Arrives before Christmas 
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A great solution for anyone looking for a sturdy steel bike rack that installs easily without the need for tools. Anti-sway cradles fold up, so they're out of the way while you're loading your bikes. Tilts with bikes unloaded.
Features:
Specs:
Note: The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the face of the hitch must be 1-1/2" or greater to use this rack.
Dual Folding Arms with Anti-Sway Cradles
The Thule Apex XT has dual arms that provide excellent support for your bikes. They slope up to provide ground clearance for steep driveways and bumpy roads.
To fold the arms down, pull up the HitchSwitch lever at the top of the mast. This leaves a smaller footprint, so you can keep the rack on your vehicle to park in your garage. And when stored in this configuration, it doesn't take up as much space in your garage.
HideAway anti-sway cradles with rubber straps hold your bikes firmly in place. Each set of cradles has two straps that secure your bike along the top tube and one that secures the seat post or downtube. This multi-point contact helps keep your bikes from rocking back and forth, reducing bike-to-bike contact. The soft rubber cradles rotate around the rack's arms to accommodate bikes of different styles and shapes.
The cradles have grooves on the surface that prevent your brake and shifter cables from getting pinched.
Ratchet straps hold your bikes firmly in place on the cradles. You can remove the lower straps and fold the cradles up against the arms to make it easier to slide your bikes onto the rack.
Easy Tilting for Cargo Area Access
The rack tilts down without your bikes loaded. This means you won't have to remove the whole rack to access your cargo area for grocery runs and other errands.
To tilt the rack down, pull up the HitchSwitch lever at the base of the mast. When you're ready to go, lift the rack up until it snaps into place with an audible click.
The rack quickly installs in your hitch receiver, without the need for tools. Just slide the shank into your hitch and turn the knob until snug. Turning the knob deploys an anti-rattle wedge in the shank to help take play out of the hitch connection. It also sets the integrated SnugTite hitch pin into place, securing the rack to your receiver.
You can install the rack in a 1-1/4" hitch or in a 2" hitch. To use it in a 1-1/4" hitch, simply remove the adapter with the included Allen key.
The lock on the hand knob secures the rack to your vehicle. Once locked, the hand knob will spin freely so a would-be thief can't operate it.
The integrated cable lock threads around your bikes' frames and inserts into the lock at the end of the left arm. The cable stores inside the mast when not in use. The locks are keyed alike, so you only need to use 1 key. Additional One-Key System locks (sold separately) let you make all your Thule products keyed alike.
Available Adapter Bar
If you have a women's bike, kid's bike, or any other bike without a straight, horizontal top tube, you will need an adapter bar (sold separately) to properly mount your bike. The bar fits between the seat post and handlebar stem post of your bike to create a top tube so your bike hangs level on the rack.
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (200 Customer Reviews)
A great solution for anyone looking for a sturdy steel bike rack that installs easily without the need for tools. Anti-sway cradles fold up, so they're out of the way while you're loading your bikes. Tilts with bikes unloaded.
Very nice bike rack. I had previously used the Lets Go Aero BikeWing T4 but needed room for a 5th bike. This rack is much easier to install on the car, and easier to load. Getting 5 bikes to fit is still a big puzzle, but possible. It's been sturdy on long drives, and I've really appreciated the tightening mechanism on the hitch and the built-in lock.
It is a good rack. Virtually no rattling full or not. I do not have any sideways photos. But, I do not see how you could get five adult mountain bikes on here. If you had a couple of more inches it won't be a problem. I would still recommend since it does tilt away from the car and locks to the hitch.
etrailer customer service is top notch! Matt K saved my vacation trip when my original rack was back ordered. He helped me and walked through the options. I landed on this Thule rack and Matt helped fast track the rack, hitch, and cross bars in time for my families vacation. I had 4 bikes on this rack for its maiden voyage 10+ hours to the beach one way. My little guys bike is just plain to small for the rack but it fit my mountain bike, road bike (carbon), my wife’s road bike, and my daughters mountain bike no problems. Because of the long trip I took the pedals off to make my life easier but they fit with pedals too. Also cross bars are a must for odd frames like kids bikes and mountain bikes etc.
I’m super happy with how easy the rack is to throw on and off and having no issues after 10 + hours of hwy drive time is a testament to the Thule brand. (Note all my other racks were Yakima before this one, I really like the Thule rack)
Thanks again Matt! And the etrailer team, you will be my first stop for future needs. P.S. I never usually leave reviews, but these guys are good to go!
