Review on 🚲 Thule Helium Pro Hitch Bike Rack: Lightweight and Durable Bike Carrier for Hitch Mounts by Evan Hernandez

I liked the idea of this shelf. Lighter than most (but by no means light), with more space between bikes and supposedly easy-to-use ratchet straps to secure bikes. Yes, there is enough space between the bikes. Otherwise this shelf is a disappointment. Removing the luggage rack from a standard 2" hitch takes patience and effort. The design is such that the mechanism that needs to be loosened to release the rail from the coupler will inevitably bind. Eventually, if you're lucky, you'll be able to remove the trunk from the car's hitch. Rubber ratchet straps are a masterpiece of bad design. I have two other bike mounts, both ratcheting and both easy to use. Thule is extremely difficult to use, although I've finally devised a method that works, albeit with a lot of frustration and unnecessary fuss. even mentioned some other design inconveniences. If you never (or rarely) remove the trunk from your car, my first complaint wouldn't be such a problem. Rubber bands should be completely redesigned. A piece of metal that slides in and out when you attach (or remove) the brace to your car's hitch. I've used bike dry lube and it works like a charm. Now it will not be difficult to insert or remove the trunk from the car. However, the inconvenience and poor design of the ratchet straps that secure the bike remain an issue. All they have to do is extend the base of the rubber at the bottom of the mechanism that secures the ratchet and that will likely make it easier to use. I don't think their engineers ever thought about it. I have upgraded to 2 stars although the stand is still an inconvenience and frustration due to the poor design of the straps.