Share
THULE RACKS 10% OFF SALE GOING ON NOW!
+ free shipping on orders of $99 & over (contiguous US only)
*Thule luggage excluded from 10% off sale
*Thule cargo roof boxes excluded from free shipping program
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
The Thule 518 Echelon Fork Mount Bike Rack is Thule Racks premium ultra-performance fork mounting bike carrier. The 518 Echelon features the Thule Equalized Twin Cam (ETC) clamping system, the latest engineered design that makes loading/unloading a bike so easy and quick you'll pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming! The ETC bike fork clamp system features a centrally located cam lever and ergonomic adjustment knob for rapid-fire loading/unloading of your bike. The Thule 518 Echelon is also designed for universal use with virtually all bicycles including any disc brake / suspension shock set-up that uses standard 9mm axles (see accessory add-ons below for fork adapters to use with other styles/sizes of axles). Compatible with road bikes, mountain, downhill / freeride bikes, hybrid bikes and more. Bike tray & rear strap can even fit fat tires up to 2.6" wide, also compatible with high-profile rims.
The 518 Thule Echelon bike rack mounts directly to Thule square load bars, Inno Racks crossbars and Yakima round cross bars. Also attaches to elliptical Thule Rapid Aero load bars & Thule Xsporter truck rack using the Thule Xadapt9 adapter kit. Also mounts to car factory roof rack crossbars using the Thule 532 Ride On Adapter. A Thule lock (not included; see accessory add-ons below) simultaneously locks the bicycle inside the bike rack and the bike rack to the roof rack crossbars.
- Sleek, modern design styling means it looks as great as it functions!
- Equalized Twin Cam (ETC) bike fork clamp system features a centrally located cam lever and ergonomic adjustment knob for rapid-fire loading/unloading of bicycle.
- 518 Thule Echelon bike carrier is compatible with virtually all bikes including any disc brake / suspension shock set-up that uses standard 9mm axles (see accessory add-ons below for fork adapters to use with other styles/sizes of axles).
- Works equally well with road bikes, mountain, downhill / freeride bikes, hybrid bikes & more.
- 48" long bike tray & rear strap even fits fat tires up to 2.6" wide, also compatible with high-profile rims.
- 518 Echelon bike rack connects directly to Thule square load bars, Inno Racks crossbars and Yakima round cross bars. Also mounts to elliptical Thule Rapid Aero load bars & Thule Xsporter truck rack using the Thule Xadapt9 adaptors or to car factory roof rack crossbars using the Thule 532 Ride On Adapter.
- We highly recommend a Thule lock (not included; see accessory add ons below) to simultaneously lock the bicycle inside the bike rack and the bike rack to the roof rack crossbars.
- Thule 593 Wheel-On (not included; see accessory add-ons below) recommended for carrying your front wheel on car rack crossbars.
- Easy-to-follow Thule 518 Echelon installation instructions manual included.
- Thule Racks Lifetime Warranty!
» Thule 518 Echelon Bike Rack Installation Instructions
» Thule Roof Bike Rack Comparison Chart
Thule 518 Echelon Bike Rack Resource Wall
Product Reviews
Read the reviews below to find out what other customers are saying about the Thule 518 Echelon roof mount bike rack.
Contribute Your Review of the Thule Echelon Bicycle Rack |
» all Thule 518 Echelon bike rack reviews
So Easy a Caveman Could Do It!
this Thule 518 Echelon bike rack review by Caveman
vehicle year/make/model: 2004 BMW 325i
item(s) transported: Specialized Allez Elite
This is my first rack system and I have to say... I am shocked at the ease and efficiency of the Thule 518. I can take the wheel off and mount the bike in under a minute, and the locking system lets me eat lunch at ease knowing my baby isnt going anywhere. I would recommend this to anyone and is worth the extra money.
