Will Bikes Make Contact with Each Other When Installed on the Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack

Question:

I have two adult mtb and I want to know will they hit each other or touch at all while being on the bike rack. Some reviews say they hit and can scratch each others paint and if need be I will buy the thule that can hold 3 bikes just to make sure that they dont touch or scratch each other or my 2013 Nissan juke.

asked by: Hunter F

Expert Reply:

The short answer is that your bikes shouldn't make contact when installed on the Thule Passage 2 Bike Carrier # TH910XT. This bike rack has preventative measures with the no-sway cage accessories and adjustable cradle positions to help keep that from happening. The Passage also comes with extra straps you can use to tie off your front wheel to keep it in-line with the rest of your bike. I have attached a review video as well as a video of us taking the Passage out on our test course with 2 bikes loaded so you can see how stable they are.

A lot of customers don't realize that the bikes need to be installed facing opposite directions so that the handlebars and pedals are clear of each other. I suppose it is possible that your bikes could make contact if you are going up or down a pretty steep hill so if the extra spacing of the 3-bike Passage # TH911XT makes you feel a little more at ease then that may be the way you want to go.

Another great option is using a platform rack. For the longest time these were only available if you had a trailer hitch receiver but Thule came out with the Thule OutWay # TH65JV not that long ago and it is a confirmed fit for your 2013 Nissan Juke. It is set at a higher price point but this bike rack offers the platform style and clamps with RDT (road dampening technology) padding for the most secure and vibration-free ride a trunk mount bike rack can offer.

The OutWay also offers integrated bike and rack locks and is compatible with almost every bike frame style out there whereas you need the Passive Security Strap # TH533 and a cable lock # e98891 to secure your bikes and the Passage plus you may need the Adapter Bar # TH982XT if either of your mountain bikes doesn't have a horizontal top tube.