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Thule Shield (InLock) Review: Secure and Versatile Bike Storage
Embark on a journey through our comprehensive review of the Thule Shield backpack and the ingenious Thule InLock system. This smart solution offers a rapid and secure way to attach various backpacks and bags to your bicycle, ensuring your gear travels safely wherever you go. We delve into every aspect, from the initial installation of the bike rack to the performance of the backpack itself. Join us as we explore why the Thule InLock ecosystem stands out.
Disclaimer: The backpack, mounting bracket, and bike rack were provided by Thule for a 4-week testing period. Thule had no influence on the content of this review.
The Thule InLock Ecosystem: Price and Components
The Thule InLock system offers a flexible entry point for users, allowing you to start with a compatible bike rack, the InLock mounting system, or a specific backpack or bag. Thule provides a comprehensive range of bags and panniers, offering a complete solution for all your cycling needs. While the entire system represents a premium investment, its quality and thoughtful design justify the cost.
Here’s an overview of the approximate pricing for the products tested:
- Thule Tour Rack (Bike Rack): Approximately $130 – $140 USD
- Thule InLock (Mounting Bracket): Approximately $30 – $35 USD
- Thule Shield (23L Backpack): Approximately $170 – $180 USD
The total cost for this specific setup can exceed $330 – $350 USD, making it a significant investment. However, other compatible bags and panniers are available starting from around $75 – $80 USD, catering to different needs and budgets.
Thule InLock Mounting System: Design, Installation, and Build Quality
Let’s begin with the core of the system: the Thule InLock mounting bracket. This clever accessory attaches to the side of your bicycle rack. Notably, Thule designed the InLock system to be compatible with a wide range of bike racks, not exclusively their own, though the Thule Tour Rack offers an optimized experience.
What’s in the Box?
The InLock system typically includes all necessary fasteners, a detailed instruction manual, and a variety of holders and pads to ensure a secure fit on different rack designs. While an Allen key was surprisingly absent from the test unit, the required size is standard and commonly available.
Robust Construction
The InLock bracket is exclusively available in black, crafted from a combination of durable aluminum and high-quality plastic. A robust nylon handle is used to release the locking mechanism. All components, including the hinges, exude a sense of exceptional solidity and craftsmanship. Despite its sturdy build, the accessory is relatively lightweight, weighing approximately 0.7 kg (about 1.5 pounds), with dimensions of 30.4 x 3.5 x 34.1 cm (12 x 1.4 x 13.4 inches), making it suitable for most bicycles.
Installation Process
Mounting the InLock bracket involves securing the clamps to your bike rack. The only specific requirement is that the rack’s side tubes must have a thickness between 10 mm and 16 mm (approximately 0.4 to 0.6 inches). For optimal stability, the rack design should also accommodate an additional lower attachment point for the InLock system. Once all three screws are tightened, the InLock adheres firmly to the bike, maintaining excellent clearance from the wheel and other components. The adjustment range is ample, allowing for a precise and secure fit.
Thule Shield Backpack: Durability Meets Functionality
The Thule Shield backpack is engineered for seamless integration with the InLock system, focusing on resilience and protection. It’s constructed from 420D nylon, a material known for its high durability and resistance to wear and tear. This robust fabric provides excellent water resistance, meeting the IPx4 standard, which means it’s protected against splashing water from any direction. The material has a distinctive, rubber-like feel, underscoring its design priority for toughness.
Thoughtful Design and Features
The build quality and the connections between different layers of material are exceptional, leaving no doubt about its longevity. The backpack also incorporates reflective elements for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
- Color Options & Capacity: Available in black and blue, the Thule Shield is remarkably lightweight at approximately 1 kg (2.2 pounds). It measures 35.5 x 20 x 46 cm (14 x 7.9 x 18.1 inches) and offers a generous 23-liter capacity.
- Internal Organization: The main compartment includes a padded sleeve against the back, comfortably accommodating up to 17-inch laptops (especially those with thin bezels).
- External Storage: An additional external pocket provides convenient storage for smaller items. All compartments are secured with high-quality, water-resistant zippers.
- Versatile Carrying: For off-bike carrying, the backpack features top handles that can be clipped together. The main shoulder straps are adjustable and detachable, designed to be neatly tucked away into a dedicated pocket within the InLock system. This clever feature prevents straps from dangling and potentially interfering with your bike’s spokes while riding.
