We Tried the Thule Evo Flush Rail: Roof Rack Review

After weeks of testing the Thule Evo Flush Rail roof rack system on various road trips, we’re impressed with its performance. Installation was straightforward, taking us about an hour with the included tools. The flush rail design integrates seamlessly with our vehicle’s aesthetics, creating minimal wind noise even at highway speeds.

We particularly appreciated the sturdy construction – the aluminum bars supported our loaded cargo carrier without any concerning flex. The locking mechanism feels secure, giving us peace of mind when parking in unfamiliar areas.

What sets this system apart is its versatility. We easily attached both our bike mounts and cargo box with no compatibility issues. The weight capacity proved more than adequate for our adventure gear.

While not the cheapest option available, the quality justifies the investment. For anyone needing a reliable roof rack system, the Thule Evo Flush Rail delivers exceptional performance.

27 Dec

Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Thule Epos 2: A Game-Changer for Bike Transport

December 27, 2025
By premieracmech@gmail.com
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We Tested the Thule Epos 2: A Game-Changer for Bike Transport

After three weeks of rigorous testing, we can confidently say the Thule Epos 2 has revolutionized how we transport our bikes. This towbar-mounted bike rack impressed us with its tool-free installation-we had it mounted and ready in under 10 minutes. The automatic positioning system adjusted perfectly to our different bike frames, from road bikes to e-bikes, without any frame contact.

What really stood out was the tilt function: even with four bikes loaded, we could access our trunk with just one foot movement. The integrated wheels made storage surprisingly easy, as we could roll it into our garage rather than awkwardly carrying it.

At $899, it’s certainly an investment, but considering the build quality and thoughtful features, we believe serious cyclists will find tremendous value here. Our testing confirmed: the Epos 2 truly delivers on Thule’s reputation for quality.

07 Oct

Exterior Accessories

Our Hands-On Review of the Thule Canyon XT Basket

October 7, 2025
By premieracmech@gmail.com
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Our Hands-On Review of the Thule Canyon XT Basket

After testing the Thule 859XT Canyon XT Basket over several weekend adventures, we’re impressed with its versatility and durability. This sleek black cargo carrier combines functionality with a rugged design that handled everything we threw at it. We particularly appreciated the weatherproof construction that kept our gear dry during an unexpected rainstorm, and the wind fairing that noticeably reduced noise while driving.

Installation was straightforward-we had it mounted on our SUV’s roof rack in under 15 minutes. The basket’s 150-pound capacity easily accommodated our camping equipment, and the integrated tie-down points were perfect for securing bulkier items.

While the price point is higher than some competitors, we found the premium construction and Thule’s reputation for longevity justify the investment. Stay tuned for our detailed breakdown of pros and cons in the full review!

23 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Test the Thule Hullavator Pro: Kayaking Made Easy

After three months of testing the Thule Hullavator Pro, we’re convinced this kayak carrier is a game-changer for paddling enthusiasts. The gas-assisted struts did the heavy lifting, reducing the kayak’s weight by up to 40 pounds when loading. We particularly appreciated how the carrier lowers the kayak by 24 inches to the side of our vehicle, eliminating awkward overhead lifting.

Installation was straightforward, though the unit is admittedly hefty at 56 pounds. The corrosion-resistant aluminum construction held up beautifully during our coastal adventures where salt exposure is constant.

What impressed us most was the stability during transport-even on windy highways, our kayak remained firmly secured with the eight touch points of padded support. While the $850 price tag represents a significant investment, the back-saving design and durability make it worthwhile for serious kayakers who hit the water regularly.

16 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Review of Thule UpRide: The Frame-Free Roof Rack Solution

After several weeks of testing the Thule UpRide Roof Bike Rack on various road trips, we’re impressed with its innovative approach to bike transport. Unlike traditional roof racks that clamp onto the frame, the UpRide secures bikes by the wheels only-a game-changer for carbon frame owners concerned about compression damage.

We found the installation straightforward, taking us about 20 minutes without specialized tools. The rack’s wheel hook system accommodates tires up to 5 inches wide, making it versatile for everything from road bikes to fat-tire mountain bikes. During highway driving at 70+ mph, our bikes remained rock-solid with minimal noise increase.

What truly sets the UpRide apart is its thoughtful security features. The included locks secured both the bike to the rack and the rack to our roof bars, giving us peace of mind during rest stops.