Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack

This is an extremely well-made and versatile product. You don't need an extra locking kit to hold it to the car or a cable and lock to keep the bikes from being stolen. It has its own locking mechanism that attaches it to the car that locks/unlocks with a key and its own locking cable built in. It will tilt or swing away from the car, if needed, to allow trunk access (not needed for my sedan). It holds the bikes very securely. I've had many racks through the years and the less expensive ones are definitely a step down. Very, very happy with it.

Bought this for my daughter and only unboxed and put on her vehicle. The unit seems sturdy and well-built. We scratched our heads a little bit before installing on just how it fastens to the hitch receiver. Basically slides in then wedges itself in with screw threads. A bit sceptical at first, once tight it held nicely and has a secondary pin that goes into the normal hitch pin hole. So once the smoke cleared, it installs solidly into your hitch so that you don't have the worrying wobble or movements if held in with just a thru-hitch pin which always has some slop. And looking in your rearview to see your bikes wobbling around is never confidence-inspiring. So, while that is all the experience I have, I like this. I'd buy one for my own use. Also the bike attachment stuff looked confidence inspiring as well, just didn't try it!

The rack is sturdy and I don't have to worry about the security of my bikes. It has a lock, but I don't know how strong it is. Certainly, it works as a deterrent. I like how it folds away from the tailgate, however, I drive a jeep so I don't get much of a benefit from that. If I drove a hatchback, I believe it would fold away far enough to get the hatch open.My biggest complaint is that the straps are difficult to undo when they are holding the bike down. I have big fingers and it's just a difficult process. I tried to change out their straps with a Voile strap, but it wouldn't fit through the mechanism. But, if someone was trying to steal my bike off the rack, they would also have a hard time undoing the strap...silver lining.

I love this bike rack! I use it to transport a Bob brand jogging stroller, not bikes, and it has exceeded my expectations in almost every way. It’s a bit heavy, so it takes a bit of an effort to slide it into the hitch, but once it’s on, it doesn’t move. It’s solid, and can hold a lot of weight.I love the tilt feature because I have a large dog that rides in the back of my Outback. It is heavy to tilt with the stroller attached, but I manage alright.The only problem I have is with the plastic straps that cinch down the bike frames. I find it difficult to squeeze the sides while loosening the straps, especially in the cold weather. Otherwise, I really like this bike rack.

Great, sturdy, high quality bike rack. Easy to set up and use.

The quality of the product for the price paid is abysmal. I picked this over Allen Sport bike rack which is less than half this price and lasted longer than this product. The metal sheered at the bottom and luckily I was able to see that before my 4 bikes would drag on the freeway. Never again this brand.. The design is not good for a 5 bike rack.. I would give 0 star but the rating requires atleast 1 star selected

I've had many bike carriers over the years. Cutting to the chase, this is by far the best carrier I've owned. It's advertised as a 4-bike carrier - that, however, I'd like to see. It does mount 3, large bikes fairly easily (with a little creative nudging and fudging) - but it is possible. Four bikes? I just can't see it.Nevertheless, this unit mounts rock-SOLID (no "dancing" bikes) and has a safety cable that's EASY to use. So, no bikes are going to be flying off the back of your carrier (as did one of our bikes just a few weeks ago using a different brand of carrier!)The ergonomics of this carrier are phenomenal - well thought-out and engineered. Easy access to the vehicle's rear door / tailgate, etc. via an easy-release lever. Also the arm (on which the cradles are mounted) folds down and locks into place neatly when not in use.The bike cradles are a bi-mount format that lock the bike securely to both the cross-bar and center post, so no bike swaying.Compatible with both 2" and 1.25" receivers - no adapter needed due to ingenious design.I love it - don't bother looking further, this is the one!