ProView – Thule OutPace Review

If you haul bikes regularly, you know how quickly a “simple” rack can turn into a headache. The Thule OutPace makes that problem disappear. Sleek, solid, and thoughtfully designed, it gets your bikes from driveway to trailhead without the hassle. Compact and lightweight yet impressively capable, it feels like the perfect solution for riders who want security and stability without dealing with a bulky rack.

I’ve tried a few hitch racks, and most either wobbled over time, were too heavy, or scuffed up my bikes. The OutPace is simple to use, easy to move and store, and solid no matter if I’m cruising pavement or bumping down a gravel road.

 I put the OutPace to work with my Bronson and my partner’s Stumpjumper, both full-suspension bikes. I wondered if the rack’s lightweight build would still feel stable once loaded. Mounting it to the hitch was surprisingly easy since the rack is light enough to maneuver solo.

Once locked into place, it felt snug with zero play. Loading the bikes was straightforward thanks to the independent loading system, which let me mount the Bronson without fighting the Stumpjumper’s bars or pedals—a big frustration with racks I’ve used in the past.

On the road, the rack was rock solid. Even driving through town and hitting rougher stretches, the bikes stayed steady without bumping around. The only downside came at home. When the rack is tilted down and empty, my Tacoma’s tailgate couldn’t drop all the way. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting if full tailgate access is key for your setup.

Performance

What really stood out after a few rides was how much easier the OutPace made the whole process. Just getting it on and off the hitch is simple. The lightweight design makes it easy to lift and line up, yet once mounted, it feels as solid as heavier racks.

The frame-free clamping system quickly became a favorite feature. Knowing my carbon frame isn’t getting squeezed or rubbed gives me peace of mind, and the hold is rock steady even on rough roads. Add in the independent bike loading and unloading, and the entire experience is smoother.

Another unexpected perk is hitch compatibility. My Tacoma has a 2″ receiver, but my partner’s car only has a 1.25″. The OutPace fits both, which means we don’t need two racks. That flexibility has already paid off.

And finally, the off-road capability is legit. I’ve driven it down washboard gravel, patched-up city streets, and uneven backroads—the rack hasn’t budged. The bikes stay put with no wobble or rattling. The only hiccup, like I mentioned earlier, is the tailgate clearance. For me, it’s a small tradeoff, but worth keeping in mind if you need a full tailgate drop.

What Sets the Product Apart?

The OutPace manages to combine the convenience of a lightweight, compact rack with the stability and protection you’d expect from something much bulkier. The ability to load and unload bikes individually without contact is a standout compared to racks that force you to wrestle with handlebars and pedals. Add in its off-road-ready design and dual hitch compatibility, and it clearly separates itself from cheaper hitch racks.

Who is the Product For?

The OutPace is perfect for riders who want a rack that’s easy to handle yet capable of carrying any type of bike. It’s ideal for those who are tight on storage space thanks to the light/compact design. Truck owners who rely heavily on full tailgate clearance should take note of the tilt limitation, but for most riders, it’s a small tradeoff for the overall performance.

The Final Word

After a handful of rides and plenty of miles on the road, I can confidently say the OutPace is a rack worth considering if you’re ready to upgrade. It’s light enough to move around without being a hassle, yet bomber once it’s locked in. My bikes stay secure whether I’m rolling through town or bumping down gravel, and loading/unloading is painless thanks to the frame-free clamps and ability to pull one bike off at a time.

The tailgate clearance isn’t perfect when tilted down, but that’s minor compared to everything else it does right. Between the stability, hitch versatility, and peace of mind that my frames aren’t getting scratched, the OutPace checks all the boxes. For riders who want a rack that’s easy to live with, dependable on rough roads, and versatile between vehicles, the OutPace is tough to beat.

 

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