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COMPARISON HITCH BIKE RACK VIDEO
Hanging-Style Hitch Bike Racks Comparison Video
Feather light but heavy on premium features, the all new Thule 970XT Helium hitch bike rack is made of ultra-light aluminum and is just half the weight of traditional hitch mounted bike carriers. If you don’t feel like engaging in a full body workout every time you install or remove your hitch bike rack, then the Thule Helium is the hitch mounted bike rack for you! Thule 970XT Helium is a 2 bike carrier (Thule 971XT Helium 3 bike hitch rack version also available). And to make the install and removal process even easier, the Thule Helium uses an easy to reach locking knob to tighten and lock the stinger into the receiver, no tools necessary!
Included Stinger Swinger hitch adapter makes this rear bike carrier compatible with both 2 inch and 1-1/4 inch hitches right out of the box. The narrow cradle arms can hold virtually all styles of bikes without the need for a bike frame toptube adapter, ideal for women’s and kid’s frames (we do recommend the Thule 982 TopTube Adapter, not included; see accessory add-ons below, for easist loading of bicycles without a traditional horizontal top tube frame including some women's, kids, bmx and freeride / downhill bike frames). The included Thule T3 cradles with 955 No-Sway cages hold the bikes securely in place and prevent bike-to-bike contact, even on bumpy roads. Full system security, bicycles are easily locked to the Thule 970XT Helium hitch rack with the integrated locking cable and the Helium itself locks to the receiver hitch via the included locking receiver lock knob. Support Arms fold down when not in use for convenient parking and pulling into garages. The handy Hitch Switch lever tilts the carrier away for easy access to rear of vehicle.
- Thule 970XT Helium 2 bike hitch rack holds up to 2 bicycles (Thule 971XT Helium 3 bike hitch rack version also available).
- Ultra-light aluminum construction results in half the weight of traditional hitch carriers and makes for dramatically easier installation and removal of rack.
- No-tool installation—just tighten or loosen receiver knob.
- Included Stinger Swinger hitch adapter makes this rear bike carrier compatible with both 2 inch and 1-1/4 inch hitches right out of the box.
- Includes full system security, integrated locking cable and locking receiver knob means security for your bikes as well as the rack itself.
- Bike arms fold down when not in use for easier parallel parking and pulling into garages
- Thule Hitch Switch lever allows Thule 970XT Helium bike rack to tilt away from rear of vehicle for easy access to trunk, hatch, or tailgate.
- T3 cradles and 955 No-Sway cages securely hold bicycles and prevent bike-to-bike contact during transit.
- The narrow cradle arms can hold virtually all styles of bikes without the need for a bike frame toptube adapter, ideal for women’s and kid’s frames (we do recommend the Thule 982 TopTube Adapter, not included; see accessory add-ons below, for easist loading of bicycles without a traditional horizontal top tube frame including some women's, kids, bmx and freeride / downhill bike frames).
- Thule Helium bike rack easy-to-follow instructions included.
- Thule Racks Lifetime Warranty!
» Thule 970XT Helium Installation Instructions
» Thule hitch bike rack comparison chart
» Diagrams & Dimensions of Thule Hitch Bike Racks
*to aid in determining compatibility with your vehicle
COMPARISON HITCH BIKE RACK VIDEO
Hanging-Style Hitch Bike Racks Comparison Video
Thule 970XT Helium 2 Bike Hitch Rack Resource Wall
Product Reviews
Read the reviews below to find out what other customers are saying about the Thule Helium hitch bike rack.
Contribute Your Review of the Thule Helium hitch mount bike carrier |
Very Impressed & Highly Recommend
this Thule Helium aluminum hitch rack review by Riders-High
I've been waiting a long time for the invention of an aluminum hitch rack. Was very pleased to see the Helium make an appearance. I was a little unsure about the overall quality of the rack, but once I received the Helium and installed it on my Toyota Prius receiver hitch I knew I made the right choice. Specifically, the fit into the hitch is very snug and solid with the Stinger Swinger adapter that it came with. There is absolutely rack sway or movement when driving. All the locks work great too for locking the rack to the car and the bikes to the Helium bike rack. Very impressive product and I highly recommend to others.
Best Hitch Rack for Car Handling
this Thule Helium aluminum hitch rack review by Justin Ward
I've had hitch bike racks on the back of my Scion xB before and the heavy weight of the rack has always been noticeable and affected the performance of the car. So I really wanted to try the Thule Helium to see if there was difference. Yep, it's pretty amazing what a difference an aluminum hitch rack makes compared to a steel bike rack. There's no lowering of the rear of the car, which makes a huge difference in handling. For anyone with a smaller style car the Helium is definitely the way to go. Very easy to lift the rack and place it onto the car or take off to store when not using it.
Product Discussion
Discuss the Thule 970XT Helium 2 bike hitch mount rack. Use the form below to fire away with your questions, answers and general comments about this product. |
» all Thule 970XT Helium discussion posts
ORS Crew explains - If your vehicle has a rear mounted spare tire you must do your homework first to determine if a Thule hitch bike rack will work or not. This simply means taking a couple quick measurements and referring to our handy Thule Hitch Bike Racks Diagrams & Dimensions Chart. This is an excellent reference chart and you are most interested in (measurement 'B'), which measures the distance between the hitch pin hole and the inside edge of the hitch bike rack upright mast. This measurement for the 970XT is 10". If the hitch pin hole on your trailer hitch receiver is pretty much flush with the outer edge of your bumper (or even is positioned further out from the bumper) then you can be confident the hitch bike rack upright mast will clear the rear mounted spare tire. If the trailer hitch receiver pin hole is recessed underneath the vehicle, then you will have to measure how far that hitch pin hole is from the outer edge of the rear spare tire. If that distance is less than 10.75" then the hitch bike rack will not extend far back enough to clear the spare tire.
RF2-in-NC asks - I'm looking for a hitch rack to carry my 2011 Trek Rumblefish II mountain bike. I like the Thule Helium 970XT but am concerned that the rear shock might make racking the bike difficult. Will this bike rack work for the RF2? Thanks for the help.
ORS Crew answers - For the Trek Rumblefish II mountain bike we highly recommend using the Thule 982XT frame adapter accessory. Attaches to the seat post and handlebar stem and makes loading the bike onto any hitch rack a breeze.
Product Videos
Thule Helium hitch bike rack review video & demo by ORS Racks Direct. Demonstration movie of the Thule Racks 970XT / 971XT Helium hitch mount bike racks showing features that include ultra-light aluminum construction that is nearly 50% lighter than conventional steel built hitch bike racks. Still retains maximum strength and sturdiness. For anyone routinely attaching and removing their hitch bike rack, the Thule Helium bike racks are the ideal solution. Thule 971 XT Helium holds 3 bikes / Thule 970 XT Helium holds 2 bikes. Compatible with both 1-1/4" and 2" hitches, no adapters needed. Premium stability with T3 cradles and 955 No-Sway Cages included. Innovative hitch tightening knob ensures no hitch bike rack wobble or play. Full system security included. Lock bikes to rack and the Helium rack itself to the receiver hitch. Fits all styles, shapes and sizes of bicycles.
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Customer Installation Pictures
Proud current customer with ORS Racks Direct? |
» all Thule 970XT Helium Customer Install Pictures
2004 Pontiac Vibe Hitch Bike Rack using Thule 970XT Helium 2 Bike Hitch Rack |
Accessories
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2012 Thule 982XT Frame Adapter For Carrying Bikes on Trunk Bike Racks & Hitch Racks | | 2012 Thule BSTK2 Bike Stacker Storage Rack - Home Rack / Garage Rack for Hanging Two Bikes |
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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 Spare Parts & Replacement Parts for All Thule Racks |
ORDERING NOTES
All bike stability and locking hardware included.
Carries up to 2 bikes and fits both 2" and 1.25" hitch receivers. Also available: Thule 971XT Helium 3 bike hitch rack
QUICK ORDERING SOLUTION
Alternatively, we suggest using our easy Thule Racks automated fit guide to quickly order and choose from a number of Thule Racks rear hitch mount bike racks specific to your vehicle:
