Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack

Aside from being expensive, this is a really great bike transportation option. Once constructed (very little required, just need some open space), it attaches to the roof rack quickly (and detaches just as quickly). The main support beam feels sturdy and holds the bike in place nicely. The support beam clamp has rubber on it to protect the bike and the tightener-wheel has an internal torque control to let you know when it's torqued to spec (just turn until it clicks loudly twice).The wheel cradles are moveable, and can be set to a specific spot if you will only ever transport the same bike. They don't seem to cause problems if left free-floating though. The system is setup to be installed on the passenger side of the vehicle, but has instructions to change it over to the driver side. The instructions also explain how to use two simultaneously (mostly just know one bike will face backward since the support beam is going to be directly mounted to the front cross bar).Using a key-set, it can be locked to the bike, and the rack to the vehicle's cross bar, so as a minimum to key-lock the bike to the car, you'll need 4 Thule-compatible locks (two for the crossbar mounts, two for this). Overall this doesn't seem to cause much more noise than the cross bars themselves do, if anything it seems to help attenuate it, but that gets negated by the bike itself. For reference, I'm using Thule square cross bars.Getting the bike on and off is a breeze as well, even after long bike rides. Just lift the support beam to the approximate angle to attach (as low as possible/look at instructions), get the wheels in the cradles roughly, tighten the support beam clamp, then seat and strap in the wheels. To remove the bike, unstrap the wheels, then press the clamp release lever while supporting the bike, and then pull the bike off.

Pretty decent overall. The instructions were not exceptionally clear, but the rack was easy to install once I got everything lined up on roof-rack crossbars. I did install 2 Thule locks (sold separately)…and I agree with other reviewers - these items should be included as “standard equipment” with the rack. The wheel cradles were easy to move and adjust (be careful though - it is possible to push the end cap off and slide the wheel cradle completely off of the rail). This rack worked very well for carry children’s BMX-style bikes…closely spaced top frame tubes and down tubes can make it challenging to get the rack’s frame locking arm positioned correctly. Easy to use. I’d purchase this rack again, as well as recommend it to others.

The rack itself is great. However, it's very difficult to use if you're a shorter person or have a taller vehicle ... or both, like me. I installed this rack on a Volvo XC90 and it's impractical and unsafe for me to try to use it without a step stool or ladder.

My new bike has a through axle, but a small diameter one (6mm I think). I've always used fork mount carriers from Thule but had to find one that would work with the wheels on.The issue I have is getting the frame clamp aligned while trying to piece the bike in the carrier. I wish the frame clamp had more friction so I could set an angle and then place the bike.My advice if you can easily remove your front tire, get a fork mount carrier, it's easier to put the bike up and the bike will sit upright while you tighten it down.

I bought the Proride XT rack to replace an old Thule Big Mouth that I had for years. I had no problem installing the rack despite the less-than-fabulous instructions Thule provides. My big problem is loading the bike onto the rack. The first time I tried it took about 4 attempts. I hoped with a little experience things would get better, but it turns out 4 attempts is pretty much my best score. The Big Mouth was easy to load - it had a deep channel that ran the entire length of the rack. Once you got the tires into that channel, you could roll the bike back and forth to position it until you secured the bike with the tire and Big Mouth clamps. This rack has no channel. It has 2 shallow tire receivers that slide easily, presumably to allow for different size bikes. If you manage to hoist the bike and get them positioned correctly in these 2 moving targets - no easy task in itself - you will need to lean the bike toward you so the bike clamp can clear the pedals and frame. When I do that, the bike tires pop out of the receivers, and the bike falls (on me), I curse lot, and it's back to square one.So - what am I missing here? BTW - I'm loading a mountain bike, not a road bike.Follow up Oct 8, 2019: I'm now able to load the bike up first time every time, but getting to that took a fair amount of trial and error. I found that these steps worked for me:1. Hoist the bike up onto the two receivers.2. While holding the bike in place with one hand, fasten the wheel straps loosely.3. Lean the bike toward you until the rack clamp clears the frame.4. Position the rack clamp on the bike down tube.5. Stand the bike upright. Tighten the rack clamp and wheel straps.

It has been in use for almost one year and looks brand new! I leave the rack on the top of my car in the Midwest, which is holding up well. The rack has been exposed to all seasons and shows very little wear. The rack holds my bike well, and I have no worries while driving. I just completed a drive from Indiana to Virginia with my bike and never had an issue. Highly recommend!