Which Thule 2-Bike Rack?

Well this is interesting.....

As a general rule, I always call the OEM tech support line before I make a major investment in a product. Thule's tech support had approx. a 12 minute on-hold time. The person I spoke with seemed knowledgeable and I followed up with additional questions. Below is the response I received (Answers earlier than the questions - recommend that you read in reverse):

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Response (Thule Support) - 09/16/2009 04:23 PM

Good day Andrew,

1- It will be upgraded next to accommodate bigger wheels

2- Yes it is true you need to deflate the tires on bigger bikes but it will be resoles next years with the new rack, thank you.

Customer (Andrew) - 09/13/2009 05:45 PM

Hello, I'm just on the verge of purchasing a new Thule bike rack, the T2 2-bike to be specific. I have two questions:

1) Is there a new version of this rack coming out soon (like a 2010 model)? Alternatively, are there any plans to upgrade / enhance this rack or will it remain the same for at least the next year?

2) The following is a review on Amazon. I usually take these comments with a grain of salt, but since I have a larger bike, I ask that you confirm this issue regarding larger tire brace compatibility:

(from Amazon reviewer): The T2 is not perfect though: 1) (a terrible oversight by Thule designers) the locking front wheel arm DOES NOT handle fully inflated 700x32c (and larger) tires UNLESS you deflate the air volume by at least 30-50%. This is a pain because you must deflate the tire upon mounting it and then reinflate the tire upon arrival to your destination. The length of ratcheting notches does not extend far enough up the arm - if you have one you know what I mean. I had to buy another floor pump to keep in the van specifically for this purpose.

Full review here:
http://www.amazon.com/Thule-Transpo...rtBy=bySubmissionDateDescending#RW4AM38FT2MLB

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While I'm disappointed in this Thule T2 short coming, I am encouraged that tech support acknowledged this issue and provided direction on an upcoming fix. I have three 29" bikes and with winter coming soon, I think I will wait on my T2 purchase until the 2010 model is available.

T2 and Thelma Tray Racks

I use the T2 on "B1ke Box" and my daughter has the Thelma on her CR-V. About 5 years experience with the T2 and 2 years with the Thelma. Unless you always plan on having bikes with top tubes nearly parallel to the ground then you should select a tray / platform rack like the T2 or Thelma. The Thelma was designed specifically for women and is the lightest, easiest rack I've ever used. Mostly plastic with aluminum reinforcement but so far has held up better than the Saris CycleOn rack it replaced. Very easy to put on and take off, so if you only use the rack occasionally this is a significant benefit.

The only issue we've had is with the front wheel enclosure. If you have a front fender you will have to remove it to get a secure fit and/or not damage the fender, and it does not work well with 20 inch front wheels (found on some recumbent and youth bikes).

FYI, you may want to check out somebody else's T2. I was on a trip w/friends who ride 29ers this summer and we put one on his T2. We just had to rock the bike a little to the side, then swung the arm about 6" from the head tube and then slipped the wheel in under the arm. It's sort of at the apex of the motion that you have issues sliding the arm over the tire. Once it gets in close to the headtube it worked. There was about 2 minutes of head scratching at 6 am first try. :twisted: IIRC he was running WTB's which were fatties. It was obviously effortless with a 26er, and there is a solution coming to make 29er's effortless, but if you find a deal on an older model it just may work.

I love mine, it's heavy as hell, expensive, but works on all my bikes, cruisers, friend's w/thru axle forks, etc.

PS, the reason to go with the snug-tite...all locks (2 ratchet arms & receiver) can be keyed the same. Or you can even key them to your roof rack or roof box if you have a Thule one.