
The Apex Bike Carrier is a game-changer for cyclists who want to transport their bikes with ease. It's designed to hold up to 4 bikes, making it perfect for families or groups of friends.
The Apex Bike Carrier is made of sturdy steel, ensuring it can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. In fact, it's tested to hold 120 pounds per bike, so you can feel confident with your bike's safety.
One of the standout features of the Apex Bike Carrier is its adjustable arms, which can accommodate bikes of all sizes. This means you can use it with your road bike, mountain bike, or even your kid's bike.
The Apex Bike Carrier is also incredibly easy to install, taking just a few minutes to set up.
Product Details
The Apex bike carrier is designed with a maximum load capacity of 120 pounds, ensuring it can handle most bikes with ease. It's also built with a sturdy steel frame that can withstand heavy use.

This carrier features a sleek and compact design, making it easy to install on most vehicles. The Apex bike carrier measures 29 inches wide, 42 inches long, and 6 inches tall.
The carrier comes with a set of adjustable straps that can fit most bike frames, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and even electric bikes. The straps are also padded for added protection and security.
One of the standout features of the Apex bike carrier is its ability to tilt forward, making it easy to load and unload bikes. This feature also helps to prevent bikes from falling off the carrier.
The Apex bike carrier is designed to work with most vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks. It's also compatible with most bike types, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and even fat bikes.
Loading
The loading process is where the Apex bike carrier truly shines. Its sleek and aerodynamic design allows for a smooth and easy loading experience.

The Apex bike carrier can accommodate bikes with wheelbases up to 48 inches, making it compatible with most road and mountain bikes.
Loading the Apex bike carrier requires minimal effort, thanks to its integrated straps and quick-release system. This system allows for fast and secure loading of the bike.
The Apex bike carrier's compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, ensuring a hassle-free loading experience.
Features
The Thule Apex XT bike carrier is a top-notch option for transporting your bikes. It features a ratcheting cab strap that makes it easy to attach and secure bikes.
One of the standout features of this carrier is its ability to accommodate multiple bike sizes and frame styles. This makes it a great option for families or groups with different types of bikes.
The Apex XT has 7 inches of space between each bike, which is more than many other hanging racks on the market. This extra space makes it faster and easier to load bikes, and also accommodates a wider variety of bike combinations.

With a 150 lb. load capacity, you can safely transport multiple bikes at once. The carrier is also made with steel construction, which adds to its durability and stability.
Here are some key features of the Thule Apex XT bike carrier:
- Ratcheting cab strap for easy bike attachment and security
- Accommodates multiple bike sizes and frame styles
- 7 inches of space between each bike
- 150 lb. load capacity
- Steel construction
Overview and Review
The Thule Apex XT 4 is a great choice for families who prefer hanging racks with maximum spacing between bikes, offering up to 7 inches of space between each bike.
It's available in 2, 4, or 5 capacity options, making it a versatile option for various family sizes.
The rack is lightweight and easy to take on and off the car, with tool-free installation and an integrated hitch locking system.
Here are some key features of the Thule Apex XT 4:
- Provides 7″ of space between each bike!
- Ratcheting straps are narrow and pliable – easy to move out of the way
- Accommodates 20″ and even some 16″ kid’s bikes
- Anti-sway cradles help reduce bike contact
- Lightweight – easy to take on and off the car
- Tool-free installation and integrated hitch locking system (no separate bolt that can get lost)
One thing to keep in mind is that, like with any hanging rack, it can be more difficult to load and configure than a platform rack.
4 Overview
The Thule Apex XT 4 is a top-notch option for families who want to hang their bikes from the back of their car. It offers maximum spacing between bikes, with 7 inches of space between each bike.

One of the standout features of this rack is its ratcheting straps, which are narrow and pliable, making it easy to move them out of the way when loading or unloading bikes. This design also allows it to accommodate 20-inch bikes, as well as some 16-inch kid's bikes.
The anti-sway cradles on this rack are a game-changer, helping to reduce bike contact and prevent damage. And with its lightweight design, it's easy to take on and off the car.
One thing to keep in mind is that this rack can be a bit more difficult to load and configure than a platform rack. Additionally, most women's and kid's bikes will require a top tube adapter, which can increase the cost of the rack.
A different take: One Bike Carrier
4 Review: Testing Results
The Thule Apex XT 4 is a top-notch mid-priced hanging rack that's perfect for families. It's great quality and easy to use, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a hassle-free bike storage solution.

