Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack , Black

(My Requirements)I purchased the Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack after doing a lot of homework on an easy-to-install, easy-to-use bike rack for our 2 bikes. A Trek FX3 road bike and an Electra Townie 7D Step-Thru bike. Two totally different types of bike frames, weight and design. I also wanted an easy rack to pull out of the box and install on either of our SUV’s hitches, a 2” and a 1.25-inch hitch. Storage was also a prime requirement as our garages already had so many items to store in an organized fashion; I didn’t need something that did not store easily.And the most important requirement was the ease of loading, unloading, and protecting our bikes, without lifting, numerous bungee cords, protective padding, etc. And a rack that would be useful as our bike styles change.I read all of the reviews, watched many videos, and decided to give it a go. Why not? It had a 30-day return policy.(Delivery and Install Day!)The product arrived on time, and the box was in perfect condition. It was time to dive right in, open the box, and pull the product right out of the box. I found it fully assembled as promised by the videos and reviews. Removed some packing materials and the product was ready to use. How easy is that? I rolled it over to my SUV, pulled down the receiver arm (stinger), picked it up (only 45 pounds), and it slid right into my hitch receiver. Turned the nob to tighten the hitch and the receiver arm. I used the key to lock the knob and was on to the next step.Folded down the platforms, and it was ready to mount the bikes.OK, so it's time to mount and adjust the bike secure arms. This took a few minutes since it was new to me, and both bikes differed in frame design. Instructions tell me to install the heaviest bike closest to the vehicle first. So, I used the included ramps to load the Towne first. Wow, was that easy! Just rolled it up! I strapped down the wheels with the built-in straps with a ratchet feature and found the best location for the stabilizer arm to attach to the bike and the rack. Tighten it down, locked the knob, and got ready for the next bike.For the FX3, I just picked up, strapped it down, and found the best mounting place for the stabilizer arm. And I was ready to go.No more straps, bungees, pads, etc. I’m ready to go. All was secure and locked, and we were on our way!(Driving with it attached and loaded)We have had a few very good and well-made hitch-mounted bike racks. However, the strapping down, bungee the wheels, protecting the bikes from hitting each other in transit, the locking with a cable lock, and the noticeable bouncing and swaying became annoying. I even built an antisway bar to keep our bikes from hitting each other. And for the Townie, I required a top tube adapter sometimes called a crossbar substitute.This took way more time and frustration to secure everything than with our new Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack.Biking is supposed to be fun, right?Unloading was just a reverse of loading; we folded up the platform. We are ready to ride!!We have taken the bike rack off and stored it in the back of the SUV, but for many of the places we go, we just leave it on, fold it up, and back our vehicle into our parking space so the rack does not hang out into the riding or driving areas.Now for the take-it-off and store. Well, reverse of install, roll it into the garage and let me tell you the footprint of this product is smaller than my snow blower or lawn mower. Don’t even know it’s there.(Overall recommendation)If you’re looking for an easy-to-assemble, easy-to-install, easy-to-use, easy-to-store, which I was, I give this product a thumbs up!!! It was well worth the price paid. Now, as our bikes change our lifestyle, we can add mountain bikes and e-bikes without a problem. We even take our little kids' bikes just to take them someplace.Enjoy and Bike-On!

I love this bike rack because I can put it on my SUV by myself and load my E bike onto it using the ramp! It holds the bikes in place well. It takes a little space in the garage when not using I highly recommend this bike rack!

This is a very good unit. However, it was not right for my step through e-bike. You literally need 3 hands or 2 people to keep your bike from falling off while you secure it down. I thought by spending this much I would cover all the bases but then I had to buy longer straps for my fat tires and an additional crossbar and still was a struggle for one person. I returned it.

My only complaint is that it doesn’t support fat tire e-bikes with up to 5 inch tires and that there is no harness to hook up tail lights. It only comes with reflectors. My bumper sits low so it is hard to see the red reflectors at night. However, besides those 2 issues, absolutely well thought out and easily the best bike rack I’ve ever bought or owned. The wheels on the bottom make it as easy to move when not attached to my car. Also, I should mention, it comes fully assembled and ready to be mounted on your vehicle. Extremely easy to hold, lock in place with a key and remove from vehicle.

Great product. For a bike rack that is mounted on a hitch, this crazy easy to mount on vehicle compared to others. Folds up nice in the garage for when not in use. My sister just paid a lot for another bike rack. When she saw mine, she was jealous. It's sturdy. No assembly. Holds 2 bikes firmly in place.

I researched for a bike rack that is easily removable, but lockable, durable, can carry two large, fat-tire e-bikes, and one that wouldn't break the bank. I found everything but that last feature.The wife and I have e-bikes with 4" tires and weigh around 59-60 lbs. There are lighter weight bikes out there but we've already spent the money - and these bikes "fold" or they used to. Hang out in Florida too much and that ability to fold easily goes away... something, something, salt-water.Anyway, this rack is great. Using the "not-included" larger straps, it holds the bikes really well. The locking mechanism should be frustrating for any would-be thief (which is bad because if my bikes were stolen, it'd give me an excuse to buy new ones, but alas...)Is it worth the money? Yeah, really it is because look - it takes 2 minutes to pull this off the hitch and tuck it away somewhere. It weighs all of 45 lbs. by itself, so carrying it around is super easy (although, the wife says she still can't lift it - odd, she was a SCUBA instructor and lugged around air tanks, now she's with me and they're too heavy to lift, go figure). Anyway, "most" people can lift and move around 45 lbs. pretty easy, so... for the money, I think it's great.

I admit I purchased this bike rack with no intention of testing it out and getting another if I didn't like it. I just wanted to invest something that I knew would be rock solid performance-wise, easy to use, and built to last. I do not have other bike racks to compare this to, but in the several months I have had this rack, it has been all of the above. Off the top of my head, it only has 6 major movements to mount this the back back of my truck, and mounting bikes seems self explanatory. I do not even own a e-bike yet, so I cannot comment as to how effective this rack would be, but for a mountain bike and a hybrid, this rack has served me well on bumpy roads, keeping my bicycles secured between Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe. I like that the hitch has a built in lock, as well as 2 fastening arms with locking clamps. I have only left the bikes on my truck while en route to places, but it is easy enough to remove and store indoors when I get to where I'm going. I highly recommend this rack in its simplicity, performance and design. I plan to use this for long many more trips / vehicles to come, and eventually for an e-bike or two. Thank you for reading.