Thule Helium Platform XT

86/100
BikeRide Score
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Users (82 ratings)
80
Experts (3 reviews)
89
Thule Helium Platform XT

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Thule Helium Platform XT. In summary, this is what cyclists think. Published Aug 08, 2024 by Rachel Rushing.

7 reasons to buy

  • Owners say the Helium Platform XT is easy to assemble.
  • Installation is fast thanks to Thule’s tool-free hitch tightening.
  • The rack is compatible with 1.25” and 2” hitches.
  • Testers say mounted bikes remain secure and stable while driving.
  • The Helium Platform XT can tilt for easier trunk access with or without bikes loaded.
  • Bikes are secured at the wheels, meaning no frame contact.
  • The Helium Platform XT is light for a platform hitch rack.

7 reasons not to buy

  • Experts bemoan the rack’s substandard construction, highlighting the “cheap” plastic parts.
  • Owners experience problems with the springs in the release levers for the tray and clamp arms. Some say they “stick,” and one breaks after six months.
  • Multiple buyers complain of quality control issues, resulting in defective racks.
  • This rack only supports tires up to 3” and wheels between 26” and 29”, so fat tires and kids’ bikes won’t fit.
  • The Helium Platform XT isn’t compatible with fenders.
  • License plates may be blocked when bikes are loaded or when the rack is folded and not in use.
  • Testers and buyers feel the Helium Platform XT is expensive.

Bottom line

The Thule Helium Platform XT is a platform hitch rack for 1.25” and 2” receivers. It supports two 45lb bikes, 26” to 29” wheels, tires up to 3”, and 52” wheelbases. The secure attachment, stability in transit, ease of use, and low weight impress. Expert reviews are overwhelmingly positive, but owner experiences paint a different picture. Several mention broken plastic parts and stuck lever springs after a few months. Others complain of blocked license plates. The aluminum and plastic components lower the weight, but this seems to impact long-term durability. Buyers wanting a more robust platform hitch rack should consider Küat’s Piston SR or Saris’ SuperClamp.
Where to buy
$861.88 Amazon (used) See it $899.95 Jenson USA See it $899.95 Comp­etitive Cyclist See it $899.95 Back­country See it $899.95 evo See it $899.95 Amazon See it $899.95 Perform­ance Bicycle See it $899.95 Dan's Comp See it $899.95 DICK'S Sporting Goods See it
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Bike Size Charts

Facts

Rack Type
Hitch, Vehicle
Brand
Thule
Maximum Load Capacity
2 Bikes
Maximum Weight Per Bike
45 lb
Vehicle Type
Hatchback, Minivan, RV, Sedan, SUV, Truck
Weight
43.2 lb
Material
Aluminum, Steel, Plastic

Expert Reviews

89/100 based on 3 scored reviews (11 reviews in total)
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90
Switchback Travel
Level 1 expert

Thule Helium Platform 2 Review

Level 1 expert

Thule’s Helium Platform stands out among the hitch rack competition for its user-friendliness and high-end look and feel in a reasonably light package.

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87
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This review has been given a score. Read more here
Singletracks
Level 5 expert

Thule Helium Platform 2 Hitch Rack

Level 5 expert

… I have been using the Thule Helium since the summer, putting it through real-world conditions… with bikes that are on the chunky side, and I have yet to experience any problems with it. 

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90
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
AMB
Level 5 expert

Tested: Thule Helium Platform XT 2-Bike

Level 5 expert

The Thule Helium Platform XT is a well-designed rack, with versatility across a lot of bike types and sizes. I can’t carry fat bikes, but will carry road bikes, gravel bikes, and just about any mountain bike under 20.5kg.

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mtbr
Level 5 expert

Thule Helium Platform XT | Bike Rack Setup & Review

Level 5 expert

For [the price], it’s a quality rack [that] looks good and [is] very, very simple to use.

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Adventure Labworks
Level 1 expert

Thule Helium Platform

Level 1 expert

The industry [is] in love with this rack.

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Erich Forler
Level 1 expert

Thule Helium Platform XT vs Küat NV Base 2.0

Level 1 expert

Overall, this is a great rack. It’s easy to install, remove, and use. It attaches firmly to your vehicle and the bikes are held firmly in place.

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Canadian Cycling Magazine
Level 5 expert

Thule Helium Platform XT Hitch Rack Review

Level 5 expert

For me, the light (19.6kg) Helium Platform XT is perfect. It lets me haul mountain, gravel, TT, and road bikes with ease.

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Gear Junkie
Level 5 expert

Best Lightweight Hitch Bike Rack? Thule Helium Platform Aims to ‘1UP’ Competition

Level 5 expert

… For most riders, the Helium Platform will make for an awesome choice. I never worried about my bikes, even on the roughest roads.

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Pinkbike
Level 5 expert

First Look: Thule Helium 2-Bike Tray Rack

Level 5 expert

If you have a heavy bike or want the flexibility of a modular rack, then the Thule Helium likely isn’t the rack for you.

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Velo
Level 5 expert

Thule Helium Platform 2 Hitch Rack: What I Love; What Bugs Me

Level 5 expert

It is otherwise a wonderful piece of equipment that makes owning a car rack much easier due to its light weight and smooth, easy function.

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BIKE Magazine
Level 5 expert

First Impressions: Thule Helium Platform 2

Level 5 expert

The Helium is high-quality with just enough frills. It doesn’t have every bell and whistle you can find on racks these days, but it has the ones you need…

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User Ratings

80/100 based on 82 ratings
  • 5 star
    65%
  • 4 star
    9%
  • 3 star
    6%
  • 2 star
    5%
  • 1 star
    16%

Rankings

Compared to other bike racks
#20 Best Vehicle Rack
Bottom 50%
#22 Best Hitch Rack
Bottom 50%
#4 Best Thule Rack
Top 50%
#49 Best of All Racks
Bottom 50%

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Bike Rack Comparison

Thule Helium Platform XT in comparison to averages
Thule Helium Platform XT
86
Average All Bike Racks
86
Average Thule Rack
87
Average Vehicle Rack
86

Forum Discussions

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