I called the Etrailer to place an order and spoke with Dena W, who was very helpful letting me know the part is on backorder but will ship soon as it’s available and two weeks later I received the Thule Apex xt5 bike rack. Dena also helped out with getting the Thule bike adapters which I need it for certain bikes. Very pleased thanks to Dena!
Thule bike was a perfect fit on the hitch purchased together from etrailer. Install was easy if you are used to reading Swedish instructions. I can’t wait to take it on a family trip this summer.
Love my new bike rack. It’s neat and sleek. It’s super solid and I can tell it will be able to hold a decent amount of weight. Excited to use if!
I hate this rack. They must have moved the 4 bike rack mounts closer together because either the bikes beat each other the whole way or you spend an hour loading it with 4 or 5 bikes. If you like repairing spokes, cables, shifters, etc., This is the rack for you! Has cost me so much time and I don't want to take bikes with us anymore. Find another product or just skip to going without.
I initially purchased a 4 bike platform rack (it was a different brand than Thule), but unfortunately there were defects and I couldn't use it. etrailer.com was excellent about returning it for a refund. I would definitely use etrailer.com again for the great customer service. After a lot of additional research, I decided to purchase the Thule Apex XT 5 bike hanging rack. I needed something that could hold 5 bikes. Here are my thoughts:
The Thule Apex XT arrived in one box and did not require many parts to assemble, so assembly was super quick and easy. However, the instructions are pictures only and my only minor issue was the key locks/plugs were not explained very well in the instructions. You have to use a control key to insert and keep the lock where it is supposed to go, and then you can use the locking keys that actually lock/unlock it afterward. Once that was clear, it was pretty much assembled.
Compared to the platform rack, this hanging rack takes up much less space, is lighter, and easier to hook up to your hitch. The assembly was much easier/quicker also.
I liked the simplicity of this rack. It fits either 1.25 or 2 inch hitches and the knob used to tighten the rack in the hitch is excellent. No tools were required. Just turn the knob and it expands the rack inside the hitch to fully tighten it and eliminate wiggle/rattle. There is a bar on the side of the rack that snaps into the hole in the side of your hitch for additional security. I have a 2 inch hitch and so didn't have to adjust anything, however if you have a 1.25 inch hitch, you'll have to slightly modify the rack first, which is covered in the instructions. I tried to wiggle the rack after fully tightening it and it felt very solid. Then you can use the key to lock the knob and after that the knob will just turn, but not actually loosen the rack. I thought this built in security feature was great.
The rack can be tilted or lowered away from your vehicle by simply using one lever near the base of the rack. Again, super simple and easy to use. You can't lower the rack away from the vehicle if the bikes are on it, unlike some platform racks, but that is something I'm willing to live with for the smaller size and ease of use for this rack.
The hanging arms are super easy to raise/lower by using one lever on the top of the rack. Inserting the straps to secure the bikes was also very easy. Each bike is secured by 3 straps. The rack has a built in cable to lock your bikes to the rack, which uses the same key. I really like that feature as well. When not in use the cable slides inside the main body of the rack.
I tested this rack with a men's fat tire bike and it fit great. You will likely need an adaptor bar if you have kids bikes or step-through bikes, etc. and plan on using all 5 spots. I also tested it with a kids bike and was able to get it on the rack fine, but the issue without having an adaptor bar for these smaller frames, is that it raises the rear tire higher than normal, which would then bump into the handle-bars from the previous bike on the rack---making them not fit. So, prepare for that, but there are plenty of adaptor bars out there for reasonable prices and the overall total cost will still be less than most platform racks.
After assembling a large 4 bike platform rack (at least until I ran into the defects), this hanging rack really impressed me with it's small, easy to use size and simplicity. These are not recommended for carbon frame bikes, but if you want something for non-carbon frame bikes that could actually hold enough bikes for the whole family, this is a great option. It also takes up a fraction of the space in your garage that the platform rack would. If all you have are carbon frame bikes, or only need a 2 bike rack, then I'd go with a platform rack. I plan on using this for family bike trips when I'm not using my carbon frame bike and when I need to be able to hold all 5 bikes. My garage space was also very limited, so this rack solved that problem as well.
I will have to add to my review after using it for much longer since it is brand new, but so far looks and feels like it will last a long time. I'm very happy with this purchase and would recommend it to others.
