Thule Epos 3 – Our group test of 7 rear-mounted bike racks

With the Epos 3, Swedish brand Thule aim to offer the most versatile rear-mounted bike rack for all types of bicycles. Priced at around € 1,200, it’s the only model on test capable of carrying three bikes, and offers a variety of optional accessories. How does the second most expensive and heaviest rack on test fare against the competition?

Swedish brand Thule have long made a name for themselves in the outdoor industry and, in addition to roof racks, strollers, and luggage boxes, also offer a wide range of rear-mounted racks. As such, we had high expectations of the Thule Epos 3, their flagship model. How does it stack up against the competition?

You can find an overview of this group test here: The best rear-mounted bike rack – 7 models head to head

Smart, clever, Thule! – How does the Thule Epos 3 perform in practice?

Although the 22.7 kg Thule Epos 3 is the heaviest rear rack on test, it offers the easiest handling – by far! Why? Because the Swedish brand have equipped the Epos 3 with some clever features, making it super quick and easy to mount on the tow hitch. Thanks to the integrated wheels, it’s easy to pull it out of the garage to the car, making the weight largely irrelevant. The simple placement of the rear rack on the tow hitch and the locking lever also make it easy to attach. Furthermore, no other rear rack on test is as compatible as the Thule Epos 3, because we’re yet to find a bike that the Thule can’t accommodate, regardless of its shape or size. And we typically have over 70 different bikes on test at any given time. If you find a bike that isn’t compatible with the Thule Epos 3, please let us know ;). The gripper arms are height-adjustable and can be folded out to the side, allowing you to reach almost any position on the frame, thereby preventing you from having to shift and shuffle the bikes this way until you can eventually make them all fit. The wheel straps are long enough to secure the bikes in the rails too. However, the straps aren’t rubberised, unfortunately.

You must lift the first bike a little further to get it over the front rails, or you can simply push it up the side-loading ramp. You’ll find the ramp (€ 69.95) and other optional accessories in Thule’s online shop. Would-be thieves will be disappointed with the Thule Epos 3 because it offers the best theft protection on test. Both the grippers and the hitch mount can be locked with a key. If that’s not enough, the bikes can be additionally secured via an optional ABUS bicycle lock. This is very convenient if you park your car briefly out of sight when stopping at a bakery or the like. Unfortunately, the lock is not long enough to secure all three mountain bikes on the rear carrier. The Thule Epos 3 also comes out on top regarding the tipping angle: no rear rack on test can tip as low. Cool!

Should you buy the Thule Epos 3? Who is and isn’t it for?

Rock, paper, scissors! The fact that we battled each other every Friday to see who would be allowed to take the Thule Epos 3 for the weekend speaks volumes. The Thule Epos 3 sets the standard in terms of compatibility and ease of use, with no other rack on test able to compare. It’s a reliable bike carrier that meets the highest demands of all types of riders. Only spendthrifts might want to look at the best buy, the Spinder TX2 Plus, instead.

Our conclusion on the Thule Epos 3

What more can you want? There is currently no better rear-mounted bike carrier than the Thule Epos 3! The rack is the easiest to mount, nonetheless, and it boasts a clever system that makes securing the bikes a breeze. Thule’s marketing slogan doesn’t promise anything the rack can’t deliver, proving to be the most versatile bike rack for all types of bicycles. As such, the Epos 3 secures its place at the top of the podium and is the deserved test winner!

Tops

• unsurpassed ease of use
• clever features
• very high quality
• extremely high compatibility

Flops

• wheel straps aren’t rubberised
• expensive, yet good value for money!

For more info, visit thule.com

The test field

You can find an overview of this group test here: The best rear-mounted bike rack – 7 models head to head

Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Antonia Feder