My Rack Turns Heads
this Thule 518 Echelon review by HappyRack
vehicle year/make/model: 2003 Volvo v70
item(s) transported: road bikes
Not only does the product do exactly what it said it would, it has also made my car look better! It was easy to install and its easy to use. The streamlined look adds a sporty style, the front fork clip engages with little effort and I feel my bicycles are safe with the added locking cylinders. I am very happy with all the Thule products so far. I would recommend them!
ORS provided great support!!
this Thule Echelon review by ObiRon
vehicle year/make/model: 2004 Honda CRV
item(s) transported: bikes
This is the second time I have purchased from ORS. Everything they do from ordering, shipping and answering questions is first class! The Thule 518 Echelon is a better and more durable product than the 516 Peloton. The later works great too, but I use my rack two – three times per week and I know the 518 will last longer.
Very Pleased so Far
this Thule Echelon review by Utahguy
vehicle year/make/model: 2005 Nissan Altima
item(s) transported: Cannondale R5000
I bought the Echelon because I am a loyal Thule fan and wanted their newest, nicest fork mounted bike carrier. I used to have the Velo Vise, but after many years of service, I wanted something that was easier to adjust as well as more solid, and the Echelon has fulfilled my wishes. The best thing is how easy it is to adjust the skewer tension. The Velo Vise had a ribbed knob that needed to be spun with your index finger, and wasn’t always easy to operate, especially in the later years after corrosion had taken a bit of a toll. The Echelon has a knob on the front of the fork head that you turn with your thumb and index finger and is much easier to use. The Echelon is also nice because it is totally disc compatible and it is definitely rugged.
Does the Job and is a solid Rack.
this Thule Echelon review by cooperK
vehicle year/make/model: 2003 Pontiac Vibe
item(s) transported: various bicycles
The Thule Echelon has held my bike onto the roof of my car while driving really fast on the turnpike and really fast on bumpy dirt roads so I would say that it is doing its job and is a good rack. I really like the industrial, durable look of it. The fork head is clearly designed to withstand small arms fire, and that is a good thing when it comes to holding your bike. I also purchased a Thule Wheel On to hold my front wheel and that thing also works great.
Better than anything else out there so far.
this Thule Echelon review by CarolinaBiker
vehicle year/make/model: 2010 Subaru Forester
item(s) transported: Road Bikes, Triathlon Bikes and Mountain Bikes
I chose the Echelon because of the tendency for Yakima, Rocky Mounts and the Thule Peleton to have their black color fade to a dingy junkyard look. The brushed aluminum looks good no matter what happens to it. Also the head durability and locking to the bike fork is better and easier than all of the others that I tried through friends or displays in stores. Putting Thule locks on the heads of the carriers was slightly difficult, and turning the locks to lock the bikes down is difficult at best, but maybe that will get easier as they wear in. Attachment to the Aero bars, the front of the carriers was rather easy, although the hex bolts did strip a little when tightening down with the included hex wrench. As for the rear of the carrier, and locking that down. The need for an XAdapt plate that has a huge plastic twisting locking mechanism was just a weird design. It sticks out more and definitely isn't that aerodynamic. My goal for the entire rack was to not use a Fairing and to be aerodynamic when not with bikes racked. These little XAdapt things are not aerodynamic, nor are the instructions on how to fit the Echelon onto the aero crossbars very good with the XAdapt. I eventually figured it out and how it works, but I'd appreciate something that didn't cost $$$ to just attach a carrier to the crossbars when I don't use half of the items in it.
Product Discussion
Discuss the Thule 518 Echelon bike rack. Use the form below to fire away with your questions, answers and general comments about this product. |
» all Thule 518 Echelon bike rack discussion posts
Anthony G. asks - I'm trying to uninstall my lock from my Thule 518 bike rack. How do I do that?
ORS Crew answers - The Thule lock must be in the “un-locked” position, then install the Thule Universal Change key and wiggle it out…voila you have removed your core…just remember the key to this is the Thule lock must be unlocked, if locked you can't insert the Thule Universal key to wiggle the lock out. If you are missing the Thule Universal Change key you can simply order that from us. Also, if you are missing all your keys that lock and unlock the Thule lock in the first place, you can order from us the specific keys needed for your Thule locks. Just look at the engraved number on the front face of the Thule lock and then include that number when ordering keys from us. You can also order extra Thule locks with that same number as well.
