Thule Epos 2 E-Bike Rack Review: Lightweight Strength for Heavy E-Bikes

When Thule drops a new bike rack, ears perk up in the outdoor gear world, especially here at Mountain Weekly News. We’ve put their racks through the wringer before, like the trusty Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack, and they’ve consistently delivered. So, when the Thule Epos 2 landed on our radar, designed with modern bikes (yes, e-bikes, we’re looking at you!) in mind, we had to see if it lived up to the hype and the Thule legacy. Spoiler: it’s a clever piece of kit.

The Epos 2 from Thule isn’t just another bike rack; it feels like Thule listened to folks who actually wrestle bikes onto cars after a long day on the trails or a cruise around town. It’s about making life easier without skimping on the robust build quality Thule is known for.

Lightweight Champion: The Epos 2’s Party Trick

Let’s talk about weight, or rather, the delightful lack of it. Clocking in at a mere 38.1 lbs, the Epos 2 is a featherweight champion in a world of heavyweight contenders. My back instantly sent a thank-you note the first time I lifted it. This isn’t just a number; it translates to less groaning when mounting it to your vehicle or taking it off for storage.

Speaking of storage, the Epos 2 folds down to a surprisingly compact 27.2 x 10.6 x 29.5 inches. This is a huge plus for those of us with limited garage space or who don’t want a rack permanently adorning our vehicle.

Compatible Receiver Hitch Sizes

Thule’s reputation for secure, no-wobble mounting continues with the Epos 2. It’s designed to fit both standard 2″ receivers and the 1 1/4″ variety, which covers a vast majority of vehicles out there. The connection is confidence-inspiring, minimizing that unnerving sway you sometimes get with lesser racks, especially when loaded with precious (and heavy) e-bike cargo. While the EasyFold XT had that brilliant tool-free twist knob, the Epos 2 continues Thule’s trend of user-friendly attachment systems that get you locked in and ready to roll quickly.

Bike Versatility & Security

The Epos 2 is a two-bike hauler with a generous load capacity of 140 lbs total, or 75 lbs per bike. This is a crucial spec. Most mid-range e-bikes, be they commuters or lighter e-MTBs, fall comfortably within this 75 lb limit. We’ve all seen (and maybe owned) those burly, full-suspension, fat-tire e-beasts that can tip the scales a bit higher, so it’s good to be mindful of that. But for a vast majority of the e-bike market, the Epos 2 is perfectly specced.

It’s not just for e-bikes, though. Mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel grinders – the Epos 2 welcomes them all. The individual bike arms and wheel trays are designed for broad compatibility. It handles tire widths up to 3.2 inches out of the box, and if you’re rolling with super-chunky rubber, Thule offers their XXL Fatbike Wheel Straps to accommodate tires up to 5 inches. Maximum wheel diameter is a solid 29 inches.

The securing mechanisms are intuitive. Thule has refined its approach over the years, and the Epos 2 benefits from this evolution, ensuring your bikes are held firmly without damaging frames. The goal is always peace of mind, knowing your two-wheeled investments are safe on the journey to your next adventure.

Wheel Transport System

Okay, this is one of those “why didn’t someone think of this sooner?” features that just makes sense. When the Epos 2 is off your vehicle, it has integrated wheels on the bottom. Yes, wheels! You can tilt it and roll it around like a piece of luggage. This might seem like a small thing, but if you’re moving the rack from your car to the back of the garage, or maneuvering it in a tight space, it’s a game-changer. My guess is you’ll use this “neat and fun” feature more than just seasonally; anytime you’re taking the bike rack off, these wheels are a welcome touch.

The Plastic Question: A Note on Durability

I did notice a fair amount of plastic components in the Epos 2’s construction. This is common in modern rack design to save weight and allow for more intricate shaping. Now, Thule isn’t known for cutting corners, and the plastic used generally feels high-grade and robust. So far, I have yet to have any issues, and everything functions smoothly. Long-term durability is always a question with any gear, but given Thule’s track record and warranty, I’m optimistic. The impressive weight-to-strength ratio certainly suggests smart engineering.

Thule Epos 2 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Seriously Lightweight: At 38.1 lbs, it’s a back-saver.

• Versatile Fit: Accommodates various bike types and both 2″ & 1 1/4″ hitches.

• Compact Folding: Stores away neatly.

Cons:

• Plastic Components: While seemingly durable, long-term wear is always a watch point for some users.

• Heaviest E-Bikes May Exceed Limit: Users with >75 lb e-bikes need to be aware.

Overall Impression

The Thule Epos 2 ($999.99) is a thoughtfully designed, user-centric bike rack that clearly targets the evolving needs of cyclists, especially those embracing the e-bike revolution. It balances robust carrying capacity with a remarkably lightweight design and throws in genuinely useful features like the transport wheels.

For riders who frequently transport one or two bikes, including e-bikes up to 75 lbs each, and who value ease of use both on and off the vehicle, the Epos 2 is a compelling option. It doesn’t try to be the absolute burliest, over-engineered rack for extreme off-road abuse (though it’ll handle regular roads and moderate unpaved access just fine), but rather a highly efficient, convenient, and secure way to get your bikes where you want to go.

The blend of Thule’s trusted engineering, the significant weight savings, and those clever convenience features make the Epos 2 a standout. It’s an investment, sure, but for the hassle it saves and the reliability it offers, it’s one that will likely pay dividends in good times on the trail for years to come. We’re certainly stoked to have it in our gear quiver.

Related Bike Racks We Have Tested

1. Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Bike Rack
2. Saris MHS2 Bike Rack
3. Kuat Piston Pro Bike Rack