Thule Easyfold XT2 Towbar Mounted Cycle Carrier
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ส.ค. 2024
- I spent a few days researching towbar mounted cycle carriers and concluded that he best on the UK market was the Thule Easyfold XT2, also known as the Model 933. I bought mine from Freeborn Bikes and paid their advertised price. I have been so pleased with this bike carrier that I have made this video.
You should literally do product reviews, as you just explained this simply and answered all the questions - no soundtrack, no waffle, perfect!!
You are very kind. Cheers. Peter
This is how reviews ought to be done. Beautifully produced video and exquisitely explained subject matter.
You have made my day - many thanks for the very kind comments. Peter
The best review of a bike carrier on youtube! Concise, informative, not rushed, excellent. 🤙🏻 im looking into buying this one.
I cannot fault it and manage it easily even at my age. Cheers. Peter
I don't even have bikes but I still watched this entire thing. Love your videos.
Hi Brandon, Well done, many thanks. Peter
Came looking for bike rack reviews and who should I see in the search results but my favourite woodworker!
You are very kind. Cheers. Peter
Thanks for the video which is much better than Thule's own video on this model. You cleared up several questions I had about this model. I'm in Canada and I think the comparable Thule model here is slightly different because we don't have the legislation requiring lights and number plate. Nevertheless, our model is much the same. Many thanks, again, for a superb video!
Many thanks for the feedback. Cheers. Peter
Great video and demonstration - thank you so much.
Fantastico! I've ordered mine on the back of this excellent video - thank you.
I am delighted with the one that I bought and my son has the identical one as well and he is also very pleased. Good luck and happy cycling. Peter
Finally a good review of the XT model! It was excellent
Hi Sergi, Many thanks. It is a great bit of kit and is very easy to use. Cheers. Peter
Just bought this today , great video and so much easier to follow than the Thule manual that comes with the bike carrier.
Hi Steven, I have lost count of the number of times that I have used the carrier and am delighted with it - one of my very best cycling purchases. Cheers. Peter
Most straightforward review I've seen, well done
Many thanks. Peter
I’m in the process of installing a tow bar on my SUV and was considering which bike rack to use. This has confirmed my initial thoughts about the Easyfold and seems to be a better option to the Velospace. Really good video, very professional, thank you.
Hi Jo (?), Many thanks for that feedback. My son has also got one of these and he uses his more than me. We are both delighted with them. Cheers. Peter
Better than the official Thule video.
Thank you - I love this cycle carrier as it is so much safer and secure than those ones that seems to be just strapped to the back of cars. Cheers. Peter
Nice clear explanation and no jangling music either!
Glad you liked it!
Awesome!
NO one can" pitch" a product like our special woodworking friend Peter Parfitt.
If this continues, Heaven alone will tell how sought after you will become Peter. If any one is truly shopping; they WILL buy what you are selling. So different but so needed. Honesty and totally understandable.
Truly "Brilliant"!
We love you dear man; for what all you have shared with us. To tell you how good you are at presenting ANY product; I do not care for bicycling ah "tall" (as the Brits say); but even I got thrilled and thinking about doing it using this product. Now FEW could achieve that!
Hi Pat, This was an easy one to "pitch" - I really did spend some time researching the best on the market. I knew I had to be able to carry a pair of e-bikes and this was (and is) by far the best solution. You are so very kind to me and I really appreciate your kind words. Peter
That is a nice bit of kit. I don't think I have ever seen a bike carrier in the US that has a mount for the license plate. Good work as always, Peter.
It really is excellent and I say that having paid the normal price from Freeborn Bikes. Peter
Thank you for this really interesting and helpful video. We enjoyed watching it and are now sure about our decision which cycle carrier will be the right for us.
Hi Jasmin, Many thanks for the super feedback. Peter
Very clever design. Now I need to get myself a bike!
The design is brilliant and I can get the bikes on or off in about 2 minutes. Peter
What a great and well produced video. Thanks so much, really helpful. :-)
Hi Heather, Many thanks. Peter
Really informative. excellent vid
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. Covered everything I wanted to know
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant video and review, excellent system ...I bought one as well ...as it's also suitable for fat bike tire width which I needed .....Thank You
Excellent. Peter
Great informative video, had my doubts how secure these style of carriers (which just hang on the towball without swivelling around) would be. Nicely explained, thank you.
