ABOUT THE THULE VERSE HITCH RACK
Released in March 2025, Thule’s Verse hitch rack has big shoes to fill as a follow-up to the impressive T2 Pro. The Verse features single-hook telescoping arms attached to the front wheel tray, providing secure frameless contact with bikes equipped with 20–29” wheels. The wheel trays accommodate up to a 5” wide tire and can slide back and forth for added adjustability. The rear tray slides for tremendous length, allowing for a 1350mm maximum wheelbase. It secures the rear wheel with a ratcheting pump buckle strap.
As standard, the Thule Verse rack holds two bikes. With the Verse add-on, up to four bikes can be transported. Each tray has a 60-pound capacity, with a total carrying weight capacity of 120 pounds for the dual carrier.
The Verse folds up when empty via Thule’s outboard release handle. When bikes are loaded, the Verse also has a tilt function that leans the bikes toward the ground, allowing access to the rear of the vehicle.
Thule keeps nearly everything on the Verse tool-free, which includes how the rack is secured to the hitch receiver. The AutoAttach system and AcuTight lever allow for the Verse to be held securely in the hitch receiver. The AcuTight lever also features a lock, which is included with the purchase of the rack.
In addition to the locking AcuTight lever, Thule also includes a 12mm braided cable lock that can be wrapped around the bikes, with one end secured and locked into the rack.
Other optional accessories are available for the Thule Verse, such as the aforementioned two-bike add-on. There is also a bike repair work stand that attaches to the telescoping arm; transport wheels, and a light and license plate kit.
Installed, the Thule Verse is 45” long, 59” wide, and 17” tall. Folded, the rack is 20.6” long, 59” wide, and 34.5” tall. Without any additional accessories, the Verse weighs 58 lbs. Standard retail price is $999.95.
THE DIRT
Building the Thule Verse hitch rack was relatively straightforward, requiring assembly of around 12 pieces. By taking our time and following the step-by-step directions Thule provided, my son (age 7) and I had the Verse put together in just about an hour. The only issue I could see arising is that Thule recommends tightening some bolts to 35Nm, which could be a problem if you don’t have a torque wrench that goes that high (or one at all).
When I first assembled the Verse, the instructions were not very clear on how to use Thule’s AcuTight lever system correctly. During my first few weeks with the Verse, I struggled a bit with using the tool-free mounting and tightening system effectively. Since then, Thule has included video instructions clearly showing how AcuTight is used. While the lock has been a bit sticky at times and required some wiggling, I’ve been impressed with the AcuTight system, particularly with how easy it is to use and how securely it holds the Verse without requiring any tools.
The wheel trays were also highly adjustable on the Verse. While I didn’t carry any fat-tire bikes, the trays hold up to a five-inch-wide tire and take wheel sizes 20”-29” with no issues. The trays easily move back and forth to accommodate different bike sizes, or ensure multiple bikes won’t contact each other.
Folded, flat, or tilted down, the Verse’s outboard release handle was easy for anyone to use at any strength level. Bikes were out of the way of my car’s rear hatch when I needed to tilt the rack down, something that hasn’t been true of all hitch racks I’ve used.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Thule Verse is how well it securely holds bikes on the rack. The telescoping arms and wheel trays are sturdy and easy to use, while the ratcheting pump buckle strap on the rear wheel helps finish the job, locking bikes in place. I was impressed with how little bikes moved on the Verse, watching them in the rearview mirror as I rallied down dirt access roads.
I can only assure of this stability on the standard dual-bike carrier, as I never had the opportunity to try the two-bike add-on to make it a four-bike carrier. Thule incorporated several options into the rack, which are great to have. Cole, who also spent some time with the Verse, used the bike stand attachment a handful of times. While he reported that it was an excellent addition for trailhead repairs, he found that if he wasn’t parked on reasonably level ground, the arm that attaches the stand struggled to stay vertical.
My most significant gripe with the Verse was the lack of options for locking your bike. Thule provides a 12mm steel braided cable to go around the bikes, with one end locking into the rack. Coming from my former T2 rack that had multiple ways to lock and secure a bike, this made me somewhat hesitant.
That said, Thule does provide the locks with the purchase of the Verse. While lock cores aren’t wildly expensive, it’s disappointing to drop several hundred dollars on a bike rack, only to feel nickel-and-dimed for the ability to lock it and your bikes.
Which brings me to my final point, which is the (nearly) $1000 price tag of the Thule Verse — it’s a lot. And while that can be tough to swallow, especially considering the cost of only carrying two bikes (it’ll be another $700 if you want to carry four), the Verse’s quality does feel to match the price. Other, less expensive racks have often left me wanting different features or finding aspects I would like to change. The Thule Verse leaves very little, if anything, to be desired.
The Wolf’s Last Word
While I would have liked another lock option, the Thule Verse performed incredibly well, securely holding bikes down on some rough roads. Yes, it has a high price tag, but we all know the saying: buy once, cry once. 
Price: $999.95
Website: Thule.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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