Should Bikes be Installed with Rear Wheel at the Hook Location for the T2 Pro XT

Question:

Hi. On the Thule T2 Pro XT, the recommended position for the bike is to place the front wheel on the carrier and ratchet it down. And then tie down the rear wheels using the provided strap. Can I instead reverse the bike position, i.e. place the rear wheels on the carrier, and tie down the front wheels using the strap? The reason I am asking this is because, typically, its more safe and stable if the rear wheels is held more firmly when compared to the front wheels as it is free to rotate at the handlebar. At least, that is the recommended position when you simply lean your bike on a floor stand. Thanks

asked by: Hari

Expert Reply:

That is an excellent question.

The reason that you want to put the front wheel where the hook sits is because it keeps the front wheel from rotating at all. When you used a kickstand on a bike the front wheel usually spins. By keeping the front wheel in place so that it cannot rotate you are just ensuring that the bike stays still during transit on the Thule T2 Pro XTR # TH83JV.

The comforting fact is that every single wheel mount bike rack is designed so that the front wheel is were the hook is installed plus Thule is one of the leading bike rack companies out there so they really know what they are doing.

Attached is a test video so you can see how stable the bikes are during travel.

expert reply by: Jon G