This is my first purchased from etrailer and I was happy with the transaction. Customer service and price matching guarantee was a great experience.
The Thule Apex 5 bike rack was easy to install. It appears firm but I did have to re-tighten a few times to ensure no movements. My only complaint are those zip tie straps holding down the bike. These straps appear cheap and will probably diminish in time in the sun. The zip tie straps are a pain to use; they can hurt your fingers.
This rack is also not kid bike friendly. The kid bike frames are too smaller and will not fit onto the rack.
Set up & installation is easy, heavy but easy. Loading & unloading bikes is not easy or quick. I'm not sure I will ever be able to fit 5 bikes, I just don't see how it's possible. Brake lines get snagged & pulled every single time coming on & off the rack. Kids bikes do not fit. The zip buckles that hold the bike in place are often impossible, they have to be in just the right place or you might not get them off when it's time to unload. I would recommend this to someone who only has large framed adult bikes & doesn't need to carry 5 at a time.
It rattles and moves too much on the drive. It was advertised as a two inch Hitch connection but came as a 1.5 inch with adaptor. Seems to be a much less stiffer main connection and may well have something to do with that. All other components seem fine and we’ll built.
Brooke M.
6/4/2021
Thank you for your review! This is a higher-end rack that does come with anti-rattle and so most of the time when someone is having trouble getting the bike rack to sit, they probably havent moved the rack around a little while tightening the anti-rattle. When bike rack anti-rattle devices are tightened properly you can actually move the backend of a vehicle around by shaking the bike rack. A good example of seeing how the rack should fit snuggly is in this video, starting at the 5.20 minute mark.
Helpful Links
Great place to order from! If your order is not in stock at the time you order they don’t charge you until your order has shipped. Great customer service, I called with a few questions and they were answered quickly! Our Thule bike rack is awesome and very easy to use. It’s tough fitting all five bikes on but not impossible. Overall, great purchase and great company to buy from!
Thule Apex XT 5 Bike Rack for 2" Hitches - Tilting
we love it! Perfectly fits our 4 bikes.
Easy to install!
I haven’t had experience with other brands and was between this and Yakima full tilt. Asking around local shops got the sense that Thule wins. I got it all together in about 20 minutes, and looks great. I mounted a couple bikes and it was more stable than I expected. Seems like it will hole up well and is flexible for the future. Very happy so far.
It is easy to attach the rack to our hitch and it quite sturdy. It is also easy to secure the bikes to the rack and the bikes remain very stable while driving when they are strapped in.
JJ W did a wonderful job helping me chose the hitch that would go well with my son's vehicle and that would work the best. My son said it works well and is easy to install. Thank you JJ W
The rack is sturdy but I find the straps difficult to open up once put in place around the frame. You need to leave a bit of slack on the strap in order to undo it.
I tried ordering this rack from REI and could NOT get it. I waited 2 months for them to finally cancel my order and not get a rack. etrailer got it to me in a months time (it was on backorder).
The notifications were great, after ordering and the price was awesome. The only reason it is not 5-stars is that I was not aware the item was not in stock at the time of purchase. Due to COVID, I cannot complain and will definitely use e-trailer in the future.
Product is very good. Directions could be a little clearer, but the rack is great for multiple bikes.
I have placed several order with etrailer. Excellent Service as always.
Quick shipping, Love our bike rack
Product is great!
Works very well
Very sturdy and a great price. The shipping was delayed but I know most companies are right now with COVID. I love that we can carry 5 bikes since that is the size of our family.
Do you have a question about this Hitch Bike Rack?
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Sierra K.
9/2/2021
I apologize for the issues your bike rack is causing you. First, as you probably know, bigger and heavier bikes should go on first, while smaller or lighter bikes should go on last, towards the front. Some may need adapter bars, if they are childrens or step through bikes. To make your bike rack less bouncy, you may need a stabilizing strap that comes off your vehicles trunk: part # 18050. Also, strapping your bike wheels together will keep them from banging up against each other: part # SA3033. Additionally, if you want to keep your bikes in tip-top condition, a platform rack is most appropriate. I do not know what size hitch you have since the rack you purchased fits both 1.25 and 2 inch. The downside to 1.25 platform racks is, because its a heavier rack, there are only 2 bike option carriers available like: part # C18085. If you have a 2 inch receiver, then you have more options in the link below:
Helpful Links
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