And finally, the max tire width is only 3 inches, which means fat bikes are out of the equation. Further, the wheel sizes are limited to adult models ranging from 26 to 29 inches, so kids’ bikes won’t work.
OUTLAST 2 RACK PRO
To start, the rack I tested is the two-bike model (a one-bike Helium is also available for $500), and there are no optional add-ons to expand that capacity (unlike the brand’s T2 Pro XTR, which can carry as many as four bikes). Removing is equally fast and convenient, which is a big positive for those that plan to store their rack for stretches of time.Īrguably the biggest compromise with the Helium is its relative lack of diversity in bike capacity and wheel sizes. It’s a process most will be able to do solo, and once you slide it into the hitch receiver, the SnugTite stinger does exactly what it’s intended to do: keep the rack very solidly in place with minimal wobbling and movement. One tip: As with our experience with other racks, it’s worth adding a dab of Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 on the threads of the screws to ensure they don’t loosen over time.įor connecting the rack to the vehicle, the Thule Helium Platform’s relatively modest weight and compact shape help a lot. Instructions are included ( here’s a link to the PDF), and while I would’ve appreciated words to go along with drawings, it’s a pretty straightforward process that didn’t take more than 30 minutes to do. In the box, the rack is separated into five main parts: the center platform that connects the rack to the vehicle and the four pieces that connect to create the two trays. Hitch racks can be unwieldy and difficult to install, but I found the Helium falls on the simpler end of the spectrum. There’s no fiddling with straps or any excess-just place the bike on there, secure, and go. In practice, it’s a 10-second process (and less if you’re really moving) and something I came to really appreciate throughout testing. Releasing the arms is also quite fast: Squeeze the levers at the top of the arms-it’s best to push into the rack while squeezing the lever-and then slide them off. For loading, you simply set the bike on the tray and push the two sides evenly until it’s secure (the arms will “click” as they lock into place). With two arms on each end that swing over your bike tires to secure, the on and off process is incredibly fast and streamlined. The Thule Helium Platform 2-Bike Rack’s main calling card is its ease of use. To see how it stacks up to the competition, check out our article on the best hitch bike racks. Below are our experiences with the Helium Platform. While it does come with limitations in terms of wheel size and tire width compatibility, the well-built rack impressed us with no-fuss performance throughout the six-month test period. This euro-cool design puts an emphasis on everyday simplicity with easy-to-secure arms, a compact and lightweight shape, and multi-vehicle compatibility that works with both 1.25- and 2-inch receivers. We’ve been a fan of Thule bike racks for years-their T2 Pro XTR is currently our top-rated hitch model-so we were pretty excited by the release of the premium Helium Platform.
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