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The Thule Echelon Roof Bike Carrier takes fork mounts to the next level. This roof bike rack's ETC (Equalized Twin Cam) clamps your bike in a snap with little to no adjustments necessary. Thule gave the Echelon Roof Rack a centrally located cam lever and an adjustable, ergonomic knob so you can load and unload your bike faster than ever before. This bike carrier fits all disc and suspension combinations that have standard 9mm (0.35in) axles, accommodates tire widths up to 2.6-inches (6.6cm), and carries bicycles with a wheelbase up to 48-inches (121.9cm). The Echelon's dual-lock design secures your bike to the carrier and the carrier to the rack for safe and fool-proof transport. This carrier fits Thule and Yakima load bars. If you have any questions regarding this Thule rack and your vehicle, contact our customer service experts at 800-409-4502.
This description was also provided by: Backcountry.com, RealCyclist.com
The ultimate in fork mounts, the Thule 518 Echelon raises the bar on fork mount bike roof racks. The Thule 518 Echelon is built with a new and improved ETC, equalized twin cam, clamping system.
The ultimate in fork mounts, the Echelon raises the bar on fork mounts with it’s new improved ETC (Equalized Twin Cam) clamping system. Centrally located cam lever and NEW ergonomic adjustment knob allows rapid loading/unloading of bicycle. Fits all disc/suspension combinations with standard 9mm axles. Dual-lock design, locks bike to carrier and carrier to rack. Wheel tray fits tire widths up to 2.6" wide w/ high profile rims. Carries bicycles with wheelbase up to 48". Fits Thule and Yakima® load bars. Thule One-Key System compatible. This carrier requires the use of Xadapt9 when using our Xsporter *or* rapid aero bars.
As the ultimate in fork-mount technology, Thule Echelon raises the bar with its improved clamping system.
| Fits: | Thule and Yakima racks |
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| Thule Part: | 518 |
| Weight: | 7 lbs. 10 oz. |
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View other products from Thule classified in Travel > Car Racks. View all products from Thule.
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Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.
 | Thule Echelon Fork Mount Bike Tray | $149.99 |
 | Thule 518 Echelon Bike Carrier | $149.99 |
This product is available in the following colors:
Click any color to show the product in that color
 | Echelon |
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Solid and easy to use - locks work fine! | |
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| Despite the negative reviews here and on mtbr, at REI I checked out the 517 Peloton and 518 Echelon and there is no question that the 518 is easier to use and much sturdier. I was worried about the locking core issue, but this seems to have been resolved. My locking cores work fine! Very happy - so easy to use and rock solid! Disregard negative feedback re: the locking cores, but make sure the date on the box is recent (mine was June '08). | |
| Halvo at REI on 09/03/2008 | |
Simple and safe | |
| Rating: |  |
Nice clean design that was simple enough to figure out. Adjustments are really easy when switching between bikes and the sled fits wide tires. The rear ratchet is a little on the cheap side, but adequate as it hasn't broken yet. I always use the locks whether I'm carrying bikes or not to prevent the cam lever from releasing, which started to happen once on a short drive and could be disastrous. | |
| Samantha Glaes at Backcountry.com on 07/25/2009 | |
Great Mount! | |
| Rating: | |
| I would highly recommend this mount. I generally drive over 100 miles to various cycling trails, and I never worry about this rack failing. It fits my Mountain, Road, and time trial bicycles perfectly. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is the fact that to use it on my Thule Aero Bars I needed to buy an Xsporter9 kit. [...] | |
| Alaskan Adventurist at REI on 07/10/2008 | |
Excellent roof rack for bike | |
| Rating: | |
Beautiful, asethetic design. Solid and well built. Easy to install. Excellent product. Yes, you need the X9adapter but many parts in the adaptor package you don't need. Thule should just sell us 2 square base screws. However, I notice there is some whistle blower wind noise, perhaps from the Rapid Area bar and the mount. Any one has an idea? | |
| jcbnose845306 at Backcountry.com on 11/17/2008 | |
works great | |
| Rating: | |
Works great and looks good as well. I like the new looking style of this rack. The fork holders works awesome and gives me piece of mind that my bike won't fly off while screaming to the trail. | |
| JOHN GILCHRIST at Backcountry.com on 08/04/2008 | |
Thule Echelon | |
| Rating: | |
Used only a few times, but much beefier than the prologue that I've used for several years; does everything I've expected | |
| matlockung100029309 at Backcountry.com on 04/06/2009 | |
Great design, easy to mount | |
| Rating: | |
Nice, heavy feel gives me peace of mind. | |
| brifkin1009427 at Backcountry.com on 11/12/2008 | |
Mounting clamp is poorly designed | |
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| The mounting clamp attaches to the head unit via a tab in the back and 2 bolts in the front. If you over tighten the bolts (which is pretty easy to do), it actually bends and pulls the tab out of the head. Driving down a bumpy road caused the tab to pull completely out and my bike bounced off my vehicle and down the road. I have since found similar stories on the internet. I highly recommend you do not purchase this model. | |
| Mad Mtn Dean at REI on 07/28/2009 | |
A real shame... | |
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| As mentioned in other reviews there is a known issue with the heads accepting lock cores. Supposedly the issue was corrected back in 2007...but August '08 three separate racks were ordered in to exchange out my bad unit, not one of them could the bike technicians get the lock cores to seat properly. I tried contacting Thule direct and they were not very helpful...I can't believe they've not recalled this product. If you don't need the locking feature, it's a great rack. | |
| Mark J at REI on 08/26/2008 | |
Be Aware of Known problem | |
| Rating: | |
| Both Echelon trays that I purchased have a problem with the passenger side lock mechanism. The key cannot be removed from the lock but works fine if installed on the drivers side. I got a poor response from Thule and finally got them to admit that it is a know problem. I will return the two trays that I have and will wait to reorder to ensure that the failed units have been taken out of stock. Today I would not recommend. | |
| IBMBOB at REI on 05/29/2008 | |
What Junk | |
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| After just six monthes both racks will not clamp on fork. Bike fork fell onto roof of car leaving a big bent. | |
| spike at REI on 07/07/2009 | |
