Latest news with #Thule
Car and Driver
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Best Hitch Bike Racks for 2025, Tested
We tested these bike racks the only way that matters: by actually using them. We assembled each one, mounted it on a vehicle, loaded it with everything from lightweight road bikes to fat-tire e-bikes, and drove over city streets filled with the kind of potholes that would likely count as craters on the moon. We tilted them, folded them, cursed at their hardware, and figured out which racks would make our weekends easier—and which made us question our career choices. Some bike racks impressed us with their precision and polish. Others reminded us that a low price often comes with compromise. But every one of these hitch-mounted racks was put through the same gauntlet, and we've ranked them based on what matters most: ease of use, bike compatibility, stability on the road, and whether you'd actually want to live with it long-term. Key Takeaways Our Best Overall pick was the Thule Verse 2 because of its versatility in stowing a wide range of bikes, its reliable locking system, and its robust materials and construction. pick was the because of its versatility in stowing a wide range of bikes, its reliable locking system, and its robust materials and construction. The Yakima StageTwo was a close runner-up because it has the build quality and polish of a high-end rack, but with a more user-friendly design that's simple, effective, and quick to use; we especially liked the squeeze-handle tilting mechanism. was a close runner-up because it has the build quality and polish of a high-end rack, but with a more user-friendly design that's simple, effective, and quick to use; we especially liked the squeeze-handle tilting mechanism. The Küat Piston Pro X earns the Best Premium badge with performance, polish, and usability that's second to none; it's pricey but worth every penny. Things to Consider Not all hitch-mounted bike racks are created equal. Once we started testing them back to back, it became clear how much subtle (and not-so-subtle) variation there is between models. Here's what really matters once you get past the marketing: Hitch Compatibility Like hitch receivers, hitch bike racks come in 1.25- or 2.0-inch versions. Some models are available in both sizes, some come with an included adapter, and others might only be compatible with a single-size hitch receiver. While hitch compatibility varies by model, nearly any rack can be made to work with any vehicle using inexpensive aftermarket adapters, so long as you're mindful of your vehicle's and the rack's weight ratings. That said, adding an additional adapter adds yet another friction point in the process that you may not want to deal with. Pro Tip: If you're looking for a hitch adapter, this from MaxxHaul is a reasonably priced choice from a company we've had positive experiences with. It's also available in a . Bike Compatibility Not every rack fits every bike. When we originally planned out this test, we meticulously collected bikes with various wheel sizes with the thought that wheel diameter would be the biggest indicator of compatibility. As it turns out, that wasn't the case. Instead, we found out things like wheelbase, whether the bike had fenders, and frame design were the key determining factors more than anything else. Specifically, here are a few issues we ran into that you might want to consider when looking for a bike rack for your hitch: Step-through frames , which often require a separate adapter bar , which often require a separate adapter bar Carbon-fiber frames , which shouldn't be clamped directly , which shouldn't be clamped directly Fat tires , which require racks rated for wider tires (3.5–5.0 inches wide) , which require racks rated for wider tires (3.5–5.0 inches wide) Small kids bikes , which many platforms can't accommodate , which many platforms can't accommodate Bikes with fenders, which didn't always play nice with the ratcheting fold-down mechanism that folds over tires Load Capacity E-bikes and larger cruiser bikes can easily weigh north of 60 pounds. If that's your cargo, look for racks rated for 60 pounds per tray or more. Anything less and you're risking damage to the rack—or worse. Access to Rear Hatch or Tailgate The best racks tilt down or swing away even when loaded, so you can grab gear from the cargo area, trunk, or truck bed without unloading bikes. Some do this easily; others turn it into an upper-body workout. Ease of Use You'll be loading and unloading bikes a lot. Some racks are intuitive and quick to operate; others have fiddly locks, tricky ratchets, or awkward arms that don't quite cooperate. Storage Footprint When not in use, how much space does it eat up? Racks that fold flat against the vehicle or stand upright are easier to live with than those that demand their own ZIP code in your garage. Security Some racks offer integrated locks for both the rack and the bikes. Others don't. In this test, we saw everything from beefy keyed mechanisms to Velcro straps and prayers. Best Hitch Bike Racks
Car and Driver
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Tested: How Rooftop Boxes and Hitch Carriers Affect Fuel Economy
