Thule ThruRide 565 uses an adjustable clamp to secure your fork’s thru-axle, it’ll accommodate both 20mm and 15mm options (there’s an adaptor for 9mm QR), and it’s one of the best mountain bike car racks on the market.

Usually I transport my bike in the boot, but from time to time I’ll need to carry two bikes, or I need the extra interior space. For those occasions I’ve been using Thule’s new ThruRide roof rack mounted to its aerodynamic Evo Wingbars (from £203) using the T-track system (where T-shape inserts locate in the extruded rails of a roof bar.

Thule ThruRide car rack

A hidden thumbwheel varies the clamping force, and the large, hinged handle gives you plenty of leverage when closing it. The lever locks in place with a supplied key, securing the bike to the rack and the rack to the car, although this should only be considered a deterrent.

Thule ThruRide car rack

The rear wheel holder slides along an extruded alloy rail and uses an integrated ratchet strap to hold it in place. The rack is long enough to accommodate most modern full suspension mountain bikes – a 29er with a 1,275mm wheelbase fitted fine. Much more though, and the rear wheel would be hanging off the end.

Once the front wheel is removed, putting the bike into the rack takes seconds and can be done without worrying about scratching the roof of the car. You can even wedge the front wheel between the pedals and the handlebar and secure it with a couple of straps if you want to keep the interior completely mud-free. The axle clamp is effective, and all the bikes I tried remained safe and secure on a mix of motorways and B-roads.

Mounted to Thule’s teardrop Evo Wingbars, this roof system is not a cheap option, but it’s sleek and secure, and additional wind noise is minimal when not carrying a bike. Despite monitoring it closely, I didn’t notice any drop in fuel economy either.