I must adit that I was worried about this but having used mine now for many trips, and over some very rough roads, it is as safe as houses. Cheers. Peter
Great video, very helpful and useful before I make my purchase. Thanks for taking the time to making / sharing :-)
Hi Mark, Cheers. Peter
Already purchased the rack and wanted a run-through of 'how-to' before using it. An excellent video in all respects + very helpful; reckon you've got the potential for a new TV career! Regards, Graham
Hi Graham, I suspect that I am too old to start a TV career but it would be fun giving it a try ! Cheers. Peter
Fantastic review
Thank you! Cheers!
More reviews like this please Peter! 🙂
I will do my best. Cheers. Peter
Thanks Peter. I'm in the market for one now so will take a look.
Roughly where are you based? I might be able to help. Peter
That was great, thank you
Excellent video, everything I needed to know...👍👍👍
Hi Mel, Many thanks. The Easyfold is excellent and so quick and easy to use. Cheers. Peter
Very clear and very thorough .buying one!
Hi Tom, We use ours a lot and now my son has one too. It is a brilliant piece of kit. Cheers. Peter
Thank you for your prompt reply Peter. I have already purchased the Thule XT2 and agree wholeheartedly that it’s a great piece of kit.
Unfortunately it looks as though I’ll have no alternative but to return it though as the leading edge of the hitch clamp is forced down onto the 13pin socket with such pressure that I’m sure it won’t be long before it shatters.
I’ve tried to speak with the Technical team at Thule but they can only be contacted via email.
Hi Keith, Do we have the same car - X3 ? I always connect the electric lead before putting the cycle carrier on the tow ball and then do the reverse when I have finished with it. Peter
Cracking review. Thanks.
Hi Alec, Thank you so much - it is one of the best bits of kit that I have ever bought. Cheers. Peter
Great presentation, thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video
Not the same car Peter, as I have a 2018 BMW X4; but my understanding is that the BMW foldaway electric tow-bar is exactly the same as yours. Like you, I quickly realised the electrical connection needs to be the first and last task when using the carrier. I have only mounted the carrier twice onto my car and it’s already it’s put indentations in the top surface of the electrical socket, with a real fear that it will break the unit.
Not to be beaten, I will contact Thule and BMW but I fear it could be back to the ‘drawing board’ for me!
Hi Keith, What a pity. I realise that BMW need to attach the electrical socket to the movable part of the towbar but it sounds as though it is really close in your case. Good luck with the resolution and please let me know how you get on. Peter
Great video just got one help me a lot thank you 👍
Hi Richard, Glad it helped. Cheers. Peter
One thing I have noticed with this rack is that its virtually impossible to load a small, full suspension bike of the type that has the rear shock mounted upright in front of the seat tube and a sloping down tube, using the small clamp arm. The clamp wants to go exactly where the shock is, or if reversing the clamp, there's not enough room between the seat tube and rear wheel to accommodate the clamp. The head of clamp arm is quite chunky. Also, the clamp arm won't reach the down tube in any position so its a bit of a head scratcher. Reverted to fitting some pipe insulation to the rack arms and used straps. Looks like the rack is designed for standard framed bikes only. Sorry it sounds negative but would recommend potential buyers give this some thought before buying.
Hi John, Many thanks for that. The two arms (one long and one short) can be placed anywhere on the frame that is near the car and so I assume from what you say that there is no perfect spot for your type of bike. My son and I both have these bike carriers and he has all sorts of bikes but has never mentioned any problems. Many thanks again. Peter
hi pete my van has a standard towball would i need a swan neck type, my karcher working well and being a woodworker i love you woodwork videos
The standard tow ball should be okay. Peter
thankyou best review i have seen
Wow, thanks! Peter
Hi Peter , messaged you two weeks ago saying thanks for your great video.Have you heard any stories of the handle splitting as you go from vertical position to horizontal position to lock the rack onto the tow bar ? I've had to return mine to Thule via my Thule dealer in Glasgow.
Hi Steven, This is the first that I have heard of any problem with that cycle carrier. I am sure that Thule will sort it out for you. Peter
I will eventually get one but for now the thule doubletrack 2 will do for now.
When you do make the change you will wonder how you managed before. It is a great bit of kit. Peter
Excellent review Peter.
One question that you might be able to answer, would this rack be compatible with plus+ sized tires for MTBs?
I cannot be certain but I would think so. Peter
My bike still moves around when it is locked on.
It slightly swivels around.
Is this normal please
There will be some movement which is quite normal. Even so, check that you have secured the two straps to hold the wheels in place and also check that you have tightened the knob that secures the frame to the carrier (the big knob with the lock). Peter
Hi Peter, we are currently looking into getting a couple more bikes and I've been considering the Thule carriers, this seems to be perfect solution, is it necessary to de-activate the cars rear parking sensors? Cheers Tony. Excellent video as usual, thanks!
