Holdfast vs Thule

[VicanZA]

Ive got the thule 3 bike, but the truth is only 2 bikes fit unless you remove seats and turn the handlebars. 

 

it's all traffic circles and roundabouts. 

[Pure Savage]

For me 12k of rack is justified when carrying +R300k of bikes.

Do you not insure your bikes? If one falls, new 200k bike

[IH8MUD]

12k ? For a bike rack? 

 

Eish . . . . looks like I'll have to dig out the grinder and welder again and DIY a bit. 

 

Some over engineerd DIYing  will carry my el-cheapo bikes just as good. 

[Longbarn Killer]

Only thing I would replace my Thule with, is another Thule (and it would have to have been stolen, then...).

 

The tilt function is absolutely priceless (a number of friends have since sold their hanging racks, one of which was also a Thule, to replace with tilting). Sturdy, trustworthy product. But what clinches the deal for me, is after-sales service. Had a problem with one of the holding arms, and 3 years after purchase it was replaced without quibbling, and without me being able to produce proof of purchase.

 

In my opinion, goedkoop koop is duur koop... I've never regretted forking out a bit more for the Thule - how many bike racks are you going to be buying in your lifetime?

My Holdfast has a tilt function too. It's not unique to Thule. The nice thing with Holdfast is that you don't have to replace the whole rack just to get a tilt function. You can just replace the bracket for a few hundred Rand

[slickandtyred]

Saris also tilts and actually fits 3 bikes. Quick loading. R6k

 

...and good to support the okes at bicyclepower / cycleops

 

Good service

[cadenceblur]

I had the old Thule Euroride 3 bike carrier. Was rear ended And the carrier took the knock, while it was damaged, it protected my bicycle. Bought the new Velo compact as a replacement, works perfectly. Thule have also come out with bike protectors for those with carbon frames. The only concern I have is that I hear a lot of stories of bikes been stolen off locked Thule racks. I lock mine with a u Lock in addition to the locks supplied with the rack.

[cadenceblur]

https://www.thule.com/en/za/bike-rack/accessories/thule-carbon-frame-protector-984-_-984000

[Pulse]

I had the old Thule Euroride 3 bike carrier. Was rear ended And the carrier took the knock, while it was damaged, it protected my bicycle. Bought the new Velo compact as a replacement, works perfectly. Thule have also come out with bike protectors for those with carbon frames. The only concern I have is that I hear a lot of stories of bikes been stolen off locked Thule racks. I lock mine with a u Lock in addition to the locks supplied with the rack.

I prefer the old Euroway to the Velo compact.

Do you know if the local afents stock those frame protectors? I've never seen them

[cadenceblur]

I prefer the old Euroway to the Velo compact.

Do you know if the local afents stock those frame protectors? I've never seen them

no idea

[FrankG]

Only ever had Thule roof racks and bike carriers so cannot comment on the other brands, but the fact that I only ever used and would ever use Thule is a testament to their products. High quality, easily replaceable parts, features such as one lock system for up to 8 locks, tilt on bike carriers etc. Fantastic service from my local dealer as well.

 

Other brands may be as good, but I felt Thule were worth the premium. I always saw it as an investment as although their prices go up every year, so does the second hand value if you want or need to upgrade because of n+1 or different car.

[Claudenova]

I'm also looking for a platform bike carrier, had the same question and the answer seems to be brand preference. They all do the same thing and equally well (generally speaking and relative to similar model comparisons) from what I'm reading. Seems competition has caught up to the front runner. Uber has partnered with Holdfast in a pilot project to cart client and bike. That in my mind is a big testimonial for holdfast. Tilt seems a big OTT since its already convenient. All I want is easily secure bike, lock bike, carry bike and race for gold! Price is not an issue. Global website deals including all costs seem to price Thule close to holdfast on the 2 bike option. Whichever is cheapest on the day and easiest to purchase is my next step. Actually getting a towbar fitted is lol if anyone has suggestion that will be much appreciated

[mazambaan]

Ok so I have only had the Thule after various hanging racks. Bought 2nd hand but still pricey. Very good quality but a little heavy, lock on function and security on the tow ball is very good. Tilt function is great; straps a bit short (the newer ones have longer, ratchet type straps that are better).  Fitting different mtb bikes, 27.5 and 29" is a pain; the 190mm spacing between bikes quoted earlier should probably have been 210mm or something as I have had some rubbing and gouging.

 

Not quite the Rolls Royce.

[Eddy Gordo]

Hi Hubbers,

 

I'm looking to upgrade to an bike carrier that fits on a tow bar and can carry 3 bikes. This would be my first time using a carrier that fits on the towball and I have some "trust" issues. 

 

My two options are between the Holdfast one and the Thule one. I want to know if the holdfast carrier would do the job for a better price or should I spend more and buy the Thule carrier.

 

I want the Thule one, but the Holdfast would be better for my budget.

 

Thanks for the help

That holdfast one looks nice. Apart from the fact that it does not have locking arms like the Thule. I see a way better design. I have the thule and have to use noodles in between the bikes to prevent them scratching/ frame rubbing each other. The Holdfast one looks like the bikes are decently spaced apart.

[Eddy Gordo]

Ive got the thule 3 bike, but the truth is only 2 bikes fit unless you remove seats and turn the handlebars. 

 

it's all traffic circles and roundabouts. 

Exactly my problem as well. I only carry 2 bikes on it and if I really really have to, I use pool noodles around the forks and the rear stays.

I think the Thule ones are designed more for a road bike than a Mtb as far as space between bikes is considered.

 

The holdfast one in the pic does not need the tilt function as the upright arms fold out of the way to open the boot. Thule had this design with their older racks before they started to incorporate the clamping arms

[Eddy Gordo]

http://www.towbarworld.co.uk/RideOn%20Bike%20Rack2.jpg

[Spoke101]

A bit off topic but wold love to get hold of one of these but due to it's length approach and departure angles would be a nightmare unless on a big SUV.