In working to find the best hitch-mounted cargo carriers, we tested to see how roof boxes and hitch-mounted carriers affect fuel consumption We ran back-to-back tests with our long-term Toyota Grand Highlander, first carrying a Yakima EXO SwingBase hitch carrier, then a Thule roofbox. The hitch-mounted carrier was the clear winner, returning 25 mpg compared with 21 mpg for the rooftop carrier. Welcome to Car and Driver's Testing Hub, where we zoom in on the test numbers. We've been pushing vehicles to their limits since 1956 to provide objective data to bolster our subjective impressions (you can see how we test here). If you've ever looked at an electric car and wondered why so many of them have flush-mounted door handles, the reason is to reduce aerodynamic drag. It's the same reason you see cyclists wearing funny helmets and Olympic speed skaters wrapped in skin-tight spandex. It's also why hitch-mounted cargo carriers are generally viewed as a more fuel-efficient alternative to rooftop carriers. Since our Gear Team was already working on a test of the best hitch-mounted carriers, we decided to put the numbers to the test to see just how much more fuel a roof box burns. See Long-Term Photos Michael Simari To keep things fair, we ran back-to-back highway fuel-economy tests on our long-term Toyota Grand Highlander. For the hitch-mounted test, we selected the Yakima EXO SwingBase carrier equipped with Yakima's GearLocker. The carrier and locker weigh 93 pounds combined and together measure 59.5 inches wide. As for the roofbox, we pulled an older Thule model down from the storage rafters in our HQ garage and then mounted it to a set of Thule SquareBar Evo crossbars. The box itself weighed 42 pounds and measured 90.0 inches long. The test results were clear: The Grand Highlander averaged 25 mpg with the hitch-mounted carrier but only 21 mpg with the rooftop box attached, a significant 4-mpg difference. Michael Simari Michael Simari We ran a similar test on our long-term 2022 Kia Carnival back in 2023. After continuing to be disappointed by subpar fuel-economy figures, we decided to do some digging and test the Carnival with and without the factory crossbars. With the crossbars attached, our initial highway fuel-economy test returned 25 mpg. With the bars removed, that number jumped to 28 mpg. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio
Business Insider
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Business Insider
Our favorite gear is discounted for REI's Anniversary Sale: Thule, Garmin, and more
Whether you like to explore the outdoors by bike, in the water, or on foot, REI is the place to get all of the gear you need. If you're in the process of planning your next outdoor adventure, you're in luck. Now's the perfect time to stock up with REI's 2025 Anniversary Sale. From now until May 26, REI is running its biggest sale event of the year. The sale features sitewide discounts of up to 30% on popular brands like YETI, Vuori, Patagonia, and more. While you don't need to be an REI Co-op member to shop the sale, members can save even more by applying the promo code ANNIV25 at checkout to get an extra 20% off one full-price item and one REI Outlet item. See our roundup of the best REI coupons to stay up to date on the latest promotions. With over 1,000 products included in the sale, you might be overwhelmed by your options. Luckily, some editor favorites are among the markdowns. "I'm very picky when it comes to what frames I put on my face. I'm subject to headaches when I wear heavy or stiff glasses, and I often don't like how frames look on my face. I'm also not the type to take very good care of my glasses. That's why I can so happily report that I love my Sunski Dipseas," says Sarah Saril, deals and how-to-watch editor on the Reviews team. "They're super lightweight, but don't sacrifice strength and durability. I've put my pair through the wringer; I've left them loose in my backpack, shuffled them around in purses, and even forgotten them in moving boxes. They've emerged unscathed every time, ready for the next adventure I take them on." Saril is also a fan of Thule's Motion 3 Roof Box. "I love travelling and camping with my dogs, but when you have three of them to cart around for hours at a time, it leaves very little space left for luggage. That's why I invested in a roof box from one of the biggest names in the business: Thule," she says. "I own the older version of the Thule Motion 3 XL Roof Box, which improves upon my model with a more aerodynamic form factor. This thing is a lifesaver and stores a shocking amount very securely within its shell. Installation requires at least two pairs of hands, but once it's on top of your car, it's not difficult to load up. It's a worthwhile purchase at full price, but with a $200 discount, it's even more so." "I've been running for over 10 years, and getting a Garmin Forerunner a few years back was an absolute game changer. I use the Forerunner 55, which is a bit older than the Forerunner 165," says Lillian Brown, associate streaming editor on the Reviews team. "I wear the watch every single day and use it to track my outdoor runs through GPS and my indoor runs on the treadmill. In addition to the watch's great battery life, I'm a big fan of the body battery and heart rate features, which help me determine how I slept and how well I'm recovering post-run." Some items might sell out before the sale ends on May 26, so add your favorites to your cart while you can. Note that the prices shown here reflect the prices for non-members. If you're a member, be sure to apply the promo code at checkout to see the correct discount reflected. Anniversary Sale at REI for more deals.
