When we reviewed Thule’s ProRide 591 back in 2011, we described it as setting the standard to which other roof-mounted carriers must aspire.
It’s easy to see why it’s a benchmark piece of kit. Assembly is straightforward, and it will fit to any of Thule’s extensive range of roof bars.
Handily for mountain bikers, it’s rated to carry bikes up to 20Kg, and the wheel carriers can accommodate up to 2.5in tyres – the long straps dealt with our widest rubber with room to spare.
Even very long mountain bikes can be accommodated
They slide fore and aft on the rail to fit your wheelbase, with enough room for very long bikes such as a large Mondraker Dune.
The design is simple and intuitive. There are fitting kits for square, oval and T-track roof bars, and assembly time is minimal.
The curved tray and clamping arm are designed to automatically position the bike in the right position fore-and-aft, at which point it’s a quick and simple job to turn the genius ratcheted clamping knob to secure the frame. Once that’s done, those wheel straps slide into position and you lock them down to what may just be gasps of admiration from the crowd. Maybe.
Neat touches abound, from the one-handed operation of the clamp to the way the wheel straps can be tucked out of the way when you’re lifting the bike onto the roof.
The carrier also locks down to the roof bar; this mechanism appears more reliable than some others, but it’s still not completely thief-proof – you have been warned. The price may be an issue for some once roof bars are added, but this a quality piece of kit complete with a five year warranty.