This rack is designed to accommodate four bikes, which is a huge bonus for families with multiple riders. It's also very low profile, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
The Thule Apex XT 4 features a center mast and two arms that support the hanging bikes by their frames. This design makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
One of the best features of this rack is its versatility - it works with both 1.25″ and 2″ hitch receivers, right out of the box. This means you can use it with a variety of different vehicles.
Whether you want to take the rack off after each ride or leave it on, the Thule Apex XT 4 makes it easy. It's a great option for anyone who wants a convenient and easy-to-use bike storage solution.
Who Is It For?
The Thule Apex XT bike carrier is a great option for many types of users. It's perfect for families who want a lightweight rack that's easy to take on and off the car.

The Apex XT is also ideal for those who need a hanging rack but are worried about bike sway and damage. The anti-sway cradles are a huge help, and the bikes are spaced farther apart than most.
This rack is a great choice for families who want to carry 20" bikes and up. They can even transport 16" bikes, making it a versatile option for many families.
The Apex XT is also perfect for people who tend to forget tools while on the go. It doesn't need tools to install, and its unique mounting system eliminates a hitch-pin that can easily be misplaced.
Here are some specific user types that the Thule Apex XT is best for:
- Families who want a lightweight rack that is easy to take on and off the car
- Those who need a hanging rack but are worried about bike sway and damage
- Those who may want to keep their rack on the car on a regular basis
- Families who want to carry 20″ bikes and up
- People who tend to forget tools while on the go
- Those who only have a 1.25″ hitch, but need to transport four bikes
Design and Compatibility
The Apex bike carrier is designed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicles. Its universal design allows it to fit most car types, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
For example, the Apex bike carrier can be installed on vehicles with a wheelbase of up to 120 inches. This means that it can accommodate larger vehicles, making it a great option for families or those with multiple bikes to transport.
The Apex bike carrier's compatibility is also enhanced by its adjustable arm system, which allows for a secure and stable fit on vehicles with different roof heights. This feature ensures that the bike carrier remains level and secure during transport.
Additional reading: Honda Fit Bike Carrier
Pivot Plate

The Pivot Plate is a crucial component of the Sportworks Apex Series bike racks. It measures 20” wide and provides the mounting and pivot point for the bike rack. This means it enables the bike rack to move between the stowed and deployed positions.
The Pivot Plate is connected to bumper brackets, which secure the bike rack to the vehicle's bumper. There are two primary types of brackets available: Stand-Off and others. The Stand-Off is the most common type and attaches through holes drilled into the front of the vehicle bumper.
Sportworks offers a range of Stand-Off bracket lengths to fit different vehicle makes and models. To determine the proper fit, you may need to provide information such as vehicle year, bumper manufacturer, and type. This ensures a secure and proper installation of the Pivot Plate and bike rack.
The Apex 3 Pivot Plate With Torsion Spring Kit is an optional upgrade that reduces the lifting weight when stowing and deploying the rack. This design feature makes it easier to use the bike rack.
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Fat Tire Option

The Fat Tire Option is a great feature for accommodating bikes with extra wide tires.
If you have a fat tire bike, you can choose from modular wheel trays available for the Apex 3, Apex 2, and Apex 1 transit bike racks.
Bike Size and Frame Design
The Thule Apex XT bike rack is quite versatile, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Bike size is a major factor in determining compatibility. The rack can easily accommodate adult bikes and even 20″ kids' bikes. However, smaller bikes can be a bit more finicky.
The rack's design requires a flat top tube for easy hanging. Bikes with slanting top tubes, like most women's bikes and kids' bikes, may need a top tube adapter. This adapter mimics a flat top tube, making it easier to hang the bike.
Using a top tube adapter can be a bit of a hassle, especially for kids' bikes. The smaller the bike, the more difficult it will be to load. It may be necessary to raise the saddle all the way to its minimum insertion point to get the top tube adapter to fit properly.
The cost of top tube adapters can add up quickly, with each adapter costing $40. This can be an extra $120 for a women's bike and two kids' bikes.
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Bike Spacing

Bike spacing can be a major issue with hanging racks, especially when trying to fit four bikes on a rack. With as little as 5-7 inches of space between bikes, you'll often find yourself adjusting saddles and handlebars to get everything to fit.
One of the best options is the Thule Apex XT, which has a generous 7 inches of space between bikes, making it easier to load than most hanging racks.
The Thule Apex XT's spacious design is especially helpful when you need to fit multiple bikes on the rack. However, be aware that the 5-bike version has a narrower spacing, with the cradles placed closer together due to the same-length arms as the 4-bike version.
Pro Platform vs. Hanging Rack
One of the main differences between the Thule Apex Hanging Rack and the Thule Pro XT Platform Rack is their design and functionality.
The Thule Apex Hanging Rack has a very low profile when not in use, making it a great option for those who want a sleek and unobtrusive design.

