Johannesburg – June 2025 — Thule, the Swedish brand synonymous with premium vehicle accessories, continues to raise the bar in bicycle transportation solutions. Renowned for their innovative designs that marry function with form, Thule has long been the benchmark in safe, simple, and stylish bicycle transport—whether on the roof or towbar. Now, the brand is introducing two exciting new towbar-mounted carriers: the all-new Thule Outpace and the completely redesigned Thule EasyFold 3.
These latest additions build on decades of real-world user feedback and are engineered specifically for modern cyclists whose needs—and bicycles—have evolved dramatically over recent years.
Compact and Capable: The All-New Thule Outpace
Compact, lightweight, and impressively versatile, the new Thule Outpace is a platform-style towbar-mounted bicycle carrier available in two- and three-bike configurations. Designed for casual riders and urban cyclists alike, the Outpace shares its DNA with Thule’s award-winning Epos system, using independent articulating arms and pivoting heads with integrated straps to accommodate a wide range of bicycle frames—up to a total weight of 50kg.
One of the key features of the Outpace is its clever foldable design, which allows it to fit neatly into your garage or the boot of your car. A dedicated carrying handle and lightweight construction make installation a breeze, even for first-time users. It’s a carrier designed with real-world practicality in mind.
For added convenience, the Outpace can be tilted vertically when your vehicle is parked—ideal for those with tight parking or garage spaces. And like its siblings in the Thule lineup, it features a tilt-away function that allows access to the vehicle’s boot even when fully loaded.
The Thule Outpace 2-bike carrier launches in August, with the 3-bike version following in September—available online and at authorised Thule Concept stores.
Meet the New Benchmark: Thule EasyFold 3
Taking over from the acclaimed EasyFold XT, the all-new Thule EasyFold 3 redefines versatility and convenience in towbar-mounted carriers. Built to accommodate everything from compact children’s bikes to full-sized e-bikes, the EasyFold 3 boasts a host of thoughtful upgrades while retaining the features that made its predecessor a household favourite.
At the heart of the redesign is a more adaptable platform, now capable of handling a wider variety of frame styles and wheelbases. The new bike arms feature a pivoting head with soft padding and a smart strap system, securing bikes with frame sizes from 22mm to 90mm. Each arm locks independently, safeguarding your bikes on the go.
Ease-of-use is further enhanced by a clever click-in/click-out mechanism that allows for one-handed operation—making loading and unloading simpler than ever. With generous spacing between bikes (250mm) and support for extended wheelbases, the EasyFold 3 is ideal for larger bicycles, including the increasingly popular e-bike segment.
It’s also adaptable: add a bike adaptor to transform the unit from a 2-bike to a 3-bike configuration, or from a 3-bike to a 4-bike setup. A fully foldable design ensures compact storage, and optional accessories—including a folding ramp, longer wheel straps and a storage bag—offer even more functionality.
A sleek, contemporary design with integrated lighting ensures the EasyFold 3 not only performs brilliantly, but also looks right at home on any modern vehicle. The Thule EasyFold 3 is available now both online and in-store.
Why Choose a Towbar-Mounted Carrier?
For vehicle owners equipped with a towbar—or considering fitting one—a towbar-mounted carrier offers a long list of advantages. It eliminates the need for lifting heavy bikes onto a roof, which is a major plus for e-bike riders. And since bikes are positioned within the vehicle’s slipstream, the impact on fuel consumption is minimal—an important consideration amid fluctuating fuel prices.
Visibility and compliance are also key benefits. Bikes remain within your line of sight via the rear-view mirrors, and Thule’s carriers feature integrated lights and number plate mounts to ensure road-legal functionality from the get-go.
Thule: A Legacy of Innovation and Trust
Although Thule has expanded its product range to include everything from roof boxes and luggage to child seats, its commitment to cyclists remains foundational. Each new design—like the Outpace and EasyFold 3—reflects a legacy of customer feedback, real-world testing, and relentless refinement.
Both new models come with Thule’s industry-leading five-year warranty, a testament to the brand’s unwavering dedication to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Available Nationwide
Thule’s comprehensive range of premium vehicle accessories—including their latest bicycle carriers—is available from Thule Concept Stores across South Africa or online at www.thulestore.co.za.
Wherever your adventures take you, trust Thule to get you—and your bicycles—there safely, securely, and in style.
