Thule Vertex
vs
Thule Apex
When it comes to vehicle mounts, Thule is one of the best in the business. You have probably figured out by now that when going with the Thule product, you get a high quality design and materials. But all of the Thule vehicle mount models is slightly different from each other. Since there are so many of them, it can be difficult to choose between them.
We have created this Thule Vertex vs Apex comparison in order to show you the differences between two of their most popular bicycle mount lines. It is our hope that by reading this review, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which to get.
You may like to read: Subaru Outback Bike Rack Review: 10 Best Cycle Racks for Subaru Outback
Thule Vertex vs Apex
What Makes The Vertex And Apex So Great
Before we get into all of the differences between these models, we would first like to point out some of the features that make them stand out from other bicycle mounts.
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Tilting:
These bicycle mounts are able to tilt downward in order to give you clearance for opening up the hitch of your vehicle. This is great if you’re going to unload the back of your vehicle and need some extra space. Keep in mind that neither of these racks actually allow you to tilt while they are holding the bicycles. -
Locking mechanisms:
You can lock both of these racks onto a vehicle. And for extra safety, you can lock your bicycles onto the rack. So in total, there are two different locking mechanisms on each of the racks. Keep in mind that the Vertex does not come with the locks included, so you will need to purchase it separately. -
Tooless attachment:
You can attach these bike racks to your vehicle without any tools. -
Great bike clearance:
The clearance between the bicycles are increased with both of these racks. This means that there is less of a chance of them bumping up against each other and causing some scratches and other damage. -
Arm distance:
The distance between the arms on both of these racks is 12-3/8 inches.
Comparing the Vertex And The Apex
Keep in mind that when we compare these racks, we are only comparing them in a general sense. There are many different versions of each of these rack lines, each holding a varying number of bicycles. In general, the Apex has more features than the Vertex. In the list below, you will see which features they have that make them unique from each other.
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Road dampening:
The cradle of the Apex is made with dampening technology. This technology consists of an upper layer of thermoplastic elastomer, which is a gel like substance. It creates a cup around your bicycle frame. It reduces the vibration between your bicycle and the rack, and absorbs the shock from the road. In addition to that, this is especially great if you have a carbon fiber frame. Unfortunately, the Vertex does not have this cushioning technology. -
Built-in anti-rattle device:
The Apex comes with a built-in anti-rattle device that eliminates much of the vibration caused by high speeds. This device can be locked with the cable lock that comes with the rack. The Vertex also has this device, but it is not as easy to use as the one for the Apex. The Vertex device also cannot be locked unless you purchase the locks separately (Snug-Tite lock). -
Premium finish:
The Apex comes in a premium silver finish. This may not be a consideration for some people, but we thought we would include this in the list. -
EasyMount system:
The Apex has the Easymount system with locking hitch pin.
Thule Vertex vs Apex: Comparing The Prices
The prices for these Thule racks are not always the same. In fact, prices vary depending on the merchant, and it is important to find a trustworthy merchant from which to buy. We feel that Amazon is a great choice. It has some of the lowest prices available, and they are reliable in terms of their return policies. If you’d like to see these bike mounts, here are the links below.
The Verdict
It is easy to see that the Apex is simply the more advanced version of the two. The biggest thing that we like about the Apex is the fact that it has road-dampening technology. In fact, this features is especially great if you have a carbon fiber bicycle. The Apex is also designed to be a little easier to use. However, both are pretty easy to use and are great choices for your needs. In addition, we like the built-in anti-rattle device of the Apex. If you can afford to get the Apex, we would highly recommend it.