Thule 591 v 561

I’ve currently got x 2 Thule 591’s.

However I’ve just got a new Orbea Rise that weighs in just over the 20kg weight limit. I’m not convinced the downy tube clamp will be big enough either , I’m also not convinced with all that weight high up too

A through axle rack (2nd hand) would appear the more sensible option , but am I missing something about bolting through the axle ? Does damage the fork?

Ta

It uses your existing through axle and a piece goes in the middle in the same way the wheel does.

@FuncyDunc I changed to a 561 as my Cotic was an awkward size/downtube angle/shock position combination that meant it never quite sat as nicely as I’d like on the 591.

I definitely prefer it, take the wheel out and slide a chunky metal collar over the axle (comes with all combinations of endcap for different fork sizes) and then do the axle up as if it’s got a wheel in it. Then it just drops into the Proride and clicks into place, super solid and really quick to do. For me quicker than juggling it onto the rack with the front wheel on, but that’s partly as I’m short anyway. I’d definitely recommend it as long as you have boot space for the front wheel and won’t leave it in the carpark/at home by mistake!

All the clamping is on the supplied collar/sleeve (basically a simplified wheel hub with a locating feature in the middle) so as far as the fork/forces on it are concerned it’s just the same as holding it in place by locking the front wheel solid.

Edit – Sorry mine is a 568! But I think most of the above is still valid, but they do seem to have simplified over the years to where the 568 now sits in terms of clamping/loading up.

Have a look at the 565 – similar concept but works on a cam rather than requiring adapters for specific axle sizes/hub spacing. Has a tool free adjuster to accept different axles in a seconds – great if you carry various types of bikes.

I found the 561 a bit fiddly and also a chance you could drop the fork onto the roof of the car while trying to get the axle through. With the 565 you put your axle in the fork then drop it into the holder and lever over the locking cam. Maybe marginally less solid than a 561 but still way less wobbly than a 591… I’ve did forget to do up the wheel strap on mine once, it was fine.