» view Thule Universal Change Key
» view Thule extra / spare keys
» view Thule extra / spare locks
Product Videos
ORS Racks Direct Demonstration Video & Review featuring the Thule 518 Echelon bicycle rack. Movie includes Thule Racks Echelon review, product demo, premium features etc. Sleek, very modern looking styling with lightning-quick bike loading characteristics. The Thule 518 Echelon fits any bicycle size and shape including road racing bikes with skinny tires on up to cruiser / hybrid bike tires and mountain bike knobby tires including very fat 3 inch freeride / downhill bikes and 29ers. Thule Echelon is also compatible with mountain bikes with disc brakes. Fork mount design delivers very aerodynamic and fuel efficient performance. Best in class one-handed skewer adjustment using special Thule engineered oversized knob for quick adjustment of skewer. Simply place bike on fork mount and dial the knob to adjust skewer tightness then close shut the Echelon hood. Best in class rear ratcheting strap holds rear wheel securely in place. Thule Echelon bike rack mounts directly to Thule square bars and Yakima round bars. Also mounts to Thule Rapid Aero bars using the Thule Xadapt9 Kit. And will mount to factory rack crossbars using the Thule 532 Ride On adapter kit. Optionally lock bicycle inside the carrier using a Thule lock cylinder. Also, when the Thule 518 is locked closed, it prevents anyone from being able to pull up the hood and steal the bike rack itself.
|
Customer Installation Pictures
Proud current customer with ORS Racks Direct? |
» all Thule 518 Echelon Customer Install Pictures
Accessories
 | ||
All Thule Locks for Car Racks - Including Bike Ski Snowboard Kayak Canoe Locks etc. | | 2012 Thule 593 Wheel-On Bike Wheel Carrier for Car Roof Racks |
| ||
Thule Bike Carriers - 2012 Thule 532 Ride-On Bike Rack Adapter for Factory Car Racks | | 2012 Thule Xadapt 9 Kit / Xadapt9 to Connect 516 Prologue, 517 Peloton & 518 Echelon to Thule AeroBlade & Rapid Aero Bars, Whispbar Racks, Thule 422XT Xsporter & TracRac Truck Racks, Votex Crossbars etc. |
| ||
All Thru-Axle Suspension Fork Adapters - Yakima / Thule / RockyMounts - Lefty, 25MM, 24MM, 20MM, 15MM Axle Fork Adaptors for Bike Racks | | Thule Cable Locks for Car Racks - Thule 538 Cable Lock |
| ||
2012 Thule BSTK2 Bike Stacker Storage Rack - Home Rack / Garage Rack for Hanging Two Bikes | | Delta Cycle Wall Mount Storage Racks - Home & Apartment Bike Hanging Racks |
| ||
Thule Racks Bike Boxes & Travel Cases - 2012 Thule 699 Round Trip Bicycle Box & Travel Case | | Thule Roof Rack Accessories - 2012 Thule 232 Step Up Wheel Step |
Thule Spare Parts & Replacement Parts for All Thule Racks |
ORDERING NOTES
Mounts directly to Thule square load bars, Inno Rack crossbars and Yakima round cross bars. Can also be mounted to oval Thule Rapid Aero load bars & Thule Xsporter truck rack using the Thule Xadapt 9 kit. Attaches to car factory roof rack crossbars using the Thule 532 Ride On Adapter.
Dual locking design, simultaneously locks bike to carrier and carrier to rack using a Thule lock cylinder (not included; see accessory add-ons above).
QUICK ORDERING SOLUTION
Alternatively, we suggest using our easy Thule automated fit guide to quickly order the correct Thule Racks multi-purpose base car rack system and/or bike carrier attachments if you don't have one already installed:
