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Various types of Thule roof racks

There is a Thule roof rack for everyone and there are different ways to mount one on your roof. This is why there are so many different Thule roof racks available: 

1. Roof rack for frame mounting
You can install your bicycle on this rack without having to remove any parts. With roof racks for frame mounting, the bicycle is fastened to the rack by straps and also attached to a rod. This rod adds stability when you fasten your bicycle frame to it.

Looking for a bike rack for your car roof with frame mounting options? The Thule ProRide or Thule FreeRide could be exactly what you’re looking for. 

2. Roof rack with fork mounting
With a Thule roof rack with fork mounting options, you can fasten the bicycle to the rack by its front fork. You will have to remove the front wheel first, of course (the rear wheel stays where it is). The Thule FastRide is a streamlined, versatile roof rack for fork mounting. The TopRide is also a perfect roof rack for cycling enthusiasts.

If your bicycle has a Thru-Axle, you can still use this roof rack with the help of a Thule FastRide/TopRide Thru-Axle adapter.

3. Roof rack with wheel mounting
With a Thule roof rack with wheel mounting, there is no need to remove any wheels. All you have to do is use the rack’s special clamp to fasten the front wheel on the bike rack, while the rear wheel is secured with straps.

The Thule Upride is one example of this practical type of roof rack. Since there is no direct contact with the frame, this bike rack is also safe for bicycles with a carbon frame. And, using a convenient adapter, you can also make this rack suitable for transporting your fat bike.
 

Do Thule roof racks fit on every car?

Thule supplies bike racks as complete packages that include roof bars, feet and a fit kit. The fit kit is especially important: if your car has a non-standard roof, a fit kit for that specific roof type can be acquired and used to install the bike rack.

The most important question to ask yourself when looking for a reliable Thule roof rack, is what type of car roof you have. There are a few standard types of car roofs:

1.    Bare roof: Bare roofs do not have any of the options mentioned below. They use a clamping system to fasten roof racks to the edge of the car roof.

2.    Roof with fixed points: A roof with fixed points has several fixing points for roof racks, Usually hidden from sight with sliding or removable tabs.

3.    Open or raised rail: 
These roofs usually have two raised rails, attached at several point along the car roof. The open space between roof and rail allows you to fasten the roof rack.

4.    Closed or flush rail: In case of a closed rail, two flush rails run along the length of the car. This type of rail is also referred to as a flush rail.

Another option is that your car roof has a T-profile, which means the roof has two T-track slots running along the length of the car roof. You can use these slots to mount a T-track bar or adapter.

In addition to the type of car roof, the maximum load-bearing capacity is also important, of course.
 

What should I pay attention to when buying roof racks?

With all these models and variations available (and that’s just from Thule), choosing the right roof rack might feel like an impossible task. We have listed a few things below, to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a Thule roof rack. This should help you find the right one!

1.    Roof type
Above, you can find an overview of different car roof types. The type of roof helps determine whether the roof rack will fit. By carefully looking at this, you will know whether you need a separate fit kit or adapter when you’re buying your roof rack.

2.    Make, model & manufacture year of the car
The make, model and manufacture year of your car are closely linked to the roof type. They determine whether or not the car is be suitable for a roof rack, so make sure to keep them in mind. 

3.    Load capacity
Don’t forget about the weight and maximum load. Not just the maximum load or capacity of the roof rack but that of the car itself. If the roof rack is overloaded, this will influence your fuel consumption and driving ability.

4.    Accessories
Sometimes it’s possible to add a roof box or other accessories to the roof rack, to transport a skiing set or paddle board, for instance. If you’re looking for this type of addition to your roof rack, it is important to make sure that the rack is suitable for it.
 

How do you install a roof rack?

Since there are so many different roof racks, there is more than one answer to the question, ‘how do you install a roof rack?’. It is good to know that roof racks usually come with a detailed set of instructions, so you’re not completely left in the dark. 

Although there are many different options, we can tell you roughly how installing a roof rack would work for each the roof type.

Normal bare roof - With a bare roof that lacks any of the fixing points, you will be able to mount the rack’s feet by fastening a special coated clamp (the coating helps prevent the rack from damaging the car) to the edge of the roof/window.

Roof with fixed points - You will find the fixing points at the front and back and on both sides of the car roof. The fixing points - screw holes or mounting blocks - are usually hidden behind removable or sliding tabs.

Roof with open or raised rails - For this roof type, you fasten the roof rack to the already present roof rails.

Roof with closed or flush rails - As with the open/raised rails, you can use the rails that are already present to install the roof rack.

Another helpful tidbit: Like many other brands, Thule provides online tutorials. These helpful videos will explain how to install your particular roof rack, step by step.
 

Thule roof racks at Hollandbikeshop

Hollandbikeshop.com is a dealer of Thule roof racks and has a large and affordable range. We often have Thule roof racks on sale, so make sure to keep an eye on our SALE button. We have the widest range of bicycle parts (over 100,000) available from stock.