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First Impressions of the Thule Revert Bike Rack
Hey, Tom here from Roof Racks Calgary and AQ Outdoors. I’m checking in with some quick first thoughts on the new Thule Revert Bike Rack. This is Thule's long-awaited entry into the vertical bike rack market, and we’re excited to finally have it in our hands. We’ve only had it for a day, so this is truly a first impression, but let’s dive in.
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Key Features of Thule ReVert 4 & 6
- Capacity:
- Thule Revert 4: Holds up to 4 bikes.
- Thule Revert 6: Holds up to 6 bikes.
- Durable Build: Made of high-quality, powder-coated steel for long-lasting use and resistance to the elements.
- Easy Installation: Quick and simple to attach to most vehicles' tow hitches.
- Easy Trunk Access: With bikes mounted you can still easily access the trunk.
- Compatible with lots of bikes: 20-29" wheels (20-24" accessory insert sold separately) with tires wide as 5" (3-5" accessory wheel basket sold separately)
- High Load Capacity: Up to 55 lbs per bike and a total of 250 lbs for the rack. The ReVert can even transport some light E-Bikes
- Roll in Roll out loading: No need to lift heavy bikes onto the rack. Just wheelie them in, load them, then wheelie them out to unload.
- No frame or fork contact: Rubber contact only to prevent any frame or fork contact
- Generous bike spacing: SGenerous 11" (279mm) distance between bikes reduces the risk of bike-to-bike contact
- Tilt Assistance: The tilt assist makes loading and unloading bikes and using the tilt function simple, lightweight and easy.
- Locks for safety: Includes integrated bike locks.
Thule ReVert First Thoughts Review
Why Choose a Vertical Bike Rack?
Let’s start by discussing vertical bike racks as a whole. Why would you want one? Well, vertical bike racks are all about capacity. If you need to carry six bikes with your vehicle, this is the way to do it. Going vertical is the most efficient way to transport multiple bikes without having them stick way off the back of your vehicle. Thule also makes a four-bike version of the Revert, which is perfect for those who will be limited to four riders.
This rack is aimed at core mountain biking families and is a good option if you want to save a bit of money and weight. Keep in mind, the Revert is a fairly heavy rack when it's not installed on the vehicle. Another advantage of a vertical bike rack is clearance — the wheels of your bikes sit higher and don’t stick out as far compared to a four-bike platform rack. And, as always, you get the benefit of a rack that has no contact with your bike frames, which is ideal for carbon fiber bikes.
Thule’s Unique Features on the Revert Bike Rack
Now, let’s talk about what Thule has brought to the vertical bike rack market that sets it apart from competitors. First and foremost, it’s a Thule product, so you know it’s extremely well-built. The overall feel of the rack is rugged and solid. I don’t foresee any issues with durability, and since it’s backed by Thule’s lifetime warranty, there’s no need to worry.
One of the standout features Thule added to the Revert is a dual-action hydraulic system. This design gives you access to your vehicle's trunk or tailgate while the bikes are loaded. It also makes loading the bikes easier, as you can tilt the rack down, wheel the bikes into place, and then pull a handle to let the hydraulic system automatically lift the rack back up — no heavy lifting required!
Hitch Connection and Stability
Thule also made improvements in how the rack attaches to your vehicle via the hitch. It uses an internal camming device that tightens inside the hitch, eliminating any wiggle from the bike rack. This creates a solid, stable connection between the bike rack and your vehicle. Plus, this system is lockable, so you won’t have to worry about theft.
Optional Accessories
When it comes to locks and additional security, you’ll need to purchase a separate accessory lock. Thule also offers some other accessory options, including a different wheel tray for fat bikes and an attachment for kids' bikes. This allows kids' bikes between 20" and 24" to fit on the rack.
our first impressions
So, what’s our overall first impression? We love the Revert bike rack. It’s a classic Thule product: rugged, dependable, and durable. The dual-action hydraulic system is a feature we love, though it has a couple of quirks. When bikes are loaded, the system works flawlessly, making it super easy to tilt the rack down with little effort. However, when the rack is empty, it’s much harder to pull down against the hydraulic. You really need to put some body weight into it, although this will probably be easier once it’s mounted on a vehicle rather than on our shop display.
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