Thule UpRide
Quick Verdict
Hauling bikes without touching the frame (carbon or delicate frames), car trips, family/group use where the same bike type is transported frequently
Very heavy e-bikes (over the 44 lb limit), drivers of very tall SUVs (hard to lift/load), bikes with full front fenders, frequent swapping between wildly different bike types
Key Specifications
About This Gear
The Thule UpRide is an excellent bike rack for family camping trips. It securely holds your bikes in place without frame contact, making it suitable for various bike styles. However, it requires a roof rack system to install, and loading and unloading heavy bikes can be a bit challenging.
Pros & Cons
Synthesized from expert reviews and user feedback
What People Love
5 positive findingsWheel-only contact (no frame/fork contact) protects carbon and delicate frames
Everyone agreesWide compatibility: fits 20"–29" wheels and up to 3" tires (5" with optional adapter)
Most reviewersSecure, stable hold with padded rear strap; holds bikes well over bumps/highway speeds
Everyone agreesEasy assembly/installation and folds flat for compact storage
Most reviewers
Things to Consider
6 considerationsLoading is fiddly at first; learning curve to set the forward wheel hook and arms
Most reviewersRequires lifting the bike onto the roof (difficult for heavy bikes or tall vehicles)
Most reviewersFront-hooks don't lock open when empty (no open-lock position)
Some reviewersLock cores to secure rack to crossbars are sold separately
Most reviewers
Weather & Conditions
How this gear performs across different environments and seasons
Weather Performance
Climate Suitability
Excels In
- protecting carbon frames
- moderate temperatures and all-season use
- low-profile storage when folded
- wide wheel/tire compatibility (with adapter for fat bikes)
Limitations
- requires lifting bikes onto roof
- not suitable for bikes over 44 lb (most e-bikes)
- doesn't accommodate full front fenders without modification
- some users report wobble/noise at highway speeds
What People Are Saying
Aggregated insights from expert reviews and user feedback
Users generally praise the UpRide for protecting frames, wide bike compatibility, and durable construction; common complaints are a learning curve to load bikes, the need to lift bikes onto the roof, and occasional wobble or noise.
What Users Love
- wheel-only contact/frame protection
- durable build
- wide wheel/tire compatibility
- folds flat and relatively easy to install
Common Concerns
- initially fiddly loading
- requires lifting (harder on tall vehicles)
- lock cores sold separately
- some reports of wobble/noise
- owners report multi-year use with little wear; Thule limited lifetime warranty covers defects
- rare reports of clamp fracture or creaking after heavy use (isolated cases)
Fits 20"–29" wheels and up to 3" tires out of the box (5" with adapter); may be harder to operate on very tall roofs
Limited lifetime warranty; Thule support generally responsive with few users needing to file claims
Expert Reviews
Best for rear wheel protection; highlights the rubber-covered rear strap and easier bike loadingRead full review →
Another Great Rack — praised for no-frame-contact design and stability, but noted lock cores sold separately and a learning curveRead full review →
adequate but somewhat fussy; universal bike fit and frame-free design, yet awkward mounting processRead full review →
Ideal for carbon-frame owners and wide-tire bikes; not simplest to fasten or detach; moderate wobble often reportedRead full review →
Care & Maintenance
Keep your gear performing at its best with these tips
Maintenance Tips
Keep it in top condition- rinse salt/grit after winter use and dry before storage
- apply silicone spray to pivots and cam levers periodically
- check and re-torque clamps after first few miles and inspect straps/pads for wear
Watch Out For
Known issues to monitor- clamp/cam bolts can loosen if not checked
- rear strap wear or plastic cog wear over long use
- occasional creak/wobble reported by a minority
Alternatives to Consider
Compare with similar products that might better fit your needs
HighRoad
- more intuitive TorqueRight knob
- doesn't fit 20" kids' bikes
- comes with thicker cable lock
choose when intuitive loading and single-knob tightening for quicker swaps is a priority
Tomahawk
- typically lighter and cheaper
- front hoop may contact fork (not frame-free by default)
- supports fat tires up to 5" out of the box
choose for fat-bike compatibility and a sturdy, simpler wheel-mount design at a lower price
Roof Rack
- higher weight limit (can handle heavier bikes/e-bikes)
- all-metal construction with fewer plastic parts
- requires tools to adjust for different wheel sizes
choose if you need very high load capacity (can accommodate heavier bikes) and an all-metal robust design
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this gear