Customer return. Item may be fairly worn but functions properly. Item may arrive with damaged packaging or be repackaged. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, and worn corners. The item may have identifying markings on it or show other signs of previous use. Item may be missing some parts/accessories. Missing parts/accessories, if any, are clearly defined in the following description. Box damaged. Item has a few scratches but functions well.
Customer return. Item may be fairly worn but functions properly. Item may arrive with damaged packaging or be repackaged. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, and worn corners. The item may have identifying markings on it or show other signs of previous use. Item may be missing some parts/accessories. Missing parts/accessories, if any, are clearly defined in the following description. Box damaged. Item has a few scratches but functions well.
Customer return. Item may be fairly worn but functions properly. Item may arrive with damaged packaging or be repackaged. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, and worn corners. The item may have identifying markings on it or show other signs of previous use. Item may be missing some parts/accessories. Missing parts/accessories, if any, are clearly defined in the following description. Box damaged. Item has a few scratches but functions well.
Customer return. Item may be fairly worn but functions properly. Item may arrive with damaged packaging or be repackaged. Signs of wear can include aesthetic issues such as scratches, dents, and worn corners. The item may have identifying markings on it or show other signs of previous use. Item may be missing some parts/accessories. Missing parts/accessories, if any, are clearly defined in the following description. Box damaged. Item has a few scratches but functions well.
Last updated at 06/07/2026 15:38:12
Thule 9026XT Apex XT 5-Bike Rack, Black
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Thule Apex XT 5-Bike Tiltable Towbar Rack 9026XT
Delivery between 8–18 June $10.80
Thule Apex XT 5-bike hitch hanging bike rack
Delivery between 11–15 June $12.50
originally posted on thule.com
I bought the Apex one month ago. The shipping was faster than what I thought.Once out of the box, it was easy to install with clear instructions. It fits good in my 2 inches rack on my mini van. It's a system that you need to lock with a screw and then insert a key so it can't be taken off. There's a hook to secure everything, this looks not so sure but as it's made by thule, it comforts me.I only try putting on 2 bikes (one adult/one kid) and it was quite easier than with my previous bike rack. Negative point, the unused straps could fit tighter or smaller so it's even easier to insert the bike, but overall the rack was solid and couldn't guess it was there while driving.The fact that it can be fold super fast to open the trunk or to reduce the space behind ... MoreI bought the Apex one month ago. The shipping was faster than what I thought.Once out of the box, it was easy to install with clear instructions. It fits good in my 2 inches rack on my mini van. It's a system that you need to lock with a screw and then insert a key so it can't be taken off. There's a hook to secure everything, this looks not so sure but as it's made by thule, it comforts me.I only try putting on 2 bikes (one adult/one kid) and it was quite easier than with my previous bike rack. Negative point, the unused straps could fit tighter or smaller so it's even easier to insert the bike, but overall the rack was solid and couldn't guess it was there while driving.The fact that it can be fold super fast to open the trunk or to reduce the space behind the car when it's unused is the completely awesome!Overall, super satisfied!