Anti-sway cradles on the Thule Apex Hanging Rack offer another anchor point on the seat post, reducing bike sway and the likelihood of bikes hitting or scraping against each other.
These cradles can be a bit of a hassle to deal with, especially when first loading bikes onto the rack, but they do move easily if you push them out of the way.
In our experience, the cradles were only a slight inconvenience once we got the hang of loading bikes onto the rack.
Technical Specifications
The Apex Bike Carrier is designed to hold a maximum weight of 120 pounds, making it suitable for most bike types.
It has a sturdy steel frame that provides excellent support and stability.
The carrier is compatible with 2-inch and 1.25-inch hitch receivers, giving you flexibility in terms of vehicle compatibility.
Explore further: 2 Inch Receiver Bike Carrier
Drawings & Downloads
You can find various technical specifications and documents for the Apex 3 transit bike rack through the Sportworks website.

The Apex 3 transit bike rack has a completely redesigned frame, wheel trays, and support arms to reduce bounce and minimize its footprint for better vehicle turn radius and headlight/turn signal visibility.
The Sportworks website offers digital downloads for the Sportworks Transit Catalog, which provides a comprehensive overview of the Apex 3 transit bike rack.
You can also download the Apex 3 Operation and Maintenance document, which outlines the necessary steps for maintaining the rack.
The Apex 3 Parts and Options document is another valuable resource that lists the available parts and options for the rack.
If you need to access the technical specifications of the Apex 3, the Sportworks website has a dedicated section for that.
Here is a summary of the available downloads:
- Technical Specifications
- Apex 3Bid Specifications
- Apex 3Operation and Maintenance
- Apex 3 Parts and Options
- Apex 3Transit Rack Accessories and Options
- Digital Download: Sportworks Transit Catalog
Pivot Plate with Spring Kit
The Pivot Plate with Spring Kit is a convenient and practical solution for those who want to make stowing and deploying their bike rack easier. The Apex 3 Pivot Plate With Torsion Spring Kit reduces the lifting weight when stowing and deploying the rack.

This kit is designed to be corrosion resistant with a stainless steel spring. The spring is easily attachable to most Sportworks pivot plates, making it a versatile solution for many users.
If you're looking for a hassle-free experience with your bike rack, the Pivot Plate with Spring Kit is definitely worth considering.
Hitch Size
The Thule Apex XT is compatible with both 2″ and 1.25″ hitch sizes.
The rack comes ready to install in a 2″ hitch. If you have a 1.25″ hitch, you'll need to remove the extra silver spacing ring before installation.
This versatility makes it easy to install the rack on a variety of vehicles.
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Lightweight, Swing-Away
The Thule Apex XT Swing Hitch Rack is a premium hanging hitch bike rack that's designed to provide superior bike protection and unobstructed access to the rear of your vehicle.
This rack can fit up to 4 bikes, which is perfect for families or groups of friends who like to ride together. It accommodates a wide variety of bike sizes and frame styles, making it a great option for anyone.
The compact cradle design allows you to quickly attach bikes and easily secure them to the rack using the ratcheting cradle strap.
You'll appreciate the superior bike stability and fit this rack provides, thanks to its integrated anti-sway feature that prevents bike-to-bike contact and disappears when not needed.
The 7" of spacing between each bike and the integrated cable lock ensure your bikes are safe and secure during transport.
The patented swing-away design allows for convenient access to the rear of the vehicle, even with bikes attached.
Conclusion
The Thule Apex XT 4 is a top-notch bike carrier that's perfect for families.
Its wider spacing allows it to fit a wide range of bike frames and sizes, making it a versatile option for households with multiple bikes.
The Apex XT 4's excellent quality and design are hard to beat, especially considering its mid-range price tag.
Overall, the Thule Apex XT 4 is a great choice for families looking for a reliable and practical bike carrier.
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