bing tracking image
Customer Service My Orders
  1. Home
  2. Sports and Recreation
  3. All Bike Racks
  4. Hitch Bike Racks
  5. Thule Apex XT...
  6. Comparing Thule...
Q & A Icon

Comparing Thule Apex XT 4-Bike and 5-Bike Racks  

Question:

i am getting a 2 inch hitch for my gmc terrain. i want to get a bike rack for our 4 bikes, which are all trek adult bikesfx1, fx2. i was thinking of getting the apex 5, but a local bike shop mentioned the apex 4. it seems like the length of the arms are the same for both racks28. The spacing for the apex 4 is 7 inches and the apex 5 is 5.5 inches. I currently have a saris bike rack for 3 bikes, but it only really fits 2 bikes. Since the length is the same, will the apex 4 fit all 4 bikes comfortably? Will the 5 fit all 4 bikes also? im just wondering Which one I should get? thanks

0

Expert Reply:

If you only plan on ever carrying 4 bikes and you're looking for ease of use then the Thule Apex XT 4-Bike Rack # TH9025XT is the better option. It has 28" arms and the cradles are spaced 7" apart which should allow you to load up all 4 Trek bikes just fine. The 5-Bike Apex XT # TH9026XT also has 28" long arms so the cradles are 5-1/2" apart which is the more traditional spacing, but it will make loading up your bikes a little more of a hassle. Your only real benefit of the 5-Bike version is that you can transport that 1 extra bike.

Other than the spacing of the cradles these bike racks are the exact same. They use the same features and have a weight caapcity of 37.5 lbs per bike so it really boils down to is whether or not you need that extra set of cradles.

From what I could find it looks like there are a few different bike frame designs for the FX1 and FX2. if you have a horizontal top tube (or fairly horizontal) then the bikes will sit pretty level, but if any of your bikes has more of a severe slop on the top tube then you'll need to use the Adapter Bar # TH982XT.

If you don't already have a hitch then I recommend the etrailer Hitch # e98865 if you have a 2010-2017 GMC Terrain, the Draw-Tite # 76419 for a 2018-2020 Terrain non-Diesel, or the Draw-Tite # 76217 if you have a Diesel 2018-2020 Terrain.

expert reply by:
0
Jon G
Ask The Experts a Question >>

Products Referenced in This Question






Product Page this Question was Asked From


Featured Help Information

Instructions

Instructions for 76217Instructions for 76419Instructions for e98865Instructions for TH9026XTInstructions for TH9025XT

Miscellaneous Media

How to Set Up Your Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
How to Set Up Your Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox - Video
Installation Guide for the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2020 GMC Terrain
Installation Guide for the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2020 GMC Terrain - Video
Mount: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2017 GMC Terrain
Mount: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2017 GMC Terrain - Video
Checking Out the Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes
Checking Out the Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - Video
Review of the Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 5 Bikes
Review of the Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 5 Bikes - Video
Feature Review Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women
Feature Review Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes - Video
Q & A Icon

Continue Researching

See More Q&A Expert Answers >>