The Thule Verse 2 Carrier sets a new benchmark for safety, durability, and ease of use in the world of hitch-mounted platform bike carriers. Building on Thule’s legacy of innovation, it delivers the confidence and security riders expect—whether transporting lightweight carbon gravel bikes or heavy full-suspension e-MTBs.
The Thule Verse 2 carrier has beencompletely reengineered from the ground up, with every component purpose-built to deliver strength where it counts, smooth operation where it matters, and long-term durability that lives up to Thule’s reputation. The result is a dramatically expanded bike-fit range—from kids’ bikes to fat-tyre rigs—paired withimproved adjustability and ergonomics that make loading and unloading feel natural and effortless, even with heavier bikes.
Visually, the Thule Verse 2 introduces a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits effortlessly onto today’s vehicles. Its premium styling doesn’t just look good; it reinforces the rack’s intuitive operation.
Thule Verse 2 carrier – Features
Increased Carrying Capacity
The Thule Verse accommodates wheelbases up to 1,350 mm and tyre widths up to 5″, covering everything from standard bikes to wide-tyre setups. Each tray supports bikes up to 27 kg each, and works with the Thule Foldable Loading Ramp for easier loading of heavier e-bikes.
Secure Bike Attachment
An ergonomic handle paired with a bike-style brake lever makes operating the ratcheting attachment arm effortless when loading or releasing your bike. The quick-release arm offers excellent fork clearance and uses a rubberised contact surface to prevent unwanted rubbing or wear during transport.
No Frame Contact
The advanced telescopic arms make loading and unloading simple while ensuring there’s no frame contact. Thule’s signature single-hook attachment arm delivers a fast, secure hold without ever touching the bike’s frame.
Easy Bike Adjustment
A ratcheting pump-buckle strap with a protective wheel cradle keeps each bike firmly in place. Built-in retention clips hold the straps neatly out of the way while you’re loading or removing your bikes.
Easy Trunk Access
Built for effortless use, the rack features a patented outboard release handle that lets you tilt it down—even when fully loaded—to reach your boot with ease. When you’re done riding, the empty rack pivots back up into a compact, vertical stowed position, keeping it neatly out of the way and minimising its footprint behind your vehicle.
Comfortable, ergonomically shaped handles make folding the carrier for storage or lowering it for loading smooth, natural, and effortless, with a secure grip that makes every adjustment easy.
Generous Bike Spacing
Its unique design prevents bike contact during transport, making bike loading and unloading hassle-free.
Tool-Free Installation
The lockable, tool-free AutoAttach system—with the included AcuTight torque-limiting lever—allows the rack to be mounted or removed quickly and securely, no tools required.
A 12 mm braided-steel cable lock provides strong theft deterrence, securing both your bikes to the rack and the rack to your vehicle. A full rubber coating protects your bikes from abrasions when the cable is in use.
Additional Add-On Accessories
A broad range of smart add-ons is available, including the Thule lights & license plate kit, Verse bike repair holder, foldable loading ramp, and transport wheels.
Thule Verse 2 – Technical Specifications
- Max number of bikes: 2
- Load capacity: 55 kg
- Max bike weight: 27.5 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 114 x 150 x 43 cm
- Folded dimensions (LxWxH): 52.2 x 150.8 x 87.6 cm
- Weight: 26 kg
- Distance between bikes: 29 cm
- Max tire width: 5″
- Max wheel size (diameter): 29″
- Max wheelbase: 1350
- Carbon frame compatible
- Tilt function (with bikes)
- Fits 1.25″ receivers
- Fits 2″ receivers
- One Key System compatible
- Bike lock included
- Receiver lock included
- Off-road use: Yes, refer to definition in the safety instruction
- RV Travel: Yes, refer to definition in the fitting instruction
- Country of origin: USA
- Color: Black/silver
On The Trails
On the road, the Verse 2 impressed with its stability. Bikes sit rock-solid—noticeably more secure than many vertical bike racks (VBRs) we’ve tested. For carrying one or two bikes, we’d choose the Verse every time; it’s far more convenient than bulky VBRs that are heavy, awkward to manoeuvre, and often left permanently on vehicles despite only carrying a couple of bikes.
Loading lighter bikes is quick and intuitive, with the front wheel retainer offering a degree of self-stabilisation before securing the rear wheel. Adjustable wheel chocks handled everything from 24” kids’ bikes to large 29er enduro rigs. Heavier e-bikes are more effort to load onto the rear tray, as they need lifting over some rack components—manageable for the fit and able. Although a ramp is available but as an additional purchase. It would be great if this was included in the main package.
When folded, the rack is fairly portable and easy to move, with a low-profile design that doesn’t dominate garage space. Mounting it to the car is quick and confidence-inspiring, thanks to an excellent tensioning system that virtually eliminates hitch wobble.
Added peace of mind comes from the arm that locks into the hitch pin hole—preventing any chance of the rack sliding out—even if the tensioner were to fail.
A locking tensioner and integrated bike locks (all keyed alike) provide simple, effective security, making quick post-ride stops stress-free. We also appreciated the slight rearward incline, which helps maintain ground clearance.
Over thousands of kilometres—including a 1200km round trip to Thredbo, twisty mountain roads, dirt shuttle runs, and every weather condition imaginable—the rack never gave us cause for concern. The only noticeable movement occurred on long concrete highways with constant expansion joints, though the bikes remained secure throughout.
The ability to fold the rack flush against the car when unloaded and tilt it for tailgate access proved genuinely useful, often leading us to leave it mounted between rides.
Build quality feels excellent—solid, thoughtful, and premium throughout. Downsides are minor but worth noting: no included number plate holder or lighting, rear overhang regulations may need checking, and lifting the rack back up from a tilted position with bikes loaded can be awkward. It also requires removing the tow-ball tongue to mount, an extra step if you tow regularly—but one that enables the rack’s impressive rigidity and optional expansion capability.
We even tested the rack with a heavyweight crusier e-bike and everything stayed in place.
Conclusions
Overall, the Thule Verse 2 stands out as a refined, confidence-inspiring carrier that excels where it matters most—rock-solid stability, effortless usability, and premium build quality. For riders carrying one or two bikes, including two heavy e-bikes, it strikes an ideal balance between strength, security, and everyday practicality, delivering a polished experience that’s easy to live with and easy to trust on long road trips.
Price/Where to Buy
- Thule Verse 2: $1,999.95AUD
- Can be purchased from many locations around Australia. Check the dealer locator search tool.
