Thule launch the Epos – a fully foldable and tiltable towbar-mounted e-MTB-friendly carrier

Thule Epos bike rack loaded being tilted to allow access to trunk
Thule say the Epos is a fully foldable and tiltable towbar bike carrier (Image credit: Thule)

Swedish brand Thule was established in 1942 and offers a wide range of products for the outdoors that includes roof racks for mountain bikes and winter sports, roof boxes, and a range of bags from camera bags, to sports bags and some of the best hydration packs too.

They have now announced their new and innovative bike carrier the Epos. Thule says is a fully foldable and tiltable towbar bike carrier, with a patented telescopic bike attachment system designed to transport bikes of any type or size from mountain bikes, or the best gravel bikes to e-MTB. 

The Thule Epos bike rack rear with with mountain bikes loaded

Flexibility and ease of use are some of the main benefits to the Epos system (Image credit: Thule)

Thule claim the core innovation of the Epos bike carrier is its flexibility and ease of use which is down to the unique individual, and telescopic bike arms equipped with pivoting heads and reinforced straps. That is claimed to offer numerous attachment options to securely hold any type of bike. Thule also adds that the system is durable and is capable of carrying bikes with a weight of up to 30kg each and can load up to three bikes, depending on the model.

The Thule Epos bike rack carrying mountain bikes in forest

The Epos can carry three bikes with a weight of up to 30kg each (Image credit: Thule)

Although we haven't tried the system yet Thule says that mounting requires minimum effort, and securing the carrier to the car is also claimed to be simple. Bikes are easy to load and unload independently, without having to think about the order the unloading will take place. Once the bikes are loaded, the trunk is still accessible thanks to the smart tilting mechanism. When the system is not in use the bike arms stow flat, which also makes the trunk accessible even without tilting the bike carrier. Thule Epos is also fully foldable for easy transportation of the vehicle or convenient storage.

The Thule Epos bike rack fully folded for easy transportation

Thule Epos is also fully foldable for easy transportation (Image credit: Thule)

The new Thule rack comes with a host of handy accessories like the Bike Repair Holder which attaches to the system allowing for supported repairs and adjustments that could eliminate the need for carrying a bike stand. There is also a foldable loading ramp that does what it says on the tin, making the loading of heavy e-MTBs far easier. Finally, Thule has teamed up with Abus to develop an Epos-specific high-grade lock for added security and protection against theft.

Thule Epos bike rack bike repair holder accessory

The Epos comes with a selection of handy accessories (Image credit: Thule)

Thule Epos pricing

The Thule Epos will be available in two or three-bike versions, but they are definitely premium priced. A two-bike rack will retail for $1,099 / £880 / €1,099 and the three-bike version at $999 / £970 / €999. Accessories are available separately from the main system with prices on those TBC. For more information head to Thule.com

Paul Brett
Staff writer

Based in Edinburgh, Paul Brett is a staff writer for BikePerfect.com. He has been an avid cyclist for as long as he can remember, initially catching the mountain biking bug in the 1990s, and raced mountain bikes for over a decade before injury cut short a glittering career. He’s since developed an obsession for gravel riding and recently has dabbled in the dark art of cyclocross. A fan of the idea of bikepacking he has occasionally got involved and has ridden routes like the North Coast 500, Scotland and the Via Francigena (Pilgrim Route), Italy.


Current rides: Marin Alpine Trail 2, Ribble 725, Cube Stereo 160

Height: 175cm