Effortless Attachment to InLock
Attaching the Thule Shield backpack to the InLock bracket is incredibly simple. You release the lock, slide the backpack into place, engage the lock, and you’re ready to go. The backpack’s rigid structure and proper spacing ensure it sits snugly against the bike, maintaining a secure buffer. Just remember to tuck away any loose straps into their designated pocket before riding.
Thule Tour Rack: The Universal Bike Carrier
During the testing phase, attempts were made to attach the InLock system to several pre-installed bike racks. However, two instances revealed that the existing racks featured tubing that was too thick for optimal compatibility. This led to the decision to utilize the Thule Tour Rack, which proved to be an excellent match.
Assembly and Design
The Thule Tour Rack comes with a comprehensive instruction manual, all necessary mounting screws, and the rack frame itself. Conveniently, Allen keys are included in the package, providing everything needed for a complete installation and adjustment. The rack boasts an aluminum construction complemented by robust nylon straps. These straps are a standout feature, enabling effortless attachment to bicycle frames of varying thicknesses. The mounting mechanism is exceptionally tight, resulting in a remarkably stable rack.
Weight, Dimensions, and Capacity
Weighing 1.12 kg (approximately 2.5 pounds) and measuring 36 x 19.2 x 31 cm (14.2 x 7.6 x 12.2 inches), the Thule Tour Rack is a robust yet manageable addition to your bike. Thule designed the Tour Rack for both front and rear mounting. When mounted on the front, it offers a load capacity of 10 kg (22 pounds), while rear mounting increases this to 11 kg (24 pounds). It’s important to note that this rack is not designed for carrying child seats. A notable advantage is the ease with which the rack’s position can be adjusted relative to its mounting points, allowing for customized load distribution. Thule also offers various optional accessories, including a rear light.
Thule InLock: A Seamless User Experience
How does the Thule InLock system perform in real-world scenarios? In short, it’s utterly problem-free. The entire setup remains quiet and secure throughout rides, inspiring confidence. The overall simplicity of the mechanisms is a significant advantage. Initially, there was a brief learning curve to master the quick release of the mounting bracket with a loaded backpack. Adjusting the bracket’s position to create more space for the strap proved helpful in this regard.
The Thule Shield backpack, while relatively straightforward in its design, perfectly fulfills its intended purpose. It may not offer the same luxurious feel or extensive features as some other Thule backpacks (such as the Thule Paramount line), but its focus on durability and reliable bike integration shines through. For daily use, commuting, or even small grocery runs, it performs admirably. The quality of the zippers and other mechanisms is consistently high, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Conclusion: The Thule InLock Ecosystem Delivers
Our review of the Thule InLock system, featuring the Shield backpack and Tour Rack, confirms Thule’s reputation for delivering products of exceptional quality and meticulously engineered design. The InLock system, in practice, is remarkably convenient in its simplicity. Every interaction reinforces the impression of a highly refined solution. While offering a degree of versatility, it’s certainly not an inexpensive option. However, the premium price is justified by the robust construction, thoughtful features, and dependable performance that characterize the entire ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Thule InLock system universally compatible with all bicycle racks?
While the Thule InLock mounting bracket is designed to accommodate a range of racks, it does have specific requirements. The side tubes of your bike rack must be between 10 mm and 16 mm (0.4 to 0.6 inches) thick. For optimal fit and stability, especially when a rack doesn’t meet these specifications or lacks a lower attachment point, the Thule Tour Rack is highly recommended as a compatible solution.
What level of waterproofing does the Thule Shield backpack offer?
The Thule Shield backpack is constructed from 420D nylon and boasts an IPx4 water resistance rating. This means it is protected against splashing water from any direction, making it suitable for riding in rain or through puddles. However, IPx4 does not mean it is fully submersible or completely waterproof if submerged in water for extended periods. Its primary design emphasizes durability and resistance to typical cycling weather conditions.
Can the Thule Tour Rack be used for carrying child seats?
No, the Thule Tour Rack is specifically designed for carrying cargo and is not intended or recommended for attaching child seats. Its load capacities (10 kg front, 11 kg rear) are suitable for luggage, but for safety and structural reasons, it should not be used with child seats.
How does the Thule InLock system prevent backpack straps from getting caught in bike spokes?
The Thule Shield backpack features detachable and adjustable shoulder straps that are designed to be neatly tucked away into a dedicated pocket when the backpack is mounted on the InLock system. This thoughtful design ensures that no straps are left dangling, effectively preventing them from getting caught in the bicycle spokes or other moving parts, thereby enhancing safety and convenience during your ride.
Source: Self-developed. Opening photo: Lukasz Pajak
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