Thule ProRide Roof Bike Rack Review
After extensive internet research for an upright bike rack, we chose the Thule ProRide Roof Bike Rack because of its apparent universal bike compatibility and ease of use. Having tested the system for over a year, we can now share our findings with other potential buyers or those looking to upgrade their bike-carrying gear.
Design & Compatibility
The Scandinavian-designed aluminium frame of the ProRide is not only lightweight but also robust, providing a durable solution that actually complements our MINI Countryman vehicle's silhouette. We opted for the natural silver aluminium and black frame version of both the ProRide and Thule WingBar Evo rack, as the silver blends into the car’s roof bars of the same colour. An all-black anodised finish is also available for both, and when there aren’t any bikes mounted and the frame is folded, it’s rather discreet. There are many other fittings for various car rack designs available, and if you move to a vehicle with a different fitting, you only need to replace it with a different Thule fit kit, and the rest of the system can be migrated.
It's clear that Thule has prioritised both visual curvy contour appeal and practical usability in the ProRide's design. Evidently, some of this is with the intention of offering greater aerodynamics when bikes aren’t mounted, which we will get onto later. Both the bikes and bike rack can be locked onto the car, from individual sides too. It would take considerable effort and power tools for someone to take bikes that are secured this way; it’s without doubt the most secure external bike mount solution we’ve seen to date.
Assembly
Component boxes are intuitively labelled, making it easy to identify each part. The comprehensive manual, complete with clear diagrams, guides users through each step with precision. The first step was to install the Thule WingBar Evo, which is the roof bars upon which the ProRide is to be mounted, and of course, alternatively, it can be used to mount further accessories.
The Thule ProRide bike rack installs onto the Thule WingBar with a straightforward, tool-free mounting system. It uses a T-track adapter that slides into the WingBar’s top channel, securing with a simple tightening mechanism. It’s something that, of course, can be removed, but isn’t so simple that you’d do it every time you want to take bikes out, but maybe seasonally.
Performance
We’ve got a squad of bikes in all shapes and sizes here at the studio, some with racing-styled ultra-lightweight designs, all the way to chunkier electric ones with enormous and fairly heavy motors. The universal design of the Thule ProRide accommodates all of our bike sizes and tyre styles, making it a versatile choice for cyclists of all kinds. However, mounting the lighter bikes onto the roof of our MINI Countryman is manageable with one person; the heavier ones over 10kg definitely require four hands due to the vehicle and rack height.
But the speed of loading and unloading of bikes is only a few minutes, with the unique frame holder and wheel tray automatically positioning your bike correctly as you secure it. The adjustable dial with torque limiter knob controls the force applied to the bike frame, which, from all our usage, has ensured a secure hold without over-tightening. The adjustable padded clamps, which secure the bike's frame, are designed to minimise contact, thereby preventing any potential damage to the bike’s paintwork or frames. We’ve experienced absolute peace of mind using the Thule ProRide, with our bikes remaining totally safe and undamaged.
Of course, the major concern when you venture out onto the road with your bikes loaded onto a bike rack is how stable the rack and bikes will be. As a product designed for cyclists, there’s a good chance you’ll be going further afield onto more uncertain terrains when travelling to set out on two wheels. Yet, during transit with the Thule ProRide loaded, any anxieties within this area quickly evaporate; the rack holds the bikes firmly in place, minimising any movement even on bumpy roads or at high speeds. What’s more, we cannot detect any noise from the rack when in use, and when bikes aren’t mounted you are completely unaware of the rack being in place, with no noticeable change in our average fuel consumption.
Verdict
For us, the main obstacle when taking bikes on our vehicle has always been the speed of mounting and unmounting. The Thule ProRide system is fast and has rock-solid sturdiness whilst hosting all of our different bike designs, making even local routes an easily worthwhile prospect to head out to. For anyone in need of a reliable and stylish solution for bike transportation, the Thule ProRide is a worthy investment. Its combination of extremely robust construction, user-friendly features, ease of assembly, and aesthetic appeal positions it as a top contender, delivering peace of mind for both casual riders and cycling enthusiasts.
