Thule ProRide 591 Bike Rack Review

Who is the Thule ProRide 591 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 aluminum 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.

>>>Click here for the latest price

What is the difference between the 591 Proride and the 598 Criterium?

In the USA the roof rack is called the Thule 598 Criterium click here for a review of the 598. The rest of the world has the 591 proride.  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 591 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 tires, 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.

Usually this takes less than a minute, you will have your bike loaded and locked before your mates have their wheels off!

Thule 591 /Thule 598 Criterium Review Verdict:

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.