Customer Reviews

Thule 598 Criterium Upright Rooftop Bicycle Carrier

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I wanted a rack that could directly mount to my Toyota Sienna (2003) and my RAV4 (2006) factory racks- the large clamps on this unit allows for this and provide a solid, stable mount without additional hardware. I also wanted something that didn't require the removal of the front wheel, and this also fit the bill. I was a little skeptical at first because the main mount seems a bit flimsy, but when you lock it down, it works and my bikes remain motionless, even with my bikes which are all 61cm road bikes. The Thule locks are easy to install and provide a small level of protection for when you really need to leave your bike- as with any of the bike rack locks, I wouldn't leave an expensive bike unattended for too long because the locks probably wouldn't slow down a bike thief too much.

I'd definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a rack, especially for those with factory racks with crossbars that this unit will fit. It will save you about $300 in additional hardware.

These bike racks are great. They're easy to install and use. We've used them on a rather regular basis.

My only caveat - don't buy them here! I had to return the 3 I bought from Amazon b/c they arrived in ripped up boxes (they're big boxes!). I called Thule for replacement parts, but Thule said no b/c Amazon was not an authorized dealer.

I found them elsewhere for about the same price and they shipped w/o any problems.

You'll like these racks. Simple but effective.

Great racks, easy to put on and take off. Great way to put up bikes without having to remove the front wheel. 4 stars only because 1) rough directions re: flipping the rack to a driver side mounting configuration, 2) was missing one little barrel nut with one of the racks when it arrived - Amazon couldn't help except telling me I could return the whole rack for a new one. Thule was great and helped me once I could contact them, but the process meant my wife and I were cramming one bike in the car while we waited for the spare part in the mail.

Thanks to A. Louie for the review and mentioning the Rav4. It's been a long search for a solution to my roof rack needs: a rack to fit Rav4 (2009) with factory bars and a car with Thule Aero bars. Finally, I think I am almost done. I just need an overpriced xAdapt kit for my Thule 598 rack to fit my Thule cross bars (why? because I'm a sucker). I spent nearly $400 on Thule hardware for my other car and ALMOST have the capability to transport ONE piece of equipment for ONE sport in which I participate.

Enter Thule 598 + Rav4 Crossbars...

If you have big, wide, thin factory crossbars like a Toyota Rav4, then you can simply buy this rack and it fits decently without spending $$$ on support/adapter hardware (e.g. Thule Ride-On bars). Of course, you still need 2 locking cylinders for another thirty bucks or so. Otherwise, someone will walk off with your rack which pops off in about 5 seconds, or, worse yet, your $3000 tri-bike. Even with the locks, don't trust the rack to protect against theft. Also, you may need a step stool as I am over 6' tall and struggle to load my 17 lbs bike on the top of my Rav.

If you are willing to put up with the nickel-and-diming from the aftermarket roof-rack industry, then this rack is a nice addition to certain factory and Thule crossbars. Just beware that the sticker price is only the beginning. The alternative? $15 worth of Home Depot hardware and goofy looking hobbyist junk on your nice car.

Buyer beware!!!

Locks must be purchased separately, of which 2 are required to secure bike to roof rack. Description on here is very misleading as it states "The Criterium is also high security, with a double locking system for bike and rack"

I bought 2 bike racks and discovered the locks were NOT included, contrary to product description. Amazon have undertaken to amend this mistake.

Apart from that the product itself is fantastic, very easy to use and install, however do not consider installing with out the locks

This rack is one of the few from Thule that fits the factory crossbars on the Rav4 and I would bet on a lot of other cars. Avoided the additonal cost and hassle of buying and installing adaptors or Thule crossbars. I got two of them and they were very secure and stable holding an older heavier bike with a child seat. Very easy to install and load/ unload bikes for a roof rack. This does not come with the locks, that will cost you extra if you want them. Also, the packaging is not good, one of mine arrived with a broken clip and I had to return it for an exchange.

This bike carrier is very easy to use and I recommend it to anybody who's having trouble holding the bike up there until all the locks and straps are tighten.
However, it is rather big. I use two of them and a cargo box on a set of bars. My previous bike carriers fitted fine. These ones squeeze the box, which is flexible and allows this, but makes the whole thing a little uncomfortable. I can also mount both of the carriers on the same side of the car, one riding forward and the other backwards. That way some of the width is saved.
I am also a bit disappointed with the stability of the bike.
Again, very easy to load and unload bikes, so I say it is worth it.

Easy install with fast racking and unracking. You will be happy with this Thule product if you don't like removing front tire.

The product looked fine however it shipped here in a box that looked like it was delivered by Ace Ventura. The box was completely mangled and re-tapped together. The product did have some scratches and noticeable marks. I returned it immediately.

Coolest bike rack/ month ever- works very well and fits many different types of bikes.