Thule OutPace Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack on Test | A Rear Rack That Turns the Tables!

The world turned upside down? Not quite – but with the Thule OutPace, Thule introduce a new hitch-mounted bike rack. At € 599.95 and with room for two bikes, it sets itself apart from conventional systems But is lifting up really better than tilting down? We put it to the test to find out.

Every centimeter counts in the city: anyone without a garage or storage room knows the struggle. Bulky rear racks turn parking in tight spots into a nerve-racking game. Taking the rack off every time before parking? Not an option either. This is exactly where Thule’s Thule OutPace comes in. Instead of just tilting down to access the tailgate, you simply fold it up on the car – a 180° rotation, and suddenly there’s room.

Thule have been building top-tier bike racks for years – no wonder the Epos won our comparison test as the best hitch-mounted bike rack. But not everyone wants to spend over € 1,000 on a bike rack, which is why the Thule OutPace slots into Thule’s lineup as the more affordable option. Retailing at € 599.95, and with room for two bikes and a system weight of 14.36 kg, it’s also around 3 kg lighter than the Thule Epos 2, which tips the scales at 17.12 kg – read the full review on our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE! But is it just as practical as its pricier sibling – or does it call for compromises with its lower price tag? We put it to the test to find out. By the way, there’s also a 3-bike Thule OutPace available for € 699.95.

How Did the Thule OutPace Fare in our Practical Test?

“Ready for your next holiday, straight out of the box?” – not quite that simple! Before you set off, you’ll have to bolt on the license plate holder and the propeller-like hand knob that secures the rack to the towball. That said, with Thule’s instruction video at hand, the whole process takes just five minutes – and the tools are included in the box.

Weighing in at about 14 kg and featuring a built-in handle, the Thule OutPace is a lighter lift than a case of beer. An the installation? Tool-free: place it on the towball, twist the big “propeller,” done. Just make sure the rack isn’t tilted – otherwise things could get wobbly for your bikes.

Mounting the Bikes

Loading the bikes isn’t quite as hassle-free as with the Thule Epos 2. Folding the rack open is easy enough with the elastic strap, but once open, the rails sit noticeably higher than on the Epos. In practice, this means that you’ll have to heave the bikes up – almost 20 cm higher compared to the Epos.

Mounting the first bike is still fairly straightforward: clamp the arm to the seat tube, click the ratchet shut – done. A plus: the rubber protector on the ratchet strap protects carbon frames. A drawback: the wheel straps don’t have those handy extra rubber pads, so carbon rims are at risk of scratching. You’re better off slipping something soft in between.

However, mounting the second bike quickly turns into a real-life Tetris game. You’ll want to position the clamp arm roughly where it needs to be and align the pedals before the first bike is loaded. Our tip: remove the pedals before transport – it will save your nerves!

On paper, the 22 cm rail spacing seems sufficient, but when transporting two mountain bikes, space on the Thule OutPace gets tight – or cozy, like a festival tent. To prevent the bikes from rubbing against each other and damaging the paint, it’s best to use spacers like old socks or foam between them. If you’re always carrying the same two bikes, take a picture of the setup so you know what to do the next time. If you’re traveling with friends and their different bikes, be prepared for patience – and time.

Compatibility

With a bit of fiddling, you can fit two e-mountain bikes onto the Thule OutPace, too. The rack is rated for a wheelbase up to 1,250 mm – which means many mountain bikes size L and up are a tight squeeze. If you have bikes whose wheelbase is longer than specified in the type certificate, you need to be aware that, in the event of an accident, the operating license may be considered invalid – and in that case, you would be personally liable. Road bikes, on the other hand, are no problem at all, their shorter wheelbases slot in easily. Even two slim city bikes can be transported without issue: we had to adjust the handlebars and saddles, but for a weekend trip to Lake Constance they sat safe and secure.

Like most towbar-mount racks, the Thule OutPace can be locked directly onto the hitch, and each bike can also be secured at the clamp arm to deter thieves.

Unloaded, the Thule OutPace proves practical: you can fold the rails inward like a map, then pull the elastic strap and flip the rack up against the car. That way it sits snug against the vehicle and won’t get in the way when squeezing into tight parking spots — nice!However, you can only open the tailgate without bikes on the rack, so you’ll have to decide what matters more.

Even though the license plate holder can be flipped backward in the upright position, driving like that isn’t allowed. The rack is only road-legal when fully deployed and ready to carry bikes. The reason: Thule can’t guarantee that the rear lights remain fully visible on all vehicle models when it’s folded up. If the lights are partially obscured, the car doesn’t meet legal requirements.

Buying the Thule OutPace? Perfect for Some, Not for Everyone!

The Thule OutPace is aimed at anyone who prefers to keep their bike rack permanently on the car – while still being able to squeeze into tight parking spots. Sounds practical, but there’s a catch: you’re not allowed to drive with the rack folded up. That means after pulling out of a parking space, you’ll need to fold it back down again. It’s ideal for people who usually travel with the same two bikes – or just one. But if you’re constantly switching bikes, you’ll have to train your Tetris skills first – and have a good dose of patience, too!

Important: the load capacity is clearly limited – 50 kg in total, with a maximum of 25 kg per bike. That makes things a squeeze for heavy e-bikes, but just right for lighter e-bikes or analogue bikes. One more thing to watch: wheelbase. If you’re on a large frame with extra length – like many mountain bikes – the Epos is the better choice.

Conclusions about the Thule OutPace

With the Thule OutPace, Thule expand their portfolio with a light, compact, and comparatively affordable hitch-mounted bike rack. The fold-up function brings a breath of fresh air to the world of towbar racks – a real plus for anyone who regularly has to squeeze into tight parking spaces. But the system isn’t without its drawbacks: you can’t drive with the rack folded up, meaning you’ll have to lower it again after pulling out of a spot. Loading also takes a bit of patience. If you’re always hauling the same bikes, you’ll quickly get into a routine. But if you switch often or bring friends along, you’ll need patience – and Tetris skills.

Tops

• Space-saving when folded up on the car
• Lightweight rack

Flops

• Fiddly bike mounting
• No rubberized ratchet straps

More info at thule.com.

Words & Photos: Robin Ulbrich