Harry Kooros
Thule has long set the benchmark for bike racks, particularly at the premium end of the market.
Models like the VeloSpace and EasyFold are built to carry more, do more, and handle just about any bike you can throw at them.
The OutPace range however, sits in a different part of Thule’s line-up. Rather than chasing maximum capacity or full e-bike compatibility, the Outpace 2 ($1,499.95), as tested here, targets riders who want a lighter, simpler rack that’s genuinely easy to live with day-to-day.
After several weeks of use transporting a mix of road and gravel bikes, that focus becomes very clear.
First impressions and build quality
Arriving on a small pallet, the OutPace initially looked like it might be another bulky, awkward towbar rack. That assumption quickly disappeared once it was out of the packaging.
At roughly 15 kg, the rack is notably lighter than many full-featured towbar options, making it far easier to handle than expected.
That lighter weight doesn’t come at the expense of confidence. The rack feels solid and well finished, with the kind of construction expected from Thule.
Everything from the materials to the locking mechanisms feels purposeful and well thought through, reinforcing that this is a premium rack aimed at practicality rather than maximum capacity.
Setting the rack up out of the box is simple, with only a few components needing to be connected before it’s ready to mount.
Fitment and bike loading
The OutPace uses a frame-holding arm paired with wheel trays, allowing it to accommodate a broad range of bike styles.
During testing, it carried everything from road bikes and gravel bikes with 40 mm tyres through to a dual-suspension mountain bike without issue.
Bike spacing is set at 23 cm, which is ample for most non-oversized setups. With drop-bar bikes and narrower cockpits, clearance is rarely a concern.
Wide flat bars can require some careful positioning, and it’s worth noting the rack isn’t designed for bulky downhill bikes or long-travel e-MTBs.
Maximum bike weight is rated at 25 kg per bike. That comfortably covers most analogue bikes and lighter e-bikes, but it does exclude many full-power electric mountain bikes.
Thule has clearly drawn a line here, and riders looking to carry heavier e-MTBs will need to step up to another model in the range.
The rack mounts to the car using an adjustable clamp system that makes achieving a secure fit straightforward. The frame-clamping arms are quick to position and feel confidence-inspiring once tightened, while the wheel straps are simple to secure and release.
On the road
Once on the move, the OutPace feels secure and predictable. Some natural movement is present, particularly through the towbar shaft, and this is most noticeable over rough roads, speed bumps, and gravel driveways.
Importantly, it never feels loose or unstable, and the rack quickly settles once back on smoother surfaces.
At highway speeds, the OutPace is quiet and unobtrusive. There’s no rattling, clunking, or noticeable sway, even with two bikes loaded, and nothing that draws attention to the rack once you’re cruising.
Integrated rear lights are powered via a 13-pin connector, maintaining visibility and legality when carrying bikes. Australian buyers should note that this may require an adaptor depending on the vehicle’s towbar wiring, typically supplied by Thule or the retailer.
There’s also a dedicated mount for an auxiliary number plate, which is essential when the vehicle’s rear plate is obscured.
Storage and everyday practicality
The OutPace’s real strength is day-to-day practicality. It folds into a compact upright position when not on the car, making it easy to tuck away in a garage or shed – a genuine advantage for riders short on space compared with bulkier towbar systems.
Carrying the rack to and from the car is straightforward, and the integrated carry handle reinforces the OutPace’s focus on convenience rather than maximum capacity.
Locking is built in, securing both the rack to the towbar and the bikes to the carrier. While no system is theft-proof, it’s more than adequate for quick stops and general peace of mind.
Who is it for?
The Thule OutPace is aimed at riders who value simplicity and everyday usability over hauling the biggest or heaviest bikes. For road, gravel, and lighter mountain bikes, it offers a practical, easy-to-live-with solution that avoids the bulk and complexity of larger towbar racks.
Limitations
The trade-off for the lighter, more compact design is capacity. Bike spacing is adequate rather than generous, and the 25 kg per-bike weight limit rules out many heavier electric bikes. Riders with wide-bar enduro bikes or multiple e-bikes may find the OutPace a little restrictive.
That said, these limitations don’t feel like oversights. They’re deliberate design choices that prioritise weight, simplicity, and everyday usability over maximum carrying capability.
Verdict
The Thule OutPace delivers exactly what it sets out to be: a lighter, more user-friendly towbar rack that meets the needs of most everyday cyclists. Rather than chasing extremes, it focuses on build quality, simplicity and real-world practicality.
For riders who don’t need maximum carrying capacity and want a rack that’s genuinely easy to live with week in, week out, the OutPace sits in a sweet spot within Thule’s range.
Specifications
Bikes carried – 2 (tested); 3-bike version available
Total load capacity – 50 kg
Maximum bike weight – 25 kg per bike
Rack weight – Approx. 15 kg (2-bike); 18.6 kg (3-bike)
Maximum wheel size – Up to 29″
Maximum tyre width – Up to 3.0″
Frame compatibility – Frames from 20–90 mm diameter
Bike spacing – 23 cm between bikes
Towbar fitting – Towbar-mounted carrier
Electrical connection – 13-pin plug (adapter may be required in Australia)
Lighting – Integrated rear lights
Security – Lockable rack to towbar; bike locking via integrated system
Price – $1,499.95 (2-bike); $1,699.95 (3-bike)
More info: Thule.com
Harry Kooros
Harry Kooros - As a former Advertising Manager of Bicycling Australia, Harry is a keen roadie who has stepped up as a contributor to share his riding and product experiences.
