Thule XADAPT9 Adapter Kit

great company to buy from

Flawless adapters that continue to impress. Upgraded to 4 bike trays from 2 and was super easy to install.

2018 Subaru Impreza WRX / STI 4d

Adapted my existing Thule bicycle rack to subaru outback cross bars

The instructions are quite simple. I believe some people associate step by step instructions with loss of control and it triggers a negative psychological response. If you find yourself becoming angry while reading these instructions you should probably have someone instal it for you. Give in to the instructions and the pain will diminish and the satisfaction of accomplishment will overcome you as it all falls into place. My only critique is that Thule doesn't make a front end adapter for the Prologue for Yakima aero style bars. I'm trying to use Thule but it's painful having to modify adapters..

2006 Subaru Forester

These work, but the instructions are not good for the Prologue bike tray at least. 1- instructions mention 3 bolts, 2 in the front and 1 in the rear. There is no third bolt to put in the rear - that's okay, but misleading 2- the nuts aren't capable of tightening the prologue down on the bar, the bolts are too long. You have to get some extra washers and use them on top of the provided washer, then it works. This is confirmed with a comment on amazon as well - I'm not the only one. Sellers should revise the instructions or provide guidance.

2004 Subaru WRX Wagon

I believe the poor reviews were for an older or different model. There is no way for this product to rattle if used correctly. As for the directions- There are pictures that clearly show the 3 steps required for the REALLY basic installation. I am actually a bit upset I delayed buying this because of the bad (and incorrect) reviews.

They do work well, however seams like Thule could have made the design a bit less complicated.

2011 Hyundai Touring

very easy to install...its called "reading comprehension" which i guess some people lack.

A few updates on this product. We have contacted Thule and they have provided us with the correct installation instructions. When installing, make sure you cut enough of the rubber strip so that the head of the fork block mounts directly to the aluminum bar, thereby eliminating the chance for movement. Note: Rating N/A for this comment.

0 Rating, only because there's no negative rating. Instructions are rubbish, a total after thought. The rattling noise is awful and unsettling. The carriers are great, but this this, please.

I just purchased the 400XTR Rapid Aero bars and foot pack, along with the Echelon Bike Carriers (2) and the XAdapt9 kit. The installation was quite simple, although setting it up the first time took a little while, which is to be expected. As I drove around with the Echelon Bike Carriers on the car, I noticed a rattling sound coming from the area where the XAdapt9 kit fastens to the Echelon bike carrier (on the rear Aero bar). The problem is that the XAdapt9 fastener plate does not fit as tightly as it should inside the bottom of the Echelon bike carrier - so it rattles from left to right and a little up and down as well. However, I found a solution that has worked great! I went to my local Home Depot and (in the aisle where all the nuts and bolts are kept) found a 2" diameter rubber washer (very thin) with a small hole in the middle. I removed the fastener plate from the Echelon carrier and then stretched the hole of the rubber washer around the two prongs that fit up and inside the underside of the Echelon carrier - it's snug, but it does work. When I reinserted the fastener plate (now with the rubber washer attached) into the underside of the Echelon carrier, it was a little difficult getting it started, but once it found the track, I could slide it all the way up to where it fastens to the rear Aero bar. I also placed a little piece of the rubber strip (included with the Aero bars) where the fastener plate sits on top of the Aero bar. The result is that I have eliminated the rattle and the problem is solved! Hope this helps if you experience the same problem I had. Rack on!

2009 Mini Cooper S

Absolutely THE stupidest mechanism I've ever seen for securing a bike tray to a crossbar. The only thing more disappointing than the item itself is the alleged installation manual.

Bought 2 racks and these adapter kits locally in Calgary and agree with other comments here that this kit is awful and spoils the rest of the product.

2008 subaru outback

I can't agree more with the other reviews. Absolutely the worst designed adapter kit. The instructions are even worse. Step 6 graphic shows (2) Allen bolts instead of (2) nuts. Unless there's a bolt to bolt connection I'm not aware of. Come on Thule, you can do better than that!

terrible!!!! the xdapter9...does not make sense that I have to purchase an ugly adapter for these new sleek areo bars. Funny how i found the latest bike racks available in europe, thule outride 561, that has the right sleek design without the extra adapters...dont think they should sell the areo bars in the USA until they have all accessories available for it. very disappointed.

This XADAPT9 product is horrendous and the instructions are worse. It seems like an afterthought. What happened to the great Thule designs? I am going to return my entire Thule rack system and get a Yakima or something else.

2008 Toyota Highlander

This is quite possible the worst designed system ever and Thule admints it! I have two problems with these adapter kits. 1. rear wheel tray adapter rattles everytime I hit a bump, and this rattle reverberates through the entier car. This is super anoying. 2. This is more subjective, but I think it looks terrible. I like the sleek look of Areo rack, they have a very clean look compared to most racks, but these adapter plates are very large and look like an afterthought in their design.