We here at Rack Attack get giddy like kids at Christmas every time Yakima or Thule come out with new product. Its a chance for us to test new things, work on new sales pitches and say goodbye to old friends.
For the 2012 bike season Thule has redesigned their entire line up of Hitch Mounted bike racks. We have already had a look at the Vertex line of bike racks, now its time to have a peek at Thule’s premium Apex line. Since we received our first shipment the Apex bike racks have been selling like beaded necklaces during Mardi Gras.
The 9025 Apex 4 (Retail $479.99), 9026 Apex 5 (Retail $499.95) and 9027 Apex Swing (Retail $599.99) are Thule’s top of the line bike racks. Both non-swing away models come ready right out of the box to fit your class I, II or class III trailer hitch, the Swing can only be used on class III hitches. For class I hitches you can carry two bikes and for class III you can carry up to 4 or 5 bikes to a maximum of 150 lbs. The Apex Series comes fully loaded with RDT (Road Dampening Technology).
What does RDT really mean you ask? Let me explain, for those of you that like to travel off the beaten path the RDT cradles will absorb some of the shock from the pot holes and uneven dirt roads keeping your bike nice, comfy and well…cradled. I have added some pictures of the spiffy new cradles so you can see their multicolored ways. Arched arms help the Apex keep your bikes from touching each other as you drive around. The Apex also has extra mast height so your bikes sit higher giving you more clearance for those pesky speed bumps and an Arch shaped arm design to help your bikes sit at different heights. Tires everywhere rejoice! HURRAY!
The Apex series is also one of the most secure bike racks on the market. The Apex comes with a built in cable lock that thief proofs your bikes to the rack and a locking hitch knob to keep your rack safely fastened to your car. The hitch knob is somewhat similar to the Helium model bike racks, as you tighten the knob it forces a wedge into the hitch making the Apex contact all 4 corners of the hitch, giving it extra no jiggle stability. With the Apex series the day of the Hitch Pin is finally over, the Apex has a handy safety arm making it that much more painless to remove your bike rack when you no longer need it. Worried about the weight of Apex? Worry not! The Apex has a nifty handle on the back of its head making it that much easier to lug it from the back of your car to your hopefully organized garage.
Ever get your bikes loaded only to figure out you forgot to put ice in the cooler? With most bike rack you have to remove all the bikes to get into the back of the car, not with the Apex Swing. The Apex Swing has the strength to move the bikes away from your vehicle so you can get full access into the back without having to dance around the “mast”. With a turn of a knob and a lift of a lever the Apex Swing safely moves your bikes to the side of the car making it easy to get in and out. If you’re a camper or go on long trips and like to take your bikes with you the Apex Swing will save you time and hassle allowing access into the back of the car with the bike still secured on.
So that is the Apex line of Thule’s bike racks. We have stock on all the different models and display both the Swing and Non-Swing versions of the Apex so you can come down to our shop and try out or displays.
Enjoy what should be a great summer!
