In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Rails that slide apart with an elegant twist like the wings of a space glider - we've never seen anything like it in a bike rack test before - pretty crazy. The Genio Pro Advanced already makes an impression during assembly. Can the most expensive bike rack in our comparison also convince us with its function? We are curious.
Folding angle also suitable for buses
There is little to do before the first journey with the Atera. The bulky bike carrier - 21.3 kilos in total weight - slips out of the packaging completely pre-assembled. Only VW bus drivers, V-Class owners and the like are faced with a small conversion: the folding angle of the Genio can be extended from 55 degrees to 85 degrees using two adapters supplied. The large tailgates then also swing safely past the bike rack and access to the boot remains free. A nice feature that is unique in our comparison.
High-quality workmanship, but not perfect
Otherwise, the Genaio scores with its high-quality appearance. All the edges on the plastics are smoothed, the long ratchet straps can be neatly stowed away and the cables are also neatly routed on the carrier. Only the swivelling wheel rails rattle slightly in their holder both when opened and closed. At a price of almost 1000 euros, we would have expected more here. You also have to order rim protectors for the locking straps separately. If you want to transport two heavy e-bikes on the Atera, you should also keep an eye on the permissible drawbar load of your towbar. In combination with the high tare weight of the carrier, you can quickly end up with almost 70 kilos.
Transport and installation on the coupling
Similar to Eufab ProBC2, MFT Compact 2e+1 and Thule EasyFold 3 handles are also recessed into the ends of the rails on the Atera bike carrier. When folded, however, the special folding system results in a special feature: the rear lights are protected during transport and point to the rear, towards the bracket. In addition, the dirty underside of the carrier faces inwards, which keeps the trousers and the boot clean during transport.
However, due to the independent folding system, the two rails are not flush with each other and cannot be gripped together with one hand. Gripping and transporting the carrier with both hands proved to be impractical in our test, as we either had to hold the heavy carrier in front of our body or from the side, which meant that our legs brushed against the material during transport. In combination with the high weight, the Atera proved to be somewhat more unwieldy than the competition during transport.
Once you have hoisted the Genio onto the coupling, you first have to unfold the rails to access the clamping lever - which is positioned in the centre between the rails. However, the carrier now remains securely in position. Advantage: This allows the Atera to be easily centred. Unfortunately, the Atera bike carrier does not have an indicator for secure clamping.
Attaching the bikes to the bike rack is awkward
We encountered several problems when mounting the bikes. When trying to mount our test bikes on the rack and position the grabber in the right place, the front tyre kept tipping over on the sloping rails, which made mounting more difficult. The ratchet straps offer little room for manoeuvre if you have to move the second bike sideways to find the right grabber position. In addition, the ratchets of the inner rail are directed backwards, which makes handling more difficult. Overall, the Atera bike carrier offers little room for manoeuvre with long bike stands.
There is good news for bike travellers who want to take their bike with them to Italy on the back of their car. The regulations on labelling with a warning sign have changed. Find out what's new in the transport of two-wheelers here.
We were also not convinced by the gripper arms. Although they can be fitted with longer straps and then reliably grip even fat pipes, the ratchets are very stiff. Moving the gripper is particularly awkward. On the one hand, the strongly rounded bracket offers very few positions, on the other hand, the grippers have to be opened in a cumbersome manner and then moved together with the rubber coating underneath. This system was by far the most complicated in the test.
The Atera bike carrier may work for racing bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes with narrow tyres and short wheelbases. However, if you want to transport two modern bikes with long wheelbases or bulky e-bikes with often complicated frame shapes, mounting them on the Genio can cause problems. The narrow rail spacing can also lead to the frame and fork of the two bikes getting in each other's way on the carrier.
Atera Genio Pro Advanced bike carrