The Helium Platform XT 2 Bike is a one and done deal. No extra hardware or tools needed. No complicated setup. Its lightweight, aluminum frame makes for easy installation with the use of the SnugTite Stinger locking onto your vehicle's hitch. From this rack you can expect both your bikes to be secured without any surface to surface contact with the frame. It's wheel holders fold out and keep tires fastened with the use of its ratcheting mechanism.
The Helium Platform XT 2 Bike is a one and done deal. No extra hardware or tools needed. No complicated setup. Its lightweight, aluminum frame makes for easy installation with the use of the SnugTite Stinger locking onto your vehicle's hitch. From this rack you can expect both your bikes to be secured without any surface to surface contact with the frame. It's wheel holders fold out and keep tires fastened with the use of its ratcheting mechanism.
The Helium Platform XT 2 Bike is a one and done deal. No extra hardware or tools needed. No complicated setup. Its lightweight, aluminum frame makes for easy installation with the use of the SnugTite Stinger locking onto your vehicle's hitch. From this rack you can expect both your bikes to be secured without any surface to surface contact with the frame. It's wheel holders fold out and keep tires fastened with the use of its ratcheting mechanism.
The Helium Platform XT 2 Bike is a one and done deal. No extra hardware or tools needed. No complicated setup. Its lightweight, aluminum frame makes for easy installation with the use of the SnugTite Stinger locking onto your vehicle's hitch. From this rack you can expect both your bikes to be secured without any surface to surface contact with the frame. It's wheel holders fold out and keep tires fastened with the use of its ratcheting mechanism.
Last updated at 08/24/2026 09:20:30
Thule Helium Platform XT 2-Bike
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 Helium Platform XT Hitch Rack - 2 Bike
Delivery $40.45
Thule Thule Helium Platform XT Hitch Bike Rack - 1.25", 2" Receiver, 2-Bike
Thule Helium Platform XT 2 - 2 Bike Carrier
Free delivery between 26 Aug – 3 Sept
Thule Helium 2 Bike Hitch Mounted Platform Rack
60-day returns
originally posted on thule.com
I purchased this rack for my MTB from REI. It was beautiful looking and easy to assemble. Mounting it to the hitch was easy and secure. I had it from about 3 months and one day I went to mount my bike after a ride and as I pushed the arm over my front wheel after securing my rear wheel, I heard the plastic ratchet system give way a and my bike rolled off the back. I took it to REI and they said it was a defective plastic ratchet strip and exchanged it for a new one. I can confirm the new way had no such issues. But when I went to take the rack off out of the hitch, it wouldn’t release. The turn know completely dislodged and but the hitch wouldn’t budge. I drove it back to REI and they said something about a set screw had turned too far and wouldn’t loosen the wedge ... MoreI purchased this rack for my MTB from REI. It was beautiful looking and easy to assemble. Mounting it to the hitch was easy and secure. I had it from about 3 months and one day I went to mount my bike after a ride and as I pushed the arm over my front wheel after securing my rear wheel, I heard the plastic ratchet system give way a and my bike rolled off the back. I took it to REI and they said it was a defective plastic ratchet strip and exchanged it for a new one. I can confirm the new way had no such issues. But when I went to take the rack off out of the hitch, it wouldn’t release. The turn know completely dislodged and but the hitch wouldn’t budge. I drove it back to REI and they said something about a set screw had turned too far and wouldn’t loosen the wedge inside the hitch. With some wiggle and pull for about 20 minutes, it finally released. I had to return that one now. I ended up losing all confidence in the rack and so I purchased a NV 2.0 instead. I’m actually really disappointed that it didn’t work out because I really think the rack has so much potential. For almost $900, you expect quality in materials. I feel lucky that REI has such a great return policy. I’ve had other Thule products and bike racks and they have been great so I am sad that this rack just wasn’t the same quality as I was accustomed to from the brand.
