Are you looking for a trunk bike rack but are worried that your bikes will be damaged if hung? The Thule Outway Platform 2 Bike Rack might save the day. You just have to understand the product to find out if it will be compatible and suits your biking requirements.

In this article, we have rated the Outway Platform with the help of rack score. This will make it easier for you to compare the features, security, price, compatibility, and other aspects of this bike rack with other trunk bike racks. 

It is also among the top 2022 hitchless bike racks for SUVs.

Rack Score for Bike Racks 

We have developed a grading system to compare the features of various bike racks. This is important because selecting the right bike rack is not easy due to the hundreds of options in the market. 

To save you from confusion, we rate each bike rack after carefully analyzing its features and other aspects.  We start by examining the features, capacity, cost-effectiveness, security, compatibility, appeal, brand value, and customer satisfaction.

Then we grade each one separately using the Rack score (R score) system. We finally determine a total rack score for the bike rack by allocating appropriate points to each of these factors. We place the product on a scale of 1 to 10.

Features of Thule Outway

A wide variety of automobiles, especially those with spoilers, may accommodate the Thule Outway Platform 2. It is built to facilitate SUVs, CUVs, station wagons, and sedans. The elevated platform makes the license plate and back lights more visible.

Its sturdy steel wires, dual hook connection system, and rubber protective pads provide the car with a safe and solid fit. When bike arms are properly adjusted over bike frames, the Thule AcuTight torque control knobs indicate the right fit.

Up to 50 inches of wheelbases and tires up to 3 inches wide can fit on this rack. Wheels may be simply fastened using long straps with pump buckles. Before installing it on a car, no assembly is needed. 

When it isn’t in use, you can fold up the platform for simple storage and transportation. You may open the trunk and access it while the bicycles are not attached to it. Additionally, it includes the Anti-sway system. For these features, we give it an R score of 8.

Mounting Tutorial on Thule Outway

Thule Outway Platform 2 is the best-looking trunk bike rack

The aesthetics of a bike rack may ruin the overall look of a vehicle or it may give it a more graceful look. Thus, although aesthetics are not the most important, you may want to consider them if you are also conscious of the way your vehicle looks with the rack attached. 

The Thule Outway has an aluminum body in the color black. Since it is a bit raised, it does not hide the rear lights and license plate. Overall, it is a compact design bike rack, which can be folded into a more compact flat shape when you are not using it or want to store it. 

The rack is 23 inches long, 50 inches wide and 47 inches in height. It is heavy with a weight of 27.6 pounds. You can open the trunk or hatch with the rack attached but make sure your bikes are not mounted. (R score 10)

Capacity and Compatibility of Thule Outway Platform

The Thule Outway Platform 2 Bike Rack is compatible with numerous bikes and vehicles. It is carbon frame compatible, which means that you can use it to carry your expensive and valuable bikes without any hesitation. 

But for some bikes, you might need a frame adapter. Otherwise, there will always be a risk of improper mounting of the bike(s). 

When checking for compatibility with a specific vehicle, remember that Outway Platform is not a universal fit. We have done some research on vehicles that are compatible and that are not compatible with this Thule bike rack.

Fit for Outway Platform:

The Outway Platform 2 has a capacity of two bikes. For this capacity and compatibility, we give it an R score of 6.

Is Thule Outway Platform 2 Bike Rack Worth the Money?

The Outway Platform for 2 bikes costs around $380. Considering the capacity of this bike rack i.e., two bikes, it seems quite expensive. This is because you would be paying the per-bike cost of $190. 

We do not recommend only considering the per-bike cost. Some bike racks are expensive because they are premium quality, or because they are providing high value to the customers. The same is the case with the Outway Platform. 

It is a platform-style trunk bike rack and is highly recommended for expensive bikes, particularly carbon-frame bikes. Since there is no bike-to-bike contact, there can be no better trunk bike rack in hanging style. Thus for the value of money, we give it an R score of 8.

Are the Customers of Thule Outway happy?

Don’t you always go through customer reviews before buying a product? Well, we too give high regard to consumer satisfaction. The Thule Outway Platform 2 has 98 global ratings on Amazon. And from these 98 ratings, 65% have liked the product and have given either a 4 or 5 star. The overall Amazon rating is 3.7/5 stars. (R score 6)

Outway Platform is the most secure trunk bike Rack from theft

The majority of us value a bike rack’s security features. We may have to exit the vehicle several times while traveling. If your bike rack or bike is stolen in this situation, your trip would be spoiled. Locking mechanisms are therefore essential for bike racks.

Locks are included with the Thule Outway Platform 2 trunk bike rack. It is lockable bike-to-rack as well as rack-to-vehicle. This implies that the rack may remain on the car even when it is not in use. Additionally, you may leave the bikes wherever you go without any difficulty. We rate its security on this with an R score of 10.

Brand value of Thule

Thule began distributing throughout Scandinavia in 1942 when the Thulin family officially established Thule. He didn’t need much time to increase the company’s assortment of practical goods. In the 1960s, the company began concentrating on products for cars, including the first roof rack.

Since the family sold Thule to Eldon in 1979, the company has since steadily grown via partnerships. The Thule Group is a world pioneer in offering vehicles for people who lead active lifestyles. It receives an R score of 9.

Thule Outway Platform 2 Bike Rack

Conclusion 

The Thule Outway Platform 2 earns an overall rack score of 7.9. This bike rack is suitable for valuable bikes because of the platform. It ensures minimum contact with bikes and comes with a locking mechanism. So if you own two bikes and want to carry them on the trunk of your car, the Thule Outway Platform would be a good choice.