Thule has a reputation for testing their products beyond what’s normal. Sometimes that means a product is delayed as they find little things they can make better.
In this case, the product was delayed for almost two years. In fact, I went to a launch event for the new Thule Verse hitch bike rack in 2023. That wasn’t the only press launch for it.
But now, here we are in Spring 2025 and the Verse is finally real, replacing the Thule T2 Pro XTR as their top-of-the-line tray style hitch bike rack. So…
What’s new with the Thule Verse?
The new Thule Verse has four key upgrades from the T2 Pro XTR:
- Tire hooks use easy-to-squeeze levers rather than buttons
- Sliding tire cradles rather than fixed position
- Fits longer wheelbases (1350mm vs 1270mm)
- Thicker integrated lock cable with better placement
- It has new optional taillight and workstand kits
Both are rated for bikes up to 60lbs each, 120lbs total, and both are rated for off-road and RV use.
The sliding tire cradles are a nice touch. Some racks let you loosen the mounting bolts and slide each tray left or right, then re-tighten them, but this assumes you’re putting the same set of bikes in the same place every time.
Here, the front tire cradle adjusts 6″, more than enough to prevent handlebar and saddle interactions.
This lets them space the bikes slightly closer together (11.4″ versus 12.5″ on the T2), which is good because this rack sticks out considerably further from the vehicle than the T2:
That distance from the rear of the vehicle can be a lot for standard vehicles, but it has a couple of benefits:
First, it allows more access to rear hatches, especially with the rack tilted downward…it should be enough for almost any SUV’s rear door to open all the way up. This doesn’t work quite as well for my GX’s side-opening rear door, but it was still more than enough to reach in and grab something.
Second, it creates space for any gear you may have mounted to your rear. Spare tire? Jerry cans? Trasharoo? They should all fit.
It’s a little tighter when the rack is empty and folded up, but let’s be honest, you’re probably not keeping it on there for travel without bikes.
The rack weighs 58 pounds, about six pounds more than the T2 Pro XTR, but fortunately Thule makes an add-on wheel dolly you can click onto it for easier transitioning in and out of your garage.
The Verse fits longer bikes, which is good as enduro mountain bikes keep getting longer and slacker, pushing wheelbases longer.
The rear tire cradle slides freely, and the wheel strap is extra long to fit up to 5″ fat bike tires without needing any extensions or replacements…a nice touch.
The lever-style release moves smoothly and easily. I’m so used to the T2’s button that I’m retraining muscle memory for releasing the tire hook, but I do like this better.
Thule puts rubber inserts in the hooks, which is good because despite their claims of “no frame contact”, it will almost certainly touch your fork somewhere. Not a huge deal, but it is a wear point, so if you are going on long trips, maybe put some clear protective tape on your fork there, or keep a soft (clean!) cloth between in.
Assembly & Install Notes
The Verse comes tightly packed, using minimal plastic. The top left photo shows all of the plastic used except the three packing strips keeping the box closed for shipping. Not bad.
The wheel trays bolt through the central beam using two bolts each. The rack comes with two (plastic) clips that hold them in place while you bolt them together.
Thule recommends keeping them just in case, but unless you plan on disassembling your rack, you really don’t need to. So, I guess that’s a bit more plastic…handy, but you could also just have a friend help hold the trays while you bolt them on.
Once bolted in place, snap two cover plates on to hide the hardware and you’re basically done. Took me about 15 minutes, including taking photos.
It comes with a 12mm-thick rubber-coated cable lock that’s long enough to get around both frames, then click into this hole on the center beam. It’s keyed the same as…
…the AutoAttach system’s tightening lever. Unlock it, pull out the lever and use it to expand a wedge inside the hitch to eliminate wobble.
You can’t just spin it all the way around because it hits the bottom of the rack, but it pulls outward to “detach”, so you can spin it backwards without loosening it, then forward to tighten it. Once it’s snug, fold the lever back and lock it into place, preventing anyone from loosening and taking the rack.
Thule uses a spring-loaded hook to catch the security pin hole and prevent the rack from sliding out. It works, but if you want something more secure, leave it flipped open and put a standard pin through there.
Pricing & Options
My test rack came with the repair stand accessory, which holds one bike off the back of the rack for easy repairs.
It works by cantilevering your seatpost between two cradles, so you’ll need about 7″ of post (or seat tube, or a combination thereof) to use it.
Those cradles attach to the rear tire hook’s arm, bolting around it and using that arm’s shape to keep it from sliding or twisting. It’s a pretty clever design, and shows that Thule was designing all of their accessories simultaneously with the rack. For example…
…the workstand kits comes with a locking switch that bolts onto the swivel for the rear arm. Remove the standard cover, slide the locking kit on, and bolt it into place. This lets you lock the rear tire hook arm into an upright position so it won’t flop down once a bike is loaded into it. Once done, unlock it and move the hook like normal.
Parting Thoughts
Normally, I use something like this for at least six months, usually longer. But I’m comfortable recommending the Thule Verse after a shorter time for several reasons:
First, I know how long they’ve been working on this, and Thule doesn’t release a bike rack until it’s been severely torture tested. This one’s rated for off-road and RV use, and it seems rock solid.
Second, I’ve had a T2 Pro XTR for many years and basically left it on my vehicle, outdoors, in all weather, year-round, and it’s never had an issue. I’m confident this one will perform just as well, for just as long. And if not, Thule has a lifetime warranty.
Third, the updated features make it easier to use on a wider variety of bikes. You can still get the T2 Pro XTR for $150 less, but if you’ve got the means, I’d splurge and upgrade to the Verse.
MSRP is $949.95 for 2″ and 1.25″ hitches, with a 2-bike extension coming soon. Available now direct, but I’d grab it from REI to get free local pickup and earn that 10% Co-op reward.
Be the first to comment