Thule Helium Pro - 2-Bike, 1-1/4", 2" Receiver, Silver

I have not yet road tested this rack and so I'm not yet committed to it but here are my initial impressions:

First what I don't like (thus the reasons for 4 rather than 5 stars):
1. The instructions are only cryptic graphics. There are no written instructions in any language which just seems like plain laziness on Thule's part. I figured out the assembly but I consulted YouTube for the locking features (hitch and retractable cable lock).
2. The vertical stays on the cradles are useless with my mountain bikes which have a shock absorber spring in front of the vertical seat tube that makes it impossible to wrap the vertical stay strap around that tube. I'll use bungee cords or the supplied black nylon strap to keep the bikes from swinging on the road knowing that there will be bike-to-bike contact. So if your bikes are new or nicer than my old Raleighs and you don't want them scratched consider this factor.
3. The nylon cradle straps require some fiddling to get them on and off mostly because it requires significant sustained pressure on the thumb tab to release them. This should be a much quicker easier process.
4. The only folding for storage is at the cradle arms so it's large and bulky to store.

Now what I like (mostly):
1. It's light but very solidly built. This is my #1 reason for the 4-star rating.
2. Attaching and removing the rack to/from the hitch is relatively easy (though it takes a little wiggling to pull out even with the hitch lock fully turned out) and very secure. If someone wants to steal this rack it won't be by detaching it from the hitch unless they pick the lock.
3. Using the 2" hitch adapter for my 2" receiver (pre-installed out of the box) once it's locked down there is zero wobble at the hitch. BTW you also have to use some muscle to tighten the hinge bolt at the tilting joint to the point that there is no play - once that's done no wobble.
4. The retractable cable lock is nifty and convenient. However if you truly value your bikes I wouldn't rely solely on this lock for long periods away from them.
5. The tilting feature is more than adequate to open the hatch of a BMW X3. Although Thule does not recommend using the tilt feature with bikes onboard it should still work if your bikes aren't really heavy.
6. The one key system for hitch and cable lock is nice and it comes with 2 cut keys and one spare uncut blank.;

It took me a little while to get the hang of it the instructions are not that good... lol even ikea
Stuff was easier to understand the drawings ... but now all good a lot
Of 🧠. Super light and easy to remove if you wanna go get your car washed
Takes 2
Seconds after you learn how to properly do so hahaha..! The plastic thingies
That tie
The bike are not as good FYI.
It keeps coming lose when I drive.
So get extra things to tie the bike up. Overall ok. A little overpriced but only got it bc it’s light and bends so I can open the trunk without having to detach the whole thing.;

Love it! Easy to install and light weight. Would recommend this!;

Great Deal;

I love the rack in every respect except the ratchet system used on the cradles. They are thin and flimsy and I even purchased a spare strap kit since I expect the straps to fail prematurely. What I did not expect was a failure of the anti-sway ratchet system that almost cost me the loss of the bike on the highway! While traveling at 70 mph the anti-sway ratchet system failed and the bike swung out and was "flying" parallel to the road surface. Fortunately the two top tube cradles held and I did not lose the bike. The failure was due to the clip (tab) that locks into the teeth of the strap. The strap pulled hard enough on the clip to cause it to rotate 180 degrees thus losing contact with the strap teeth. It's obvious that wind resistance on the bike puts considerable force on the strap and the plastic clip attachment. When I put the strap through the clip and pull the strap against the clip it flexes to the point that I can force the clip to rotate 180 degrees and pull the strap free. I now have to use velcro straps to secure my bike to the rack frame. The old system on my previous Thule rack had rubber straps that were 200% better. Thule stated you cannot convert to the old rubber strap system. The poor design is very disappointing when considering the $400 price.;