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Thule Verse 2 Bike Rack Review

Hey folks, Tom here from AQ Outdoors and Roof Racks Calgary with a quick first look at the Thule Verse 2 Bike Rack . Thule has taken everything we loved about their bestselling T2 Pro XTR and refined it boosting usability, capacity, and overall rider-friendliness.

Originally designed for mountain bikes, the Verse has evolved to handle today's heavier E-bikes and E-mountain bikes with confidence. Let’s dive into what makes this platform rack a serious contender in the premium rack world.

No Frame Contact, No Worries

Like its predecessor, the Verse is a no frame contact rack it secures bikes by clamping over the tires, not the frame. This is a big win for anyone riding carbon frames, unusual geometries, or just looking to avoid any scuffs or wear on their bike’s finish.

Smarter Tilting, Easier Access

One of the first things you’ll notice? Thule moved the handle to the outside, making it far easier to tilt the rack down for trunk access or up when you’re not using it.

The Verse can tilt toward the ground for better rear vehicle clearance and is also compatible with a four-bike setup (if you're running the 2” receiver version).

Plus, the rack now sits at a slight incline, offering better ground clearance, especially important when you're running that full four bike configuration.

Improved Bike Clearance and Fit

Whether you're hauling downhill rigs or a mix of bikes, Thule’s upgraded the wheel trays to slide forward or backward. That means:

• Better fit for a variety of wheelbases
• Easier offsetting to avoid handlebar-seat collisions
• Compatibility with wider and larger tires

In short: it’s much more adaptable.

Built for E-Bikes (With a Caveat)

The Verse can now hold up to 60 lbs per tray, a big thumbs-up for E-bike users. It also supports a folding ramp attachment, so you can wheel your E-bike into place instead of doing the awkward lift and heave.

Heads up though, because the rack clamps over the front tire, it won’t work with large front fenders. This might rule it out for some commuter or cruiser E-bikes, but E-MTBs without fenders? No problem.

Simple Loading and Unloading

They’ve moved the clamping mechanism to the outside, which means:

• Easier reach and access
• Faster securing and releasing of bikes
• Minimal hassle all around

The rear tray? It’s the familiar ratcheting strap system, now sized to accommodate everything from slim gravel tires to bulky fat tires, all without needing upgrades.

Lock It Down

Security is getting a glow-up too. The Verse includes:

• A thick integrated steel cable lock
• Lock cores that secure the rack to your hitch
• Thule’s AccuTight hitch system, which expands inside your receiver for a tight, wiggle-free fit

Bonus Features & Add-Ons

Thule’s also packed in a few clever options:

• Wheel roller system: Makes moving the rack around your garage a breeze
• Clamp-on repair stand: Great for trailside tune-ups or preride adjustments
• Light and plate kit: Ensures visibility and legality by relocating brake lights and license plate to the rear of the rack
• RV Certification: Yep, this rack is fully RV compatible ready for wherever your summer road trip takes you

Final Thoughts

As you’d expect from Thule’s flagship hitch rack, the Verse comes in at a premium price point:

• $1,300 CAD for the base 2-bike system
• $850 CAD for the 2-bike add-on (to make it a 4-bike setup)

Curious about the Verse? Drop by our in-person locations at AQ Outdoors Calgary or Edmonton to come try it out.