Thule...when it needs to be done right!
Written: Oct 11 '02
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Pros: Quick, secure, easy installation
Cons: lock is optional, pricey
The Bottom Line: With the cost of a good road bike these days, I would only trust racking it to Thule!
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| lllopez's Full Review: Thule 589 - Velo Vise |
The Thule 589 Velo Vise is a secure fork mounted rooftop rack tray which will securely carry your most prized Titanium Road Warrior, to and from your local weekly training ride or cross country to the starting line of The Race Across America, with total peace of mind.
The tray installs quickly onto your Thule Load Bars (purchased separately) via a channel mounted, tray attached screw assembly for the rear bar, which attaches to a bottom plate via two wing knobs, which are easily removed. However, 589 is secured and locked into place on the front bar, where the fork block is bolted into place with 2 M6 x45 Allen Bolts to another bottom plate. Once mounted, you can literally shake the car with it because it’s not going anyplace unless you have the corresponding Allen wrench to dissemble it. Incidentally, this is the only way it can be stolen.
Installing you bike is a snap, provided you have no problem lifting it above the roof of your car that is. After removing your front wheel you simply place the rear (attached) wheel into the tray, inset your fork dropouts on the skewer located on both sides of the nylon reinforced fork block, secure the block. Your front wheel is locked in. Now take the nylon reinforced ratcheting wheel strap through your rear wheel and secure it through the ratchet, on the opposite side of the tray and lock it down. Your rear wheel is secure. Your bike is now held solidly upright! There is an optional lock assembly available from Thule.
The extruded aluminum used to build the 589 Velo Vise is powder coated and will stand all types of weather. I coat mine with a paste wax for added protection at the beginning of the season. The skewers are stainless steel. All the hardware including the bottom plates are zinc coated steel. You will not have to worry about rust.
The Thule 589 Velo Vise (without lock assembly) weighs 4.3 lbs. Keep in mind that you must be aware of the total weight you apply to your roof, for safety considerations. Consult your vehicles manual or dealer for that information.
The only restrictions you have to be aware of are that the dropouts on your bike cannot be smaller than 4 mm or greater than 8mm thick, and your dropouts must be 100mm apart. You would have to check compatibility to this rack with Thule and your bikes manufacturer if you are uncertain. The Thule 589 Velo Vise is designed for all bikes with front dropouts not including recumbent or tandem models.
Thule’s website, www.thule.com is highly informative with a variety of topics including product installation, recall, dealer locator, fit guides and technical manuals for their products. You may also shop for parts at their secure site.
One word of advice…remember the bikes on the roof before driving the car into the garage!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 90.00
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