originally posted on sunandski.com
Ordering from Sun & Ski was great. If I had it to do all over again, I probably would not buy this bike rack. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice rack. I love that I can put it on my hitch without any tools. But, after using it for a month or so, I'm encountering drawbacks I wish my past self would have considered before purchase. For instance, this bike rack is great if your bike has bare tires- no fenders and no rear pannier rack. If the arms that hold the tires were telescopic, meaning the length could be adjusted, it might accommodate more kinds of bikes. But, as it is, I cannot use it for one of my bikes. Ouch.About a month after I got this rack, one of the bolts connecting the arm to the platform fell out somewhere on the road. Luckily, I had registered with ... MoreOrdering from Sun & Ski was great. If I had it to do all over again, I probably would not buy this bike rack. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice rack. I love that I can put it on my hitch without any tools. But, after using it for a month or so, I'm encountering drawbacks I wish my past self would have considered before purchase. For instance, this bike rack is great if your bike has bare tires- no fenders and no rear pannier rack. If the arms that hold the tires were telescopic, meaning the length could be adjusted, it might accommodate more kinds of bikes. But, as it is, I cannot use it for one of my bikes. Ouch.About a month after I got this rack, one of the bolts connecting the arm to the platform fell out somewhere on the road. Luckily, I had registered with Thule, and it was easy to submit a warranty claim. They responded within 24 hours, and a replacement platform was received within a week.
originally posted on thule.com
Great unit. Bikes rest in aluminum trays (with a slot for road and MTB tires), with flip up arms that push into the tires to lock them in place. Takes maybe 60 seconds per bike to load/unload, with no contact to the frame of the bike.Pros:- Easy to install- Locks to receiver- Integrated bike cable locks (I'd recommend buying something more robust if you are leaving your bikes on there, but fine for getting lunch/gas/etc)- Super quick to flip the levers down, and put a bike on (less than 60 seconds per bike).- Bikes stay solid even over bumps.Cons:- Directions to assemble are bad.They really do not do a very good job explaining which of the 4-supports go. Left and right come in boxes labeled brown and white, but that isn't listed on the directions. ... MoreGreat unit. Bikes rest in aluminum trays (with a slot for road and MTB tires), with flip up arms that push into the tires to lock them in place. Takes maybe 60 seconds per bike to load/unload, with no contact to the frame of the bike.Pros:- Easy to install- Locks to receiver- Integrated bike cable locks (I'd recommend buying something more robust if you are leaving your bikes on there, but fine for getting lunch/gas/etc)- Super quick to flip the levers down, and put a bike on (less than 60 seconds per bike).- Bikes stay solid even over bumps.Cons:- Directions to assemble are bad.They really do not do a very good job explaining which of the 4-supports go. Left and right come in boxes labeled brown and white, but that isn't listed on the directions. The cartoon to indicate the locking support does not make sense. Why not just have a bubble callout to a lock icon instead of a black dot? They do have alignment pins that prevent left and right being swapped, but should have did the same for the ones with locks and not locks.- Needs a way to mount a license plate. You can buy the Thule strap on one, but there is nowhere to mount that to the rack when bikes are mounted. The whole point of this style of rack is to not have pieces rubbing on the frame, and that is the only way their optional license plate mount installs.
