The Bottom Line
A quality bike rack is essential for regular cyclists or transporting high-quality cycles. They provide stability and protect your bike from damage during transit. The Thule Insta-Gater Pro truck bed bike rack is one of the best single bike rack options to consider due to its incredible durability and workmanship.
At a Glance
Dimensions:
40.6″ x 18″ x 6.7″
Load Capacity:
One bike up to 50 Pounds
Material:
Aluminum
Max Wheel Size:
29″
Rack Weight:
11 Pounds
Ideal Bike Fit:
Mountain, E-bike and Fat bikes
The Thule Insta-Gater Pro truck bed bike rack is an upright bike rack that connects to the bike wheel and not the frame. Loading and securing your bike doesn’t require removing the front wheel. The Insta-Gater Pros can support a relatively heavy load and a large variety of wheel sizes, such as mountain bikes, e-bikes, and most fat bikes.
About Thule
This Swedish brand is a well-respected outdoor gear manufacturer with over 60 years of experience in the industry. Thule has produced high-end products from bike racks, baby strollers, luggage to rooftop tents. All products that carry the Thule logo can undoubtedly be expected to be top quality and durable under the most demanding conditions.
A Closer Look At The Insta-Gater Pro Bike Rack
Like most upright bike racks, the bike is secured by the front wheel, but with the Insta-Gater Pro, you don’t have to take off the front wheel and attach it by the fork. I like this type of fit because it saves time and effort when loading and unloading the bike. The Thule Insta-Gater Pro also has a retractable cable lock conveniently stored in the arm of the wheel hook. However, I would’ve liked to have locks that would connect the rack to the truck itself.
Since the bike is positioned and secured in an upright position, the frame is fully protected from dents and scratches during transit. Securing the bike to the rack is very straightforward. It’s done by simply placing the wheel in the wheel tray, hooking the padded cradle onto your bike’s back or front wheel, and waiting for it to click right down, which stops it from sliding.
The bike rack is made from solid but lightweight aluminum covered in black powder coating, protecting it from damaging elements and rust. I like knowing that this protection measure is there to enhance the longevity of the bike rack, especially for offroad cyclers hat come into contact with dust, mud, and water.
What I Liked About The Insta-Gater Pro
I like that this bike rack is so easy to set up. It takes a minimum amount of time and effort, which is perfect, especially for a solo rider. I also didn’t need any additional tools to fit the rack to my truck bed.
Considering its size, the Thule Insta-Gater Pro truck bed bike rack is surprisingly sturdy, supporting the bike by its wheel and minimizing all frame contact.
The Thule Insta-Gater Pro enables you to utilize the truck bed’s space much better and more efficiently. There is still a lot of open floor space that could be used, even after the bike has been loaded.
The Insta-Gater’s compact design makes it easy to store when not in use, even with limited storage space.
And, What I Didn’t Like About The Insta-Gater Pro
I wanted locks for additional safety; however, none are included, and I have to buy them separately.
The only other genuine complaint I have is that this rack is someone on the high-end price range, which is a little bit disappointing considering it’s a bike rack that only fits one bike.
Comparing The Insta-Gater To The Inno RT202 Bike Rack
I wanted to see how the Thule Insta-Gater Pro truck bed bike rack compares to another industry giant, the Inno RT202. As expected, the Thule offered more in terms of inclusivity and flexibility. Whereas the Inno RT202, one of the Insta-Gater’s closest competitors, had a few restrictions on security and installation.
| Thule Insta-Gater Pro | Features | INNO RT202 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bike | Bike Capacity | 1 Bike |
| 29 inches | Max Wheel Diameter | N/A |
| 11 Pounds | Weight | 1 Pound |
| Wheel Mount | Mount Type | Fork Mount |
| Lock On Rack | Security | None |
| No Tools Required | Installation | Tools Included |
| Any | Truck Type | C-Channel Truck |
What’s In The Box?
When purchasing the Thule Insta-Gater Pro, it includes the rack itself, with straps and anchors that fit in between your tailgate and truck bed to secure the rack properly.
You will also find a key for the one-key lock that retracts from the hook, which will keep the bike secured on the rack.
You will not find any additional tools since no drilling or screwing is needed to install the Thule Insta-Gater Pro truck bed bike rack.
Should You Buy The Thule Insta-Gater Pro?
For regular and dedicated cyclers, the short answer is, yes. If you are looking for a premium single truck bed bike rack that is sturdy, durable, and won’t take up a lot of space, then I would recommend the Thule Insta-Gater Pro truck bed bike rack without a doubt.
Apart from the price tag, which is relatively expensive compared to similar truck bed bike rack competitors, the Thule Insta-Gater Pro has a good combination of ease of installation, versatility, and compactness.
The use of robust and high-quality steel with black powder coating finishes ensures that this bike rack will last and remain a fantastic investment for regular cyclers.
