitches as well.
On the luggage side of things, Thule has a new addition to their Subterra line called the Weekender. Offered in 45 or 60 liter capacities, the simple duffel has sides that cinch down for compact carrying and features like magnetic handles and a bright interior for finding the objects inside. Available this August for $129.
And if you want to take your phone with you on your next ride (or on the trainer), Thule has a new smart phone mount. Adjustable to fit 25.4 to 31.8mm handlebars, the jaws will fit up to an iPhone 7, or in this case a 6s with a Lifeproof Fre battery case. To provide extra protection, the blue rubber strap secures the corners of your phone and the display can be rotated from portrait to landscape mode. The mount sells for $24.95.