originally posted on thule.com
I am not knocking the Thule name, they have and continue to build quality products. 2 major complaints. 1) good luck with fitting 5 bikes. 5 road bikes with drop down bars maybe. I’ve tried manipulating the configuration and I will never get 5 mtb bikes loaded. 2) if your bike has dual suspension, forget it. Assuming you could fit 5 bikes, I would need frame adaptors at additional cost, for all 5 bikes. I’m very saddened that I spent so much money on a product that literally does not work for me. I would love my money refunded in full or partially, but can guarantee that will never happen. For those thinking “you should have done your research!”… I did :(
originally posted on thule.com
Materials and construction, and features are all sturdy and appear well made, but the arms are too short to fit five bikes. Similar to other reviews here, I had to put our fifth bike for my smallest child into the trunk. Only really holds four bikes and even at that they are all jammed up with handle bars and peddles pushing into the adjacent bike. The guy in the store made a comment after we purchased it that if they made a six bike rack people would really just use it for the extra room for five bikes. The product is aggravating to be honest because I only figured this all out standing in front of my house for 30 minutes trying to load all the bikes onto it only to give up. Also, take note that if you have bikes of different styles, and of different sizes, which ... MoreMaterials and construction, and features are all sturdy and appear well made, but the arms are too short to fit five bikes. Similar to other reviews here, I had to put our fifth bike for my smallest child into the trunk. Only really holds four bikes and even at that they are all jammed up with handle bars and peddles pushing into the adjacent bike. The guy in the store made a comment after we purchased it that if they made a six bike rack people would really just use it for the extra room for five bikes. The product is aggravating to be honest because I only figured this all out standing in front of my house for 30 minutes trying to load all the bikes onto it only to give up. Also, take note that if you have bikes of different styles, and of different sizes, which pretty much every family of five does, you will likely have even more trouble getting them to fit without damaging each other. Very disappointed. Thule - would it be too much to just voluntarily add another 12” of length so the bikes fit????
| Mounting Type | Frame |
| Fitting Type | Hitch |
| Total Weight Capacity | 68kg |
| Integrated Lights | No |
| Swing Away | No |
Thule 9026XT Apex XT 5-Bike Rack, Black
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Thule Apex XT 5-Bike Tiltable Towbar Rack 9026XT
Delivery between 8–18 June $10.80
Thule Apex XT 5-bike hitch hanging bike rack
Delivery between 11–15 June $12.50
I bought the Apex one month ago. The shipping was faster than what I thought.Once out of the box, it was easy to install with clear instructions. It fits good in my 2 inches rack on my mini van. It's a system that you need to lock with a screw and then insert a key so it can't be taken off. There's a hook to secure everything, this looks not so sure but as it's made by thule, it comforts me.I only try putting on 2 bikes (one adult/one kid) and it was quite easier than with my previous bike rack. Negative point, the unused straps could fit tighter or smaller so it's even easier to insert the bike, but overall the rack was solid and couldn't guess it was there while driving.The fact that it can be fold super fast to open the trunk or to reduce the space behind ... MoreI bought the Apex one month ago. The shipping was faster than what I thought.Once out of the box, it was easy to install with clear instructions. It fits good in my 2 inches rack on my mini van. It's a system that you need to lock with a screw and then insert a key so it can't be taken off. There's a hook to secure everything, this looks not so sure but as it's made by thule, it comforts me.I only try putting on 2 bikes (one adult/one kid) and it was quite easier than with my previous bike rack. Negative point, the unused straps could fit tighter or smaller so it's even easier to insert the bike, but overall the rack was solid and couldn't guess it was there while driving.The fact that it can be fold super fast to open the trunk or to reduce the space behind the car when it's unused is the completely awesome!Overall, super satisfied!
I am not knocking the Thule name, they have and continue to build quality products. 2 major complaints. 1) good luck with fitting 5 bikes. 5 road bikes with drop down bars maybe. I’ve tried manipulating the configuration and I will never get 5 mtb bikes loaded. 2) if your bike has dual suspension, forget it. Assuming you could fit 5 bikes, I would need frame adaptors at additional cost, for all 5 bikes. I’m very saddened that I spent so much money on a product that literally does not work for me. I would love my money refunded in full or partially, but can guarantee that will never happen. For those thinking “you should have done your research!”… I did :(
Materials and construction, and features are all sturdy and appear well made, but the arms are too short to fit five bikes. Similar to other reviews here, I had to put our fifth bike for my smallest child into the trunk. Only really holds four bikes and even at that they are all jammed up with handle bars and peddles pushing into the adjacent bike. The guy in the store made a comment after we purchased it that if they made a six bike rack people would really just use it for the extra room for five bikes. The product is aggravating to be honest because I only figured this all out standing in front of my house for 30 minutes trying to load all the bikes onto it only to give up. Also, take note that if you have bikes of different styles, and of different sizes, which ... MoreMaterials and construction, and features are all sturdy and appear well made, but the arms are too short to fit five bikes. Similar to other reviews here, I had to put our fifth bike for my smallest child into the trunk. Only really holds four bikes and even at that they are all jammed up with handle bars and peddles pushing into the adjacent bike. The guy in the store made a comment after we purchased it that if they made a six bike rack people would really just use it for the extra room for five bikes. The product is aggravating to be honest because I only figured this all out standing in front of my house for 30 minutes trying to load all the bikes onto it only to give up. Also, take note that if you have bikes of different styles, and of different sizes, which pretty much every family of five does, you will likely have even more trouble getting them to fit without damaging each other. Very disappointed. Thule - would it be too much to just voluntarily add another 12” of length so the bikes fit????
