Thule OutPace review: can a compact hitch rack replace the Epos?
Antoine has been using the Thule Epos for over three years — the best bike rack he has ever tested. But at around €1,000, it isn’t for everyone. Hence the question behind this review: does a cheaper rack, the €639 OutPace, mean fewer features and more hassle?
Key facts
The OutPace is a 15 kg compact rack that mounts on the tow ball and carries two bikes of up to 18 kg each. The wheel straps take tyres up to 3 inches, and a key locks the rack to the tow ball against theft.
Installation: a little slower, no harder
The first difference from the Epos: instead of a lever, you turn a knob to tighten and adjust the clamp on the tow ball. It takes slightly longer, but it isn’t a real constraint. Tilting is done by pulling a strap, an indicator shows whether the rack is secured, and the frame holders use the same strap-and-rotating-head system as the Epos.
Loading: pedals on, one bike at a time
Answering questions left under the Epos video: you can load bikes with their pedals on, and load or unload each bike independently, front or rear. The arms open on both sides, which frees up access to take out the rear bike without touching the other one. Finding the right head angle takes a bit longer than on the Epos, which offers more range of movement, but once set, the bikes are held firmly.
Its real strength: storage
The OutPace folds on both sides and can also tilt up against the car when parked. It is even more compact than the Epos. If you live in a flat with no cellar or bike room, you can carry it inside and store it in a cupboard or under a bed — or simply leave it on the car between rides. For Antoine, that’s its number one advantage.
Limits to keep in mind
Maximum load is 18 kg per bike. For an e-bike, removing the battery may not be enough: check the actual weight and the manufacturer’s compatibility conditions. Antoine also couldn’t confirm whether the straps are steel-reinforced like the Epos’s — worth checking before you buy.
The verdict
Cheaper doesn’t mean less practical — at least not as much as Antoine feared. Once you’ve used an Epos, it’s hard to go back. But if you’ve never owned one, the OutPace is a clever, light and compact rack. Slightly less convenient than its big brother? Antoine’s words: that’s nitpicking.
Video in French. Don’t miss a review — subscribe to the En Roue Libre newsletter.
