Thule, the brand recognized for all things cargo-related, has a new bike rack out today and they’re confident the Epos can handle any and all types of bikes you want to haul on your next trip.
The Epos is a platform bike rack with a hitch attachment and it comes in 2- and 3-bike models. The Epos loads bikes onto a tray and it has telescopic bike arms with a pivoting head and reinforced straps that can attach to the frame, seat tube, or wheel to hold it upright. The new rack is essentially an updated version of the EasyFold XT or the European VeloSpace XT we tested in 2020—a much different type of rack than the Helium Platform XT we tested in 2021. We assume this will be a different target market than the Helium Platform XT as well, which competes with other platform racks like the Kuat Piston Pro X or 1UP USA tray rack.
Though this isn’t quite the simple and sleek tray rack, like the Helium Platform XT, there are a lot of features that many will appreciate. E-bikers can rejoice, the rack has a weight capacity of 132lb total for the two-bike model and 160lbs for the three-bike model.
I joined Thule for a product demonstration of the Epos in Arizona and though the trays look like they may be on the narrower side, Thule says the rack will fit bikes with wheel sizes from 16-29″ in diameter, with widths up to 3.2″ stock, and up to 5″ with an accessory strap. Bikes are spaced apart from each other by nearly 10″ and the rack will fit wheelbases up to 53″ long, or 1,346mm.
The Epos has a few features that make loading it or installing and removing it easier. A foldable loading ramp is available for the rack, making it easier to load those e-bikes up without inflicting some sort of injury upon yourself and the rack has wheels attached to it, so it can be wheeled in or out of the garage comfortably when it’s not in use. Thule also sells an Epos Light and Plate and an attachable Abus cable lock kit for added visibility and safety.
With the design and function of the Epos, the rack seems like a great fit for the more casual mountain biker or e-biker who wants something that doesn’t need to be mounted on a vehicle at all times that is easy to use and can be easily removed, with safety and convenience features like the light kit and ramp.
The Epos will be available on June 15 at Thule dealers. Two-bike models are $999, two-bike models with lights are $1,249, and three-bike models will sell for $1,099.
- Price: $999-1,249
- Buy from REI and Thule dealers.