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
FIT4MOM® Announces Thule as the Official Stroller Partner
FIT4MOM® partners with Thule as its official stroller, teaming up to support active moms with stylish strollers, workouts, and exclusive giveaways. 'Thule is a perfect match—offering beautifully designed, durable strollers that move with moms through every workout and every milestone.'— Lisa Druxman, Founder and CEO of FIT4MOM SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, May 12, 2025 / / -- FIT4MOM®, the nation's leading prenatal and postnatal fitness company, is proud to announce its newest partnership with Thule, naming it the official stroller of FIT4MOM. This exciting collaboration brings together two powerhouse brands committed to supporting active families on the move. Moms can expect to see Thule's sleek, high-performance strollers featured in FIT4MOM marketing, classes across the country, and exclusive giveaways. Whether strolling through a Stroller Strides workout or taking on the day's adventures, FIT4MOM and Thule are teaming up to make fitness more accessible—and stylish—for modern moms. 'We've always been proud to align with brands that share our mission of supporting moms in every stage of motherhood,' said Lisa Druxman, Founder and CEO of FIT4MOM. 'Thule is a perfect match—offering beautifully designed, durable strollers that move with moms through every workout and every milestone.' The partnership will bring exciting opportunities for FIT4MOM members and communities, including: Exclusive giveaways and promotions for moms in our village Spotlight features on FIT4MOM's social channels and email campaigns Increased visibility of Thule gear in live workouts, digital content, and events Thule's commitment to quality, safety, and modern design aligns perfectly with FIT4MOM's values. Together, they're not just making movement possible—they're making it safe and easy. To learn more about FIT4MOM and find a class near you, visit For more about Thule's award-winning strollers, visit ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ About FIT4MOM® FIT4MOM is the nation's leading company for pre and postnatal fitness, wellness, and community. With programs designed for every stage of motherhood, FIT4MOM helps moms find strength in motherhood through fitness classes, wellness resources, and a supportive community. About Thule The Thule brand was established in Sweden, in 1942. Under the motto Bring your life, Thule globally offers a wide range of premium products for active people that allow them to bring what they care most for – safely, easily and in style. The products are sold in more than 138 countries. Thule is the largest brand in Thule Group. Lisa Druxman FIT4MOM [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Business Insider
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Thule Group upgraded to Buy from Hold at Jefferies
Jefferies upgraded Thule Group (THUPY) to Buy from Hold with a price target of SEK 290, down from SEK 340. The firm says that despite growing concerns about a potential recession in the U.S., Thule has shown 'resilience through stable performance in Europe.' With the stock's valuation 'nearing historic lows,' Jefferies upgrades the shares to Buy. Protect Your Portfolio Against Market Uncertainty Discover companies with rock-solid fundamentals in TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter. Receive undervalued stocks, resilient to market uncertainty, delivered straight to your inbox.