| Mounting Type | Wheel Mount |
| Fitting Type | Hitch |
| Total Weight Capacity | 41kg |
| Integrated Lights | No |
| Swing Away | No |
Thule Helium Platform XT 2-Bike
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 Helium Platform XT Hitch Rack - 2 Bike
Delivery $40.45
Thule Thule Helium Platform XT Hitch Bike Rack - 1.25", 2" Receiver, 2-Bike
Thule Helium Platform XT 2 - 2 Bike Carrier
Free delivery between 26 Aug – 3 Sept
Thule Helium 2 Bike Hitch Mounted Platform Rack
60-day returns
I purchased this rack for my MTB from REI. It was beautiful looking and easy to assemble. Mounting it to the hitch was easy and secure. I had it from about 3 months and one day I went to mount my bike after a ride and as I pushed the arm over my front wheel after securing my rear wheel, I heard the plastic ratchet system give way a and my bike rolled off the back. I took it to REI and they said it was a defective plastic ratchet strip and exchanged it for a new one. I can confirm the new way had no such issues. But when I went to take the rack off out of the hitch, it wouldn’t release. The turn know completely dislodged and but the hitch wouldn’t budge. I drove it back to REI and they said something about a set screw had turned too far and wouldn’t loosen the wedge ... MoreI purchased this rack for my MTB from REI. It was beautiful looking and easy to assemble. Mounting it to the hitch was easy and secure. I had it from about 3 months and one day I went to mount my bike after a ride and as I pushed the arm over my front wheel after securing my rear wheel, I heard the plastic ratchet system give way a and my bike rolled off the back. I took it to REI and they said it was a defective plastic ratchet strip and exchanged it for a new one. I can confirm the new way had no such issues. But when I went to take the rack off out of the hitch, it wouldn’t release. The turn know completely dislodged and but the hitch wouldn’t budge. I drove it back to REI and they said something about a set screw had turned too far and wouldn’t loosen the wedge inside the hitch. With some wiggle and pull for about 20 minutes, it finally released. I had to return that one now. I ended up losing all confidence in the rack and so I purchased a NV 2.0 instead. I’m actually really disappointed that it didn’t work out because I really think the rack has so much potential. For almost $900, you expect quality in materials. I feel lucky that REI has such a great return policy. I’ve had other Thule products and bike racks and they have been great so I am sad that this rack just wasn’t the same quality as I was accustomed to from the brand.
Ordering from Sun & Ski was great. If I had it to do all over again, I probably would not buy this bike rack. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice rack. I love that I can put it on my hitch without any tools. But, after using it for a month or so, I'm encountering drawbacks I wish my past self would have considered before purchase. For instance, this bike rack is great if your bike has bare tires- no fenders and no rear pannier rack. If the arms that hold the tires were telescopic, meaning the length could be adjusted, it might accommodate more kinds of bikes. But, as it is, I cannot use it for one of my bikes. Ouch.About a month after I got this rack, one of the bolts connecting the arm to the platform fell out somewhere on the road. Luckily, I had registered with ... MoreOrdering from Sun & Ski was great. If I had it to do all over again, I probably would not buy this bike rack. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice rack. I love that I can put it on my hitch without any tools. But, after using it for a month or so, I'm encountering drawbacks I wish my past self would have considered before purchase. For instance, this bike rack is great if your bike has bare tires- no fenders and no rear pannier rack. If the arms that hold the tires were telescopic, meaning the length could be adjusted, it might accommodate more kinds of bikes. But, as it is, I cannot use it for one of my bikes. Ouch.About a month after I got this rack, one of the bolts connecting the arm to the platform fell out somewhere on the road. Luckily, I had registered with Thule, and it was easy to submit a warranty claim. They responded within 24 hours, and a replacement platform was received within a week.
Great unit. Bikes rest in aluminum trays (with a slot for road and MTB tires), with flip up arms that push into the tires to lock them in place. Takes maybe 60 seconds per bike to load/unload, with no contact to the frame of the bike.Pros:- Easy to install- Locks to receiver- Integrated bike cable locks (I'd recommend buying something more robust if you are leaving your bikes on there, but fine for getting lunch/gas/etc)- Super quick to flip the levers down, and put a bike on (less than 60 seconds per bike).- Bikes stay solid even over bumps.Cons:- Directions to assemble are bad.They really do not do a very good job explaining which of the 4-supports go. Left and right come in boxes labeled brown and white, but that isn't listed on the directions. ... MoreGreat unit. Bikes rest in aluminum trays (with a slot for road and MTB tires), with flip up arms that push into the tires to lock them in place. Takes maybe 60 seconds per bike to load/unload, with no contact to the frame of the bike.Pros:- Easy to install- Locks to receiver- Integrated bike cable locks (I'd recommend buying something more robust if you are leaving your bikes on there, but fine for getting lunch/gas/etc)- Super quick to flip the levers down, and put a bike on (less than 60 seconds per bike).- Bikes stay solid even over bumps.Cons:- Directions to assemble are bad.They really do not do a very good job explaining which of the 4-supports go. Left and right come in boxes labeled brown and white, but that isn't listed on the directions. The cartoon to indicate the locking support does not make sense. Why not just have a bubble callout to a lock icon instead of a black dot? They do have alignment pins that prevent left and right being swapped, but should have did the same for the ones with locks and not locks.- Needs a way to mount a license plate. You can buy the Thule strap on one, but there is nowhere to mount that to the rack when bikes are mounted. The whole point of this style of rack is to not have pieces rubbing on the frame, and that is the only way their optional license plate mount installs.
