Thule VeloCompact 927

The Thule VeloCompact 927 has become close to the default choice in the Netherlands for families driving to Germany or France with three bikes — typically two e-bikes plus a kid's bike. Positioning is clear: premium tow-bar rack in Thule's mid range, above the old EuroClassic and below the EasyFold XT if you do not specifically need to fold. With 60 kg total and 30 kg per bike you sit comfortably above what most tow balls on Dutch SUVs (Volvo XC40, VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage) can take — the limit lives in your car, not this rack. In use the mounting quality stands out. The AcuTight torque knob clicks audibly once the tow ball is correctly tightened, so you never have to second-guess your grip — a detail rivals frequently skip. The bikes sit stably in the frame holders; at 120 km/h on the German autobahn you barely feel any wobble, provided you angle the pedals of heavier e-bikes toward each other. A foot pedal tilts the whole rack back, and even with three bikes loaded you can still open most tailgates, which matters on long holiday drives.

Compared to an Atera Strada E-Bike M, the VeloCompact sits about fifty euros higher but weighs almost three kilos less, which makes solo lifting and mounting a lot more tolerable. The Bosal Traveller 3 is cheaper but still relies on screw clamps for the tow ball rather than a torque system, and its tilt mechanism feels less refined. Against the Menabo Naos, Thule wins on finish: aluminium tube profiles and plastics hold up better against hail and UV than the steel-plus-powdercoat rivals, which matters if the rack lives on the tow ball through Dutch winters.

Honest about the limits: 17.8 kg of rack plus three bikes can exceed the maximum nose weight of smaller cars — a Renault Clio rated at 50 kg is theoretically fine but sits at its ceiling with two light city bikes and nothing else. Always check the registration certificate or call the dealer. Cargo bikes are out of scope: too heavy, too long, not designed for it. The third frame arm ships in the box but must be consciously unpacked — many buyers assume it is a two-bike rack at first. And for Dutch roadworthiness (APK): keep the original licence plate readable or order a duplicate stamped 'DUP', otherwise you risk a fine in Germany.