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Bicycle carrier test winnerThule EasyFold 3 - a thick ship with great attention to detail

Stefan Frey

 · 26.02.2025

Thule relies on a clever folding system and brand new grippers for the EasyFold 3. Can the new bike carrier from Sweden score points in the test?
Photo: Stefan Frey

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When you think of bike racks, the name Thule usually springs to mind. The Swedes stand for high-quality and well thought-out products. In our test, we found out whether this also applies to the new Thule EasyFold 3.
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Congratulations and thank you. You have chosen a quality product from Thule. At least that's what the instructions say. Whether the new EasyFold 3 bike carrier live up to this claim? At least the name doesn't quite say it all, as the Thule is only designed for two bikes ex works. However, a third bike can be added via an additional rail. Why the Swedes have named their latest baby EasyFold, however, quickly becomes clear. But more on that later.

>> You can find an overview of all bike carriers currently tested by us here.

Nothing to do: The Thule comes almost fully assembled out of the box and immediately impresses with its high-quality workmanshipPhoto: Stefan FreyNothing to do: The Thule comes almost fully assembled out of the box and immediately impresses with its high-quality workmanship

Thule EasyFold 3 bike carrier - ready out of the box

In addition to the very high-quality bike rack, a few more parts are pulled out of the large box. You still have to fit the retaining bracket and the locks for the retaining arms yourself. But it doesn't take more than five minutes and the EasyFold can be placed on the coupling. Despite its own weight of over 18 kilos, this is surprisingly easy, as Thule has incorporated practical carrying handles into the unfolded rails - a clever detail that only the Eufab ProBC2 and the MFT Compact 2e+1 have to offer.

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Clever: the folding rails form a handle. This makes it easy to place the EasyFold on the couplingPhoto: Stefan FreyClever: the folding rails form a handle. This makes it easy to place the EasyFold on the coupling

Workmanship with attention to detail

You can tell from the Thule EasyFold 3 that the Swedes have a lot of experience in the field of bike carriers, because there is also a lot of love in the details. The plastics used are all of high quality and there are no edges that could injure you. The plug holder sits comfortably right next to the coupling and the cables are also carefully routed.

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The plug is positioned directly next to the clutch - that's where it belongsPhoto: Stefan FreyThe plug is positioned directly next to the clutch - that's where it belongs

Sophisticated folding system on the Thule bike carrier

As mentioned above, despite its weight, the Thule bike carrier is still comfortable to carry to the car and easy to place on the towbar. The EasyFold is clamped in the classic way using a lever on the side, which is easy to operate and reliably engages with the correct clamping force. If the setting is not right, the clamping force can be increased without tools.

The clamping lever is standard at Thule and has already proven itself in previous testsPhoto: Stefan FreyThe clamping lever is standard at Thule and has already proven itself in previous tests

When unfolded, it becomes clear why Thule calls its bike carrier EasyFold: the carrier unfolds its rails like a butterfly unfolds its wings. The licence plate also automatically folds into the correct position - it couldn't be better. The developers have even thought of eyelets for the ratchet straps on the wheels so that they don't get in the way.

>> There is good news for bike travellers who want to take their bike with them to Italy on the back of their car. The regulations on labelling with a warning sign have changed. Find out what's new in the transport of two-wheelers here.

Good solution: thanks to the small retaining eyelets, the ratchet straps don't get in the way when the bikes are mountedPhoto: Stefan FreyGood solution: thanks to the small retaining eyelets, the ratchet straps don't get in the way when the bikes are mounted

Mounting bikes - the new mounting arms are awesome

Attaching the bikes is done quickly with the Thule. Thanks to the wide rails, the Thule EasyFold can also handle models with long wheelbases. The ratchet straps are sufficiently long and even offer room for lateral offset. In addition, the ratchets on both rails face outwards, run smoothly and are therefore easy to operate.

Long wheelbases are no problem for the EasyFold 3. The ratchet straps are also sufficiently long. Even wide tyres fit easily on the rails and stand securely therePhoto: Stefan FreyLong wheelbases are no problem for the EasyFold 3. The ratchet straps are also sufficiently long. Even wide tyres fit easily on the rails and stand securely there

However, the new retaining arms are particularly eye-catching. The old claw grips are a thing of the past; instead, the bikes are held on the bike rack by a very stable and cleverly designed ratchet system. The retaining arms can be released from the bracket at the touch of a button and snap back into the desired position with little effort. The ratchet straps themselves are metal-reinforced and carefully rubberised. Of course, the retaining arms can also be locked, but this is now standard for high-quality towbar carriers.

However, the new grippers are particularly striking. They can be removed with one handPhoto: Stefan FreyHowever, the new grippers are particularly striking. They can be removed with one handThis also makes positioning the second gripper arm child's playPhoto: Stefan FreyThis also makes positioning the second gripper arm child's playThe Thule can be folded down using its sturdy foot pedal. However, the angle is not sufficient for the tailgate on the VW busPhoto: Stefan FreyThe Thule can be folded down using its sturdy foot pedal. However, the angle is not sufficient for the tailgate on the VW bus

Thule EasyFold 3 - Info & Price

  • Price: 950 Euro >> available here
  • Weight: 18.1 kg
  • Stowage dimension: 70 x 31 x 81 cm
  • Rail length / width / spacing: 127 / 7.0 / 24.4 cm
  • max. wheelbase: 137 cm
  • max. pipe diameter: 100 mm
  • Carrier / bikes lockable: yes / yes
  • Equipment: Secured folding mechanism with foot control; carrier and support arms lockable; padded support arms; plug holder, integrated carrying handle; can be extended to 3rd bike
In terms of workmanship and attention to detail, the Thule is hard to beat. The Swede also impressed us in terms of handling and thus takes the test victoryPhoto: Stefan FreyIn terms of workmanship and attention to detail, the Thule is hard to beat. The Swede also impressed us in terms of handling and thus takes the test victory

Evaluation & conclusion

Top in terms of handling, features and workmanship - only the price makes you gulp at firstPhoto: Stefan FreyTop in terms of handling, features and workmanship - only the price makes you gulp at first

Big ship for a big budget. However, the Thule bike carrier is unrivalled in terms of workmanship, design and handling. It unfolds its rails and licence plate holder like a butterfly. It offers space for all types of bikes - whether long or short, thick or thin frames. The new grippers are perfectly operable and can be moved with one hand, all ratchet straps run smoothly and are easy to release. Clamping levers, plugs and ratchets are positioned within easy reach. Clever: the carrying handle in the rails.

Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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