Thule Epos ParkSecure 2 review: Real-world experience & price

Whenever I pull the Thule Epos bike carrier out of my trunk and unfold it on the tow hitch in seconds, I feel like a real magician — as if I were pulling a live rabbit out of a tiny hat. Instead of tugging its ears, I, like a true origami master, fold out the side panels and then the bike-holding arms. This way the little larva in the trunk turns into a real butterfly, which with its outstretched wings even welcomes the bulkiest e-bikes.

The Thule Epos ParkSecure undoubtedly represents the luxury class of hitch-mounted carriers. You notice it as soon as you carry it around and unfold it for the first time. It feels extremely solid; wherever you touch it, you can feel the high-quality workmanship, there are no unsightly burrs, and the materials appear consistently premium.

For me it is also a milestone for bicycle transport solutions in general. Not only because it is thought through down to the last detail and—thanks to numerous accessories—extremely versatile, but above all because its design with the flexible support arms enables everyday handling that could hardly be any simpler. The support arms are a real game changer compared with all the solutions I have known so far.

Here Thule has managed to deliver not only a significantly easier method of installation, but at the same time a much more flexible one. Thanks to the adjustable options you can always find a suitable spot on the frame for the upper attachment point, whether it’s a gravel bike, road bike, eMTB or child’s bike. There is enough space between the bikes so that flat pedals or wider handlebars don’t make contact anywhere.

I was also impressed by how quickly and easily the Epos can be folded open and shut and how compactly it folds up and then sits stably in the corner after use. That makes everyday life a lot more enjoyable, since I use the carrier several times a week. In many respects it is even superior to my old transport solution in the VW van, because loading and unloading on the towbar-mounted carrier is easier than loading and unloading in the double-cab van. Another advantage is that dirt and muck stay outside the vehicle.

With our two 25 kg review bikes the Epos doesn't yet reach its limit (that would be 60 kg), but in total we already come very close to the Skoda Elroq's maximum permissible nose load of 75 kg. You notice the forces at work especially when folding the two bikes away — it works impressively well despite the weight and at the same time instills confidence in the robustness of the system.

The Thule Epos is available not only as a 2- or 3-bike carrier, but also with or without parking sensors. The sensors themselves are mounted under the taillights and their function is essentially self-explanatory. The corresponding warning beep is activated when you engage reverse gear and reliably warns of impending collisions. That provides a clear increase in safety when reversing, despite the rearview camera—which becomes relatively useless because of the carrier—and is especially helpful since reversing quickly becomes confusing with three bikes on the back.

One of the biggest disadvantages of a hitch-mounted rack is the exposure of the bikes. They are not only exposed to the weather, but above all to public view. So any little hurdle that provides a barrier to opportunistic thieves is welcome. Even though a steel cable does not represent an insurmountable barrier, the integrated lock is at least always there and, together with the other locks on the Epos (on the hitch and on the support arms), makes theft not quite so trivial.

The Thule Epos ParkSecure undoubtedly represents the luxury class of towbar-mounted carriers. For me, it is also a milestone in bike transport solutions in general. Not only because every last detail has been carefully considered and accessories such as the repair stand, loading ramp and more make it extremely versatile, but above all because its flexible support arms make everyday use about as easy as it could possibly be. Compared with every solution I have known before, these support arms are a genuine game changer.

Barely out of the garage or boot, the Epos is ready to go within seconds. Whether you want to transport an ultralight road bike, a 30 kg e-MTB or both makes no difference: lift (or roll) the bikes onto the carrier, secure the wheels, attach the holder at a suitable point and spare yourself any further thought about bulky bars, clearances or threading anything through the frame. Removal is just as quick, and the carrier disappears back into storage in compact form within seconds.

The parking sensors work exactly as you would expect, adding an extra measure of safety when reversing. In everyday use, the Thule Epos ParkSecure therefore leaves little to be desired and turns any vehicle with a towbar into a seriously practical bike transporter.