The installation was easy! The rack seems exceptionally sturdy, and I feel confident loading it up with our bikes. The locks and security features are also excellent! I feel confident about the safety of our bikes as well. The problem comes from loading the bikes. They don't stack up as neatly as photos show. Some of our bikes don't have enough space in the frame to fit over the stations of the rack. For the ones that can fit, the handlebars are poking into the next bike's wheel spokes and there is no way to maneuver them to fit in a way that won't potentially damage bikes. I have come to understand that an adjustment bar is what we need to make it work. Thule sells a separate accessory that attaches between the seat and stem of the bikes allowing you to load the ... MoreThe installation was easy! The rack seems exceptionally sturdy, and I feel confident loading it up with our bikes. The locks and security features are also excellent! I feel confident about the safety of our bikes as well. The problem comes from loading the bikes. They don't stack up as neatly as photos show. Some of our bikes don't have enough space in the frame to fit over the stations of the rack. For the ones that can fit, the handlebars are poking into the next bike's wheel spokes and there is no way to maneuver them to fit in a way that won't potentially damage bikes. I have come to understand that an adjustment bar is what we need to make it work. Thule sells a separate accessory that attaches between the seat and stem of the bikes allowing you to load the bikes so they will hang lower and handlebars fit next to seats rather than poking into wheels. This accessory would also give you a clearer view through the rear window, since bikes hang lower. I wish I had known I would need this extra accessory before I purchased the rack. I waited almost five weeks for the rack to arrive and I don't want to wait again for another order. I also wish I would have known that to buy enough accessories, it would add a couple hundred more dollars to the final price before we could make it work. As it stands now, I can't fit five bikes on it. I might be able to fit three. It's a great rack, but it doesn't work as shown out of the box.
OUTSTANDING!!I just purchased the 5 Bike Hitch Rack and drove 1600 miles from FL to MA. It is outstanding! Easy to load and unload. Very safe and stable during travel. Car was a Chevy Tahoe.All the bikes were medium or large. (2 Hybrids, 2 Mountain, 1 Beach Cruiser)Here’s the trick-1. Turn all the handlebars parallel to the bike before loading. It can easily be done with an Allen Wrench.2. Buy and put crossbars on the bikes w no step over bar. Easy to use. We had 2 of these bikes.3. Wrap rags and duct tape on any places that bikes may rub.Super happy with the purchase.