A year ago, I opted for a Thule bike rack, anticipating a simple, effective solution for transporting our bikes. The product has largely delivered on its promise, offering an easy-to-use, functional design. Thule's reputation for producing quality outdoor equipment was evident in the rack's overall user experience. Assembly and disassembly were straightforward, making the bike transportation process hassle-free.However, my satisfaction with the rack took a hit after an unfortunate accident. While I was shopping, my rack was bumped, causing damage to the metal plates securing the bottom left-hand tray. While I understand accidents happen and products will inevitably show signs of wear and tear, it's the process of replacing this particular part that has been a ... MoreA year ago, I opted for a Thule bike rack, anticipating a simple, effective solution for transporting our bikes. The product has largely delivered on its promise, offering an easy-to-use, functional design. Thule's reputation for producing quality outdoor equipment was evident in the rack's overall user experience. Assembly and disassembly were straightforward, making the bike transportation process hassle-free.However, my satisfaction with the rack took a hit after an unfortunate accident. While I was shopping, my rack was bumped, causing damage to the metal plates securing the bottom left-hand tray. While I understand accidents happen and products will inevitably show signs of wear and tear, it's the process of replacing this particular part that has been a significant source of disappointment.Thule does offer replacement parts for their products, which is an appreciated aspect of their after-sales service. But the specific metal plate I required wasn't available separately. This piece is attached to the tray with screws, making it feasible for it to be sold independently. Yet, Thule's current policy requires customers to purchase the entire tray, including the attached plate.This approach doesn't feel cost-effective nor customer-centric, especially considering that the new tray costs around $400—almost 40% of the cost of a brand new full bike rack. That's quite a steep cost for replacing a small component.Worse still, without this specific part, the rack is no longer functional. This single, non-replaceable component has rendered my entire rack unusable. This has been a significant inconvenience and a blow to my initial positive experience with the product.In conclusion, while the Thule bike rack is an excellent product in terms of user-friendliness and functionality, its after-sales service, specifically regarding the replacement of individual parts, leaves much to be desired. The policy of replacing entire components instead of offering specific parts can lead to considerable additional costs and, in some cases, render the product unusable.As such, potential buyers should factor in this limitation when considering a purchase. Thule's rack design and overall functionality still hold merit, but the parts replacement policy significantly detracts from the product's overall value.
I am selling the Helium Platform XT after three years of use. It worked fine for the first two, but then two of the arms broke around the same time. I've used a lot of hitch racks, but this is one of the most poorly designed I've seen, and I'm not surprised it's falling apart. It's a pretty flimsy cable attachment inside the arms and they started to seize up after a while, and the only remedy was to buy new ones. One of the cable lock keyholes busted from its plastic casing and it didn't take long for the rack to develop a rattle while driving. I won't be buying Thule bike racks any longer.
I've owned other Thule products in the past and loved them, but this particular bike rack was delivered to me with manufacturing defects right out of the box. One of the six screw holes during assembly was not threaded--rendering the screw useless--and one of the arms did not connect/fit into the center console because the pin failed to line up. I returned the product and was sent a replacement. Sure enough, the new unit had the same issue regarding the pin and hole not lining up. Thule used to be know for designing quality products, but after two attempts this is simply disappointing. I would recommend looking elsewhere.
Over the years, we went from hitch-mounted hanging racks to Thule roof-tops to an older T2 (Classic) to this Helium Platform XT two bike 2 inch hitch model for our road and MTBs. Couldn't be happier! Quick and easy operation, easier than the T2, and no straps to adjust or worry about losing or breaking. Very easy hitch mechanism - no hitch pin to wrestle, and a built-in, secure locking system. Very simple bolt-up assembly of five major pieces with a handful of same size bolts and washers - main body for the hitch and four wheel cradles. Instructions are very different - all photos, no words! Turned into a "What's different about this picture?" game but otherwise easy assembly. Just started using the rack with our MTBs about six times (once a week) when one of the ... MoreOver the years, we went from hitch-mounted hanging racks to Thule roof-tops to an older T2 (Classic) to this Helium Platform XT two bike 2 inch hitch model for our road and MTBs. Couldn't be happier! Quick and easy operation, easier than the T2, and no straps to adjust or worry about losing or breaking. Very easy hitch mechanism - no hitch pin to wrestle, and a built-in, secure locking system. Very simple bolt-up assembly of five major pieces with a handful of same size bolts and washers - main body for the hitch and four wheel cradles. Instructions are very different - all photos, no words! Turned into a "What's different about this picture?" game but otherwise easy assembly. Just started using the rack with our MTBs about six times (once a week) when one of the tire hold-down bracket joints came loose. Seems like some kind of retaining clip came off a hinge pin, but no obvious way to open up the sealed wheel cradle assembly and fix it myself. I filled out an on-line warranty form about 10 days ago which was approved. I am now happily waiting to receive a new wheel cradle assembly - yay, Thule! So thanks again, Thule, for a great, simple, fast hitch rack, and thanks for GREAT warranty service!
I have used Thule for several years. Unfortunately, this product, the Helium, is garbage.The engineering is terrible and the included assembly instructions are a joke.The locks are cheap and worthless. The fit to my standard receiver is suspect and is not what I would have expected for a $800 2 bike hitch rack.The engineering is so bad, I cannot use it with my truck. It’s too high when open meaning, I cannot open my tailgate without damaging my truck.If there was any way to return this junk, I would. It’s the worst bike rack I’ve purchased and the last Thule product I will ever own.
I will start by saying that I’ve owned 4 Thule bike racks in my life and just finished camperizing a van with bars and a pod, so have been completely satisfied until I purchased this bike rack. The hand grips which releases the arm that holds the wheels in place are plastic. In the winter it took my husbands full grip to squeeze them (he had substantial strength) and I can’t budge them below 0 degrees. The arms “lock” in place on the wheels, but 2 of them randomly come loose allowing my bike to flop around. One of the bolts on the arms wiggled completely off (which was protected by a plastic cover, also fell off) so on a trip, one of the arms was completely useless, ultimately meaning that I could only carry one bike. Very expensive for a very disappointing product.
We absolutely fell in love with this rack at REI recently... however, it is about 1" too narrow to fit fat bike tires. We don't like the 1UP racks at all because they lack the ergonomics and ease of use that Thule has always had. We are completely in love with Thule, however, now sitting and waiting with an old rack to buy one of these once they are wide enough to accommodate fat bikes. We live in Anchorage, AK where there are thousands of winter riders... yet we can't use the new style of rack until Thule widens this one. Not understanding why they haven't jumped into this game yet. 1UP is far behind Thule but yet that is what people are using because there aren't many other options that have this style of securing it (with the 2 swing arms that raise over the ... MoreWe absolutely fell in love with this rack at REI recently... however, it is about 1" too narrow to fit fat bike tires. We don't like the 1UP racks at all because they lack the ergonomics and ease of use that Thule has always had. We are completely in love with Thule, however, now sitting and waiting with an old rack to buy one of these once they are wide enough to accommodate fat bikes. We live in Anchorage, AK where there are thousands of winter riders... yet we can't use the new style of rack until Thule widens this one. Not understanding why they haven't jumped into this game yet. 1UP is far behind Thule but yet that is what people are using because there aren't many other options that have this style of securing it (with the 2 swing arms that raise over the tire.) Please Thule, don't keep us waiting!
| Mounting Type | Wheel Mount |
| Fitting Type | Hitch |
| Total Weight Capacity | 41kg |
| Integrated Lights | No |
| Swing Away | No |
