Who is the Thule Criterium 598 Bike Rack For?
Anyone who is looking to carry a bike on the roof of the car should consider this as their choice It’s capable of carrying any type of bike, from children’s through to adult mountain bikes and racing bikes.
Why Choose this Bike Rack?
Simply, this bike rack from Thule represents the aspiration to which all other roof carriers must live up to. Its tough construction and ease of use puts it far ahead of the competition.
The carrier looks good with its brushed aluminium parts and simple locking mechanism (with a key for extra security).
It is capable of being used with loaded bikes at motorway speeds of 70MPH + with just a little wind noise to remind you that there is a bike up there.
The carrier is able to take bikes up to 20Kg / 44Lb, with a clever locking system that clamps round the frame of the bike it can take frames of any size. From big downhill rigs to light racing bikes. The straps are designed to take tyres upto 2.5in so there should be no restriction on the size of bike that you wish to carry.
However if you have a carbon fiber frame you might want to consider the fork clamp version Thule 561 Outride.
Where to buy the Criterium 598?
There are many online sites offering the Thule 598, my favourite is Amazon.com they provide a great service, good return policy and free delivery. The difference is that the Criterium is not equipped with the same mountings for the Aero Bar as the 591.
The Features of the Thule 598 Bike Rack
With its great looking and minimalist design its clear that Thule have wanted this to be easy to use. There are no restrictions to the type of roof rack that its fitted to, as it comes with fitting kits for square, oval and T-track roof bars, and assembly quick and easy.
When you buy the rack there are a few steps involved in its assembly these are straight forward, such as securing the straps to the frame, and adjusting the direction of the locking clamp (if required – it can be adjusted to work on either the left or right of the car.)
So how do I fit my bike to the rack and is it secure?
Fitting the bike is simplicity its self, there is a curved tray for receiving the tyres, and these position the bike fore and aft in the rack. All that’s required is to raise the clamp to fit the frame diagonal, lift the bike into the receiving trays and push the bike upright to allow the clamp to secure the frame.
Actual contact is made by tightening the clamp with a rotary lock, this secures the bikes upright, then there are two plastic/rubber straps that secure the wheels to the frame.
The 598 Criterium can be fitted to the bars using:
Thule Aeroblade /Aerobars – Requires the Thule Xsporter Adapter Adapts bike carriers to slotted load bars such as Thule Rapid Aero, Thule Xporter, or Tri-Slot Thule Professional load bars.
Thule Square Bars: Fitting Kit included
The fitting kit allows the Criterium to be fitted to the full range of Thule bars the Xsporter Adapter offers a t-fitting for a cleaner, more aerodynamic attachment.
Which ever option you use, fitting the bike usually this takes less than a minute, you will have your bike loaded and locked before your mates have their wheels off!
Summary:
With the design full of neat touches, such as the easy one handed operation, to the simple method of securing the bikes, it is clearly a nice piece of design. I have bought two of these my self.
This is a quality product, possibly a little more expensive than other models, but it provides a great piece of design that will last years.
Visit Amazon here to read more!
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