Thule ReVert Bike Rack Review: First Thoughts

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The Thule ReVert is Thule’s long-awaited vertical hitch bike rack, built for riders who need to carry a full crew of bikes without eating up a ton of space behind the vehicle. This is a first-impressions style overview geared toward Edmonton riders who are hauling multiple mountain bikes to the river valley, local trail networks, and the mountains.

Thule ReVert 4 & 6 – At a Glance

• Two capacities: ReVert 4 (up to 4 bikes) and ReVert 6 (up to 6 bikes).
• Construction: Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel for long-term durability and weather resistance.
• Hitch size: 2" receiver with tool-free mounting.
• Bike weight: Up to 55 lb (approx. 25 kg) per bike and a total rack capacity of around 230–250 lb, so some light e-bikes are OK.
• Wheel and tire range: 20–29" wheels (20–24" with an adapter) and tires up to 5" wide with the fat-bike basket.
• Bike spacing: Generous spacing between bikes to reduce bar-to-bar or pedal contact.
• Security: Integrated hitch lock, with optional bike-locking accessories.

Why Go Vertical?

Vertical racks like the Thule ReVert exist for one main reason: capacity. If you regularly move four to six bikes, going vertical is one of the cleanest, most compact ways to do it. Instead of having bikes sticking way out behind the vehicle, the front wheels hang up high while the rear wheels sit closer to the bumper.

Because the bikes are hanging by the wheels (with rubberized contact only), there’s no frame or fork contact. That’s a big deal for carbon frames or custom builds where you don’t want clamps on the tubes.

Another advantage is clearance. Compared with many four-bike platform racks, a vertical rack often keeps your wheels higher and closer to the vehicle, which can help when you’re dropping off curbs, driving rough access roads, or navigating tight parking lots around Edmonton.

Thule Revert First Thoughts Review

Standout Thule Features on the ReVert

The ReVert carries all the usual Thule “feel”: solid welds, clean hardware, and a generally bomb-proof construction backed by Thule’s warranty. A couple of features really stand out:

• Dual-direction hydraulic TiltAssist: The rack uses a damped, dual-action hydraulic system that helps you tilt the rack down and bring it back up even with bikes loaded. You push a lever, tilt the rack, roll the bikes into the wheel baskets, and then use the same lever to let the damper help lift the rack back into place.
• No-frame-contact bike holding: Bikes are secured by the wheels with rubberized contact points. This avoids clamping on frames or forks and keeps finishes and carbon layups happy.
• Room for long wheelbases: The wheel holders are sized for modern mountain bikes, including longer-travel rigs with extended wheelbases.

Hitch Connection & On-Road Stability

Thule’s hitch connection uses an internal camming system that expands inside the 2" receiver to remove play and “rack wiggle.” Once tightened, the connection feels solid and quiet. This system is also lockable, so the rack itself can be secured to the vehicle.

The ReVert is still a fairly heavy rack to move around off the vehicle, which is typical for high-capacity vertical systems. Most riders will want two people to install or remove it, but once it’s on the hitch it’s straightforward to tilt, load, and unload.

Loading Bikes: Roll In, Roll Out

A big appeal of the ReVert is how little lifting is required. With the rack tilted down:

• Roll the bike in so the front wheel drops into the upper basket.
• Secure the rear wheel in the lower tray with the provided strap.
• Use the TiltAssist lever to help bring the rack back upright.

With bikes loaded, you can still tilt the rack away from the vehicle to open a trunk or tailgate, which is handy for road-trip packing or mid-ride snack stops.

Accessories & Add-Ons

Thule supports the ReVert with a few key accessories:

• Wheel baskets for fat bikes with 3–5" tires.
• Adapters that help smaller 20–24" kids’ bikes fit cleanly.
• Additional locking options if you want more security for the bikes themselves.

Ride Impressions & Quirks

First impressions of the ReVert are very positive. It feels like a classic Thule product: overbuilt in a good way, nicely finished, and confidence-inspiring once loaded up with bikes. The dual-action hydraulic system is a highlight with bikes on the rack – tilting and raising feels lighter than you’d expect given the weight.

The main quirk is that when the rack is empty, you need to put a bit more body weight into pulling it down against the hydraulic force. Once installed on the vehicle, this is manageable, but it’s something you notice when the rack is on a display stand or being demoed.

Who Is the Thule ReVert For?

The ReVert is aimed squarely at:

• Mountain bike families who routinely travel with four to six bikes.
• Riders who want a no-frame-contact solution for carbon or high-end builds.
• Groups who value quick loading, easy access to the vehicle, and a stable highway ride.
• Edmonton riders who split time between city trails, bike parks, and longer trips to the Rockies.

Shopping the Thule ReVert in Edmonton

Not sure whether you should go with the 4-bike or 6-bike version, or wondering how the ReVert will work with your specific vehicle and hitch setup? The team at Roof Racks Edmonton can walk you through fitment, compare the ReVert with other vertical and platform racks, and help you choose the right option for your bikes and riding crew.

If your priority is carrying the whole squad’s bikes with as little hassle as possible, the Thule ReVert is a strong, well-engineered vertical rack that fits right in with Edmonton’s active, bike-heavy lifestyle.