Saris T-Bones vs. Thelma - Opinions?

i have the thelma 2 bike on order. i will post pics once it arrives. i have a Thule hanging type and didn't like the way the bikes would sway without using the additional tie down strap.

 

Here's my Thelma experience:

Saris Thelma

In the end, this is the rack I'd buy again. It has been the best hitch-mounted rack of owned, though it did have a few warts. The fact that it is secure and light-weight were big sellers for me! And yes, the hatch will open with the bikes on there. Easier with a road bike on the inboard position since the bars aren't as wide as the mtb - but both work just fine.

 

darell,
i read your webpage review and see that you had problems with the soft plastic and the nuts. i wonder if i should use regular nuts and some loc-tite to avoid the issue? thoughts? blue or red loc-tite? not a good idea either way?

 

If I were to buy a new one now and assemble it, I'd use the included hardward, but I'd do two things differently. I'd first thread all the Nylocks onto the screws first. This pre-taps the nut inserts, and certainly makes them spin on easier the second time around. And I'd probably also hit them with WD-40 before assembly. This will lubricate them going on, and will quickly evaporate (to allow the Nylocks to work properly with their extra friction). I think doing one or both of these would create a perfect and easy assembly - avoiding all the problems I had. Normally I think these things through a bit better, but was all excited to get it built and on the road!

I've even heard rumor that Saris modified the front wheel cup after I sent my photos to them. But that's not been confirmed.

Truly, it is a really good rack. With just a bit of extra effort on Saris' part, it could have been GREAT.

 

good idea on pre-tapping the nylon nuts. i think i will go that route. i'll let you know if Saris did a re-design on the wheel cup.

btw, did you stick with the rear tire holders installed reverse?

 

Thanks. That'd be great!

Nope. While I liked how it held my shorter wheel-based bikes, I discovered that the straps really need to be at the other end to hook to the wheel cup when the whole thing is collapsed. You can see how the thing straps together when foled up - so the wheel cup doesn't come loose and hit the car.

I wish I could help, but am just learning about the T-Bone myself. I think I've given several PROS for the Thelsma. Looks like lots of great stuff in the T-Bone - and in such a light package. Truly awesome. The benefits are many and obvious. The only downsides I immediately see:

The bike hangs from the top-tube. After finally getting away from this, I'm very hesitant to go back. I love holding the bikes by the wheels. No paint touches the rack or gets abraded. On a cheap bike this isn't an issue. When you pay $1000 for paint, it is an issue. Also, some full suspension bikes will be a pain, and you'll need to get the phantom top-tube to make it work. For now, at least most bikes have two wheels in roughly the same place!

I'm sure somebody will chime in with a T-bone soon.