Hi Tony, On most modern cars the rear sensors switch off automatically when you plug something into the trailer socket. If your towbar has been factory fitted or done by a dealership then you should be okay. If not then you may be lucky enough that they switch off automatically once you are doing more than a certain speed - this depends on the make and model of the car. Good luck. Peter
Fantastic review thank you so much for posting it. If carrying just one electric bike does it matter where you carry it? Is it ok to strap it down on the outside furthest from the car? Many thanks again for such a thorough professional review.
Hi Mary, I see no problem with that at all. Cheers. Peter
@@NewBritWorkshop Hi Peter thanks so much for your quick reply really appreciate it. I just bought this having seen your excellent review and I love it. Hope Thule appreciate how many of these will be bought after people see your top class review. 👍
Hi Mary, You are very kind. Cheers. Peter
How do you prevent the locked ball hitch ‘crushing’ down on your electric socket attached to the BMW folding tow hitch?
Hi Keith, There is no risk of that on mine. The only issue was when I accidentally broke the cover off the socket, nothing to do with the Thule. Peter
I haven't ridden in years but do like to take the grandkids to ride theirs and this would be perfect. And the motorized hitch bar that came out under the bumper is cool. Was that a factory motorized hitch bar? Will have to see if they have a U.S. Model. Thanks Peter.
Hi Ron, Yes, it was factory fitted and the car was made in the US !! Peter
will this work with theThule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Add-on
I am afraid I do not know and suggest you contact Thule direct. Cheers. Peter
Does the ball on your hitch have to be 50mm? Will the Thule Easyfold XT2 handle a 1 7/8" or 2" ball size?
Mine is 50 mm and I am not sure if they have anything else. Email your dealer and they should be able to advise you. Peter
Hi, thanks for the useful video!
What's the maximum speed you allowed to drive with i.e. one bike (25kg) if you tested?
Hi Matej, I drive at 70 miles per hour with two 25 kg bikes on the back with no problem. Peter
@@NewBritWorkshop Hello Peter, thank you for your fast response.
Do you have a rack for trikes?
Hi Linda, No, but a 3 bike carrier might be able to be adapted. Peter
How come it doesn't spin on the swan neck?
Hi Trevor, The clamping mechanism is amazing and even with two e-bikes (about 25 kg each) there is no movement at all. Peter
Hi Peter I’m from Sydney Aus, I think I’m have the opposite problem. Purchased recently. with bikes on or off I’m getting lateral horizontal movement (if that’s the right term) 50 mm ball. I can readily push the carrier left or right and I see the tow ball nut move like I haven’t got it on tight enough. Can send a vid? Any help appreciated? Cheers Steve
@@NewBritWorkshop I know. I bought one about 8 months ago. Really impressed by it.
How do you fit the number plate? Please!!
It is very easy and only requires a minima amount of skill - you just need to drill a couple of holes and that is it. Peter
@@NewBritWorkshop Thank you Peter. Then use the clip (3) to attach. Right?
it could be a lot easier .. if someone, somewhere , anywhere ! rather can explain how the number plate is fitted
One long side of number plate fits into a pair of flanges on the unit and then there are a pair of clips that fit into slots and hold the other long side of number plate in place. Peter
Are these available in the US
Hi John, I do not know - try a Google search from your end. Peter
Yes it is available in a slightly different config. In North America the rack goes into a hitch receiver rather than the hitch ball.
It's 2023 and I don't have any kind of electric on the back of my car to plug anything into. So I can't buy a rack like this with lights on the back.
When you get a tow hitch fitted (certainly here in Europe) they also fit the socket for the electrics. Any good garage would wire up a basic socket for you as it only needs lights and not power.
Just have to ask: The number plate looks like a 5-day plate from Dortmund/Germany. How come?
First of all, I did not want my real number plate to show. So, I used some plates that I used to import a vehicle from Germany to the UK. The funny thing is that driving to one of the locations for the video I forgot that I had the wrong plates on but (luckily) managed to get away with it ! Peter
:-)
Lucky man.
btw: Thanks a lot for your videos which I enjoy a lot. Of course as a German I have a weakness for Festool. :-)
You must be so proud that Festool is a German company - they are superb in every sense and set standards that other should aspire to. Cheers. Peter
New Brit Workshop
Well it certainly helps to justify spending that much money on a hobby 😊
Before I decided to make this video I said to someone that I was surprised that the Thule Easyfold was not made by Festool - it is so well designed and beautifully made. Peter
thank you sir, best explanations on Youyube
Thank you so much. Cheers. Peter