What is the Thule Epos ParkSecure?
The Thule Epos ParkSecure is a towbar mounted bike rack - there are two versions available, a two-bike platform model at £1319 and the three-bike platform we're reviewing here at £1449. But with Thule offering a wide range of towbar mounted bike racks to suit a range of budgets, why should you be looking at the Epos ParkSecure compared to something like the more affordable VeloSpace rack? It all comes down to ease of use and some very clever features.
The highlight of the Thule Epos ParkSecure is its four integrated rear parking sensors to help keep your prized bikes safe when reversing. Don't expect it to hook up to your car's own parking sensor display though. Instead there's an in-car unit that connects via USB to provide audio and visual alerts from inside your car, while there's also the Thule app that once registered, provides both audio and visual guidance. More on that in a bit.
Designed to carry a total load of up to 60kg, the Thule Epos will support a single bike weight up to 30kg - that should be more than enough for even some of the more heavier e-bikes out there. The Thule Epos ParkSecure itself weighs just over 21kg and comes with two small wheels to make it easier to manoeuvre to the car (the 17kg two bike ParkSecure just relies on brut strength). Other features include rear lights, indicators and a number plate holder.
As well as the total load, the Thule Epos will take bikes with a wheelbase up to 1350mm and 29-inch wheels (with a tyre width up to 3-inches - this can be upgraded to 5-inches with the optional TH985000 accessory), meaning you can easily fit some pretty chunky mountain bikes on it. And to help protect your bikes from damaging each other when in transit, there's a decent 25cm distance between bikes.
The other big attraction is how neatly is folds up, meaning that when you're not using it it can be collapsed into a size of 91 x 27 x 75 cm (69 x 27 x 73cm for the two bike model).
What's the Thule Epos ParkSecure bike rack like?
With a reputation for high quality, Thule bike racks and carriers are a popular choice amongst cyclists. Pulling the Epos out of its packaging and it feels extremely well made and dependable. It also comes pretty much fully made - you only need to attach the two wheels with a couple of screws and you're done (the two bike version is ready to go out of the box).
There's a large handle when you're carrying/wheeling it to the car and while you certainly notice the weight when you pick it up, it's not that bulky and pretty easy to move around all things considered.
Plonking it on a Skoda Octavia and it couldn't have been easier to set up. With our retractable towbar extended, it's simply a question of lowering onto it before fine-tuning the torque adjustment wheel before clamping it in place.
Plug it into the 13-pin socket and this relays the vehicle’s braking and indicators to the lights that are attached to the bike rack. Depending where you're off to, you might also want to secure the rack to the towbar with the provided lock - this is the same key used to lock the bikes securely. Something you don't want to loose (make a note of the key number as these can be reordered if the worst happens).
Once you've attached it a couple of times, you'll be amazed how quickly you can pop it on to the back of your car. It really is that simple.
Unfold the Thule Epos ParkSecure and it pulls out like a book to reveal the three runners where the bike wheels will sit and the telescopic bike arms to secure each bike. And you don't have to worry about wonky seating as the Thule Epos uses a self-stabilising coupling, so you should find it sits nice and level when you unfold it.
You can then lift your bikes on - if you're transporting a hefty e-bike you might want to think about investing in the optional folding loading ramp. Otherwise, lift them in place and extend the telescopic arms to lock your bikes in place. The clever bit here is how flexible these arms are - they can be positioned pretty much anywhere depending on the design of the bike.
The locking head on the top of the telescopic arm features a strap with a compression section on the inside part to help protect your frame when you tighten up the strap - this is done via a ratchet system and means you really make sure your bike's properly secured. You can then lock this in place if you're going to be leaving your car unattended before securing the wheels via the wheel straps. It's carbon frame compatible as well, but you might want to invest in the separate carbon frame protector from Thule.
But what if you've loaded up the bikes and still have stuff to pop in the boot? The Thule Epos has a tilting mechanism. You push down on the central foot pedal and the whole rack, bikes included, tilts forward. You can then easily open and close the boot before pushing the rack back in place - there's a reassuring click so you know it's locked in place and isn't going to fly backwards as you pull off your drive.
Hooking up the little unit couldn't be easier - plug it into a USB-C socket to power it on and you don't need to do anything else. The unit will know when you're in reverse and depending on your surroundings, will ping to alert you when you're close to something. Just as with your own car's rear sensors, it'll get more urgent the closer you get to something.
It's worth downloading the Thule app as well - once you've registered you can scan the QR code on the rack to get an extended visual overview on your phone while reversing. Clever stuff. Using the app also allows you to adjust the tone of the unit and get over the air updates as well.
Should I buy a Thule Epos ParkSecure towbar bike rack?
The Thule Epos ParkSecure is the benchmark by which all other towbar mounted bike racks should be judged. It's easy to install, mounts bikes securely and feels extremely well made. Not only that, but it neatly folds up when you're not using it - it won't take up loads of space in your garage, while it's compact enough to pop in the boot of your car if you need to.
The benefit of the integrated parking sensors will be a must for some and works very well - we've been really impressed with how easy it is to set up and use. Some potential buyers might be happy to rely on their mirrors, and that's fine - Thule also sells the standard Epos in two or three bike set ups, with prices coming in at about £320-350 less than the ParkSecure version.
If you're an occasional user then this is a big investment and you might be better served looking at one of Thule's more affordable solutions, while there are roof bike rack systems to consider as well. However, if you're regularly heading off to events or bike parks with your pride and joy, then the Thule Epos ParkSecure just about justifies the high cost and you should expect many years of use from it. A big investment, but the Thule Epos ParkSecure is best towbar bike rack you can buy right now.