The bike rack is designed to carry 4 bikes. However, it sits on 1 1/4 hitch which I think doesn't provide the desirable stability. I would prefer the bike racks for 4 bikes to sit on 2 inch hitch. Also for some reason, I always have a feeling that on bigger road bumps the bicycles will simply fly off the rack, essentially, I have a tendency to monitor the bikes all the time and slow down the car as much as possible approaching any bumps in the road. I think the design should be more sturdier. Also, the space it's very tight and I need to adjust the handelbars on some of the bikes to be able to fit four bikes. One last thing, it sits very low, so I'm also worried that the bike wheels will touch the road especially when you are approaching parking lots or shopping ... MoreThe bike rack is designed to carry 4 bikes. However, it sits on 1 1/4 hitch which I think doesn't provide the desirable stability. I would prefer the bike racks for 4 bikes to sit on 2 inch hitch. Also for some reason, I always have a feeling that on bigger road bumps the bicycles will simply fly off the rack, essentially, I have a tendency to monitor the bikes all the time and slow down the car as much as possible approaching any bumps in the road. I think the design should be more sturdier. Also, the space it's very tight and I need to adjust the handelbars on some of the bikes to be able to fit four bikes. One last thing, it sits very low, so I'm also worried that the bike wheels will touch the road especially when you are approaching parking lots or shopping malls parking lots that have slightly tilted approach. So overall, I'm not very happy with the product as I'm constantly worried that I will cause an accident by dropping bike/bikes on the road.
It works great. The locking cable adds peace of mind. I do regret buying this model however. My own bike fits great, but for my wife and kids it requires an attachable bar. For the bar to work it also requires the seats to be raised up. This adds a lot of prep time getting the bikes on and off. If you don't have full size bikes I don't recommend this model. Go with the tray style racks.
We actually have the 5 bike rack that we mostly carry 4 bikes with. We've been happy with the rack - no big issues. I don't know that I'd want to carry 5 bikes with it - happy with 4. I don't love the fact that we have to use an adaptor bar for a woman's bike and a child's bike. I do like that it adjusts so that we can open the hatch on the van. That only works when there aren't any bikes on it.This rack has been used on East Coast trips a number of times...
The angle of the top bar isn't adjustable, and often feels too steep as bikes can easily fall off the mounting spot. That is exacerbated by the low-quality straps that are used to secure the bikes. These straps are very difficult to take off if they are put on tight. In addition, the securing mechanism that keeps the whole rack mounted in the trailer hitch is not well designed, and my entire rack fell off once on an extra bumpy dirt road. Do not recommend it.
Installed factory 2" adapter to so that standard 1 1/4" mount would work in 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube. Used Thule Bike Rack in a 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube. Tightened as hard as I could. Re tightened after 30 miles, as specified. Drove with five mountain bikes about 600 miles with the family. Once stopped saw mount had somehow wiggled backwards out of the 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube about 3/4" and the Thule Bike Rack was close to falling out on the highway with all of our bikes on it.Took off bikes, loosened, re-tightened as hard as I could (I am a strong guy). Then re-tightened again after 30 miles.A couple of hundred miles later, the Thule again backed off about 1/2". Took off bikes and re-tightened. In the interest of safety (and liability) resorted ... MoreInstalled factory 2" adapter to so that standard 1 1/4" mount would work in 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube. Used Thule Bike Rack in a 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube. Tightened as hard as I could. Re tightened after 30 miles, as specified. Drove with five mountain bikes about 600 miles with the family. Once stopped saw mount had somehow wiggled backwards out of the 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Tube about 3/4" and the Thule Bike Rack was close to falling out on the highway with all of our bikes on it.Took off bikes, loosened, re-tightened as hard as I could (I am a strong guy). Then re-tightened again after 30 miles.A couple of hundred miles later, the Thule again backed off about 1/2". Took off bikes and re-tightened. In the interest of safety (and liability) resorted to using a ratchet between the car and the back of the Thule to prevent any possibility of mount further backing off and Thule falling out with all five bikes onto the Highway. The Thule mount still found a way to back out about 1/8" but stopped there as ratchet was taught, preventing further backing off.Very scary. Kept stopping to check mount and kept looking in rear view mirror to ensure bikes still there. Would not use for bikes as potentially losing thousands of dollars in bikes and a lawsuit from the injured driver behind.Recommended use: Carrying shovels, rakes, etc around a farm, as long as you have spare shovels and rakes.
| Mounting Type | Frame |
| Fitting Type | Hitch |
| Total Weight Capacity | 68kg |
| Integrated Lights | No |
| Swing Away | No |
