Not impressed

[Buffwhack]

I bought a second hand Thule Ride On - it is a few years old however the basics are there and it is in fair condition. No tilt function. I find there is a lot of movement from the bikes - is this normal? Also the centre folding arm does not make me feel happy,is it supposed to lockin to place, how safe is this carrier? Fits snug enough on the ball hitch (don't say that fast) but I resorted to using a bungee for extra security. I only loaded one bike and am a bit loathe to load two due to the movement and possible damage this may cause. Any tips or comments - please.

[Mongoose!]

Look careful at something before you buy it in future.

 

If it is a long distance buy : Look at a buddy's one, or go to the LBS.

 

Reed some reviews on the net, but only take note of the negative comments.

 

If not happy with it, sell again on the HUB but at lower price than you paid.

[Guest Big H]

I bought a second hand Thule Ride On - it is a few years old however the basics are there and it is in fair condition. No tilt function. I find there is a lot of movement from the bikes - is this normal? Also the centre folding arm does not make me feel happy,is it supposed to lockin to place, how safe is this carrier? Fits snug enough on the ball hitch (don't say that fast) but I resorted to using a bungee for extra security. I only loaded one bike and am a bit loathe to load two due to the movement and possible damage this may cause. Any tips or comments - please.

 

I do not know these carriers but take them to your closest stockist or agent for an inspection. They should give you the best advice.

 

Search here..... http://www.thule.co.za/Dealers/Default.aspx

[Inusc]

if it is the 970 ,then someone probably took it offroad and bent it!

[Buffwhack]

Thanks for the comments but perhaps I need to ask my question in a different way as the item was not bought long distance, sight unseen. It is in good condition, though used. It has been overlooked buy a Thule stockist and deemed fit.

 

I just find there seems to be a lot of rocking of the bikes especially when the road surface is not that good. I have been using the usual town bar bike caddy type carrier and do not like the set up as it gets awkward with the different frame types, especially with MTB's and not sufficient space with bottle cages etc.

 

So.......

 

Decided to buy one of these as they seem to be sought after ON THE HUB and have been well recommended on THE HUB. So it is not as if I went in to the purchase blind.

[djvr]

I have been using my thule for about 5 years. I have become used to the bikes rocking in the rear view mirror. I have not had any damage to any of my bikes. I have a 3 rack carrier.

[Dicky DQ]

I don't have the Thule, but the cheaper alternative.

Things to note on both:

1. On a bumpy road and going slowly, it does seem as as if the are seriously rocking and rolling. The faster you go the smoother they ride.

2. The arm does not lock into place on all but one of the Thule's that I have seen. The rest are just there to support the bike in a vertical position. the left to right is support is via the wheel ties.

3. The Thule sometimes swivels left to right if the goos-neck clamp is not set up properly.

 

but on the whole these racks are way good.

[Li Mu Bai]

No issues with my Thule.

Get over to the Thule shop closest to you and have them check it out. Service i have found so far is terrific, and very helpful.

[Growler1]

I have the 3 bike one and it doesn't really rock at all. Fairly stable if you ask me.

[Joe Low]

I bought a second hand Thule Ride On - it is a few years old however the basics are there and it is in fair condition. No tilt function. I find there is a lot of movement from the bikes - is this normal? Also the centre folding arm does not make me feel happy,is it supposed to lockin to place, how safe is this carrier? Fits snug enough on the ball hitch (don't say that fast) but I resorted to using a bungee for extra security. I only loaded one bike and am a bit loathe to load two due to the movement and possible damage this may cause. Any tips or comments - please.

Hi Buffy - I got one of these new for Xmas.

 

The centre arm is a funny design but it does work and doesnt lock. The whole thing depends on the wheels being tightly secured. Extra bungee is fine.

 

"A lot of movement" is not normal.

[Tjokkits]

there will be some rocking but should not be excessive. on mine when it rocked too much i once had a loose towbar and the other time some of the bolts on the rack were coming loose, so check all of that

[walker]

I had the same problem with bikes rocking. I find that locking the front brake with a strap around the bars and brake lever stopped most of the rocking. Also check that the bolts holding the centre arm are secure but not to tight as i managed to break one.

[Slowbee]

i have the basic thule, and yea, it takes some getting used to that the bikes rock. They do rock a bit - but not such that the wheels move. Its got to do with the centre arm part that also moves.

 

the newer versions which have the arm on the top to hold the frames seem to be the best.

[Buffwhack]

Phew - okay thanks for the comments. Case closed and happy cycling.............

['Dale]

I have been using my thule for about 5 years. I have become used to the bikes rocking in the rear view mirror. I have not had any damage to any of my bikes. I have a 3 rack carrier.

I Nevva get used to the shaking of my fiets in the rearview mirror.

Your post is reassuring.