Thule T2 Pro XTR vs Thule T2 Pro X vs Thule T2 Classic

Are you confused between all the Thule T2 bike rack options? Well, you have come to the right place!

Over the years there have been many different variations of the award winning Thule platform bike rack: T2, T2 Pro, and T2 Pro XT. Thule typically adds Pro or XT or XTR to the end of a product name as they add features and improve upon the product. Never before has Thule removed letters while at at the same time essentially combine two products into one as they have done with the new Thule T2 Pro X.

I hope this blog post will help clarify the difference between the three T2 options which are currently available for purchase: T2 Pro XTR, T2 Pro X, and T2 Classic.

Key Similarities

The T2 Pro XTR, T2 Pro X, and the T2 Classic are all wheel mounted platform style bike racks. This means that the tires of your bikes sit on a tray and a hook attaches over the front wheel with a wheel strap holding down the rear wheel. This style of bike rack is adaptable to many styles of bikes and since they don't contact the bike frame they are easy on your paint job and also carbon friendly.

Each model of bike rack comes as a 2 bike and is available in either a 2" hitch or 1.25" hitch version. On the 2" versions an add-on can be purchased to increase the carrying capacity from 2 bikes to 4 bikes.

Key Differences

There are many differences between the 3 models of Thule T2 currently available including the vehicle attachment mechanisms, folding/tilting mechanisms, range of bike fitment, lock-ability and more. We will discuss these differences in more detail below. For a concise side by side comparison check out the comparison chart below.

Vehicle Attachment Mechanisms

The Thule T2 Pro XTR and Thule T2 Pro X attach to the vehicle in the same way utilizing Thule's AutoPin and AutoAttach System. Simply slide the bike rack part way into your hitch and close the AutoPin up against the side of the hitch. Then continue sliding the bike rack into the hitch until the AutoPin locates the hitch pin hole and snaps closed. To prevent wobble in the hitch receiver both the T2 Pro XTR and T2 Pro X have a knob located on the base of the rack. By tightening this knob a wedge will be expanded inside the hitch and virtually eliminate movement of the bike rack in the hitch. Once tight, you will lock the knob using the included key which will prevent theft of the bike rack.

The Thule T2 Classic attaches to your vehicle using a threaded hitch pin which threads into a nut located inside the bike rack. Simply slide the bike rack into your hitch, visually align the hitch pin holes, and then threaded the pin through and tighten with a crescent wrench or socket wrench. Once the pin is tightened a lock is placed on the end of the pin to prevent theft of the bike rack.

Overall, a wedge style systems, like the ones included on both the T2 Pro XTR and T2 Pro X, do a better job of reducing wobble of the bike rack than a threaded pin as the wedge reduces side-to-side as well as up-and-down play within the hitch.

Folding and Tilting Mechanisms

All three of the Thule T2 models include the ability to fold the rack up towards your vehicle and tilt the rack down and away from your vehicle. Folding the rack up towards your vehicle allows the rack to be left on when not in use while not sticking out as far from your vehicle. Being able to tilt the rack down and away from the vehicle allows access to your rear hatch without having to unload your bikes.

The Thule T2 Pro XTR and Thule T2 Pro X feature a handle located at the very end of the bike rack. This handle is used for folding and tilting the bike rack. Being located at the end of the rack means that it's very easy to fold the rack up and even easier to tilt the rack away as you don't need to reach through your bikes.

The T2 Classic has a handle that's located near the hinging point of the rack this means you will need to reach forward and pull the handle with one hand while lifting up on the rack with the other hand to fold the rack up. When tilting the rack down there is a security pin that needs to be removed prior to pulling on the handle and lowering the rack. When bikes are loaded on the rack it can be difficult to reach the handle.

The design and location of the tilting handle on the T2 Pro XTR and T2 Pro X are superior that that of the T2 Classic. This results in an easier to use product.

Range of Bike Fitment

While all the T2 bike rack models may look similar a big difference is the sizes and weights of bikes that will fit onto the rack.

The Thule T2 Pro XTR will fit bikes weighing up to 60lb each, fits wheel diameters from 20" up to 29", fits tire widths from 23mm road tires up to 5" fat tires, and fits bikes with wheelbases up to 50.5".

The Thule T2 Pro X will fit bikes weighing up to 50lb each, fits wheel diameters from 20" up to 29", fits tire widths from 23mm road tires up to 3" plus tires (fat tire adapters to fit up 5" are sold separately), and fits bikes with wheelbases up to 49".

The Thule T2 Classic fits bikes weighing up to 60lb, fits wheel diameters from 20" up to 29", fits tire widths from 23mm road tires up to 5" fat tires, and fits bikes with wheelbases up to 49".

Overall, the T2 Pro XTR fits the widest range of bikes due to its high weight capacity, long wheel trays, and tiered tire holders which fit all tire widths.

Lock-ability

Purchasing a bike rack is a big investment and bike racks are tasked with carrying expensive bikes so being able to lock up your rack and your bikes is important.

Of the three T2 models currently available, only the T2 Pro XTR includes locks for both the rack and the bikes. One lock is installed into the AutoAttach knob and prevents theft of the bike rack. The other two locks are installed into cable locks which store in the arms of the rack. These cables lock around your bike frame prevent theft of your bikes. All three locks use the same key for convenience.

The T2 Pro X includes a lock which is installed into the AutoAttach knob and prevents theft of the bike rack. You can then purchase a Thule 2 Pack of Locks which get installed into the arms of the bike rack. These locks would prevent someone from releasing the arm from your tire but do not secure your bike frame. Additional cable locks are recommended to prevent theft of your bikes.

The T2 Classic includes a lock which is installed onto the end of the threaded hitch pin and prevents theft of the bike rack. You can then purchase a Thule 2 Pack of Locks which get installed into the arms of the bike rack. These locks would prevent someone from releasing the arm from your tire but do not secure your bike frame. Additional cable locks are recommended to prevent theft of your bikes.

Bonus Feature on the T2 Pro XTR

One other feature that the Thule T2 Pro XTR has that the Thule T2 Pro X and Thule T2 Classic do not is the wheels located on the base of the rack. All the T2 models weight about 50lb so carrying the rack from wherever you store it to your vehicles can be a bit difficult. The wheels on the base of the T2 Pro XTR allow you to roll the bike rack from its storage location to your vehicle. The only time you will need to lift your rack is from the ground into the hitch. Your lower back is already thanking you!

Comparison Chart - Thule T2 Pro XTR vs T2 Pro X vs T2 Classic