ProView – Thule Vero Review

As a long-time user of Thule products, I jumped on the chance to test their new Vero bike rack, which felt like a more premium upgrade to my current setup (Thule T2 Pro XTR).  With an unseasonably warm winter in the Front Range of Colorado, this bike rack quickly became an essential tool in getting out on local rides and adventures. 

Ease of Use 

Getting the bike rack assembled and installed was fairly quick and painless. As with most racks, it’s best to assemble it on the vehicle, and Thule provided some helpful tools to make installation even easier. Once we got the rack installed, it took me a couple times of loading/unloading bikes from the Vero to nail down a smooth system. With three attachment points, and a variety of options on where to attach the telescopic arm strap, it’s not as simple as my previous setup. Not having the obvious basket where the wheel sits caused me to put my bike on backwards, forgetting which way it goes since the area the bike sits on is just a flat tray. I’m sure with more use, the set up/removal process will become more intuitive.

Features 

The most standout feature of the Vero is its ability to cater to any type of bike you’re trying to haul. Its high weight capacity makes it an especially appealing option for e-bikers. Some other standard features include its ability to fold up against your vehicle when not hauling bikes, wheels for easy moving when in storage, a built in lock system to the vehicle. One thing I appreciated about the integrated bike lock was that you don’t have to pull out any additional cables to wrap around the bike to lock it, it’s just built into the telescopic arm. While not a robust lock by any means, it adds a little peace of mind. I also want to highlight the ability to put the rack in a downward position so you can still access your trunk, even with bikes loaded. 

There are multiple accessories you can purchase to add on – like a loading ramp (great for those heavy e-bikes!), additional locking systems, and a bike repair holder. While my current setup has the option to expand capacity to four bikes, the Vero only has the ability to haul two bikes maximum. 

Bike Hauling Performance

The three-point attachment system provided a secure hold for the bikes. We experimented with attaching the arm strap to various parts of the bike to see which caused the least movement while on the road, with the rear wheel and seatpost being our favorite two options. I’m not sure I’d recommend attaching the rack directly to the frame of your bike unless absolutely necessary. As I can imagine with most friction points on a bike frame, it will cause wear and leave a mark, especially if you’re transporting your bike for several hours or on rough roads.  

Design

I was really impressed with the construction and how smooth the Vero handled. Being composed of mostly reinforced aluminum and minimal plastic, it gives the rack a durable feel without making it overly heavy (only 56 pounds!) on the back of your vehicle. The handle to put the bike rack up and down was easy to use, and the straps locked in and out of place easily. Its compact design makes it easy to store off your vehicle without taking up too much space. 

The Final Word

This bike rack is perfect for someone with a collection of different types of bikes, and especially for e-bike and cargo bike users. With its high weight rating, versatile attachment points, compatibility for accessories to make loading those heavy bikes even easier, it’s a no-brainer for someone who owns a variety of bikes. The high price point and added complexities of loading/unloading with the versatile attachment points may not make the Vero with it for anyone with a collection of simple mountain/gravel/road bikes. If you occasionally need to transport more than two bikes on a trip, this may not be the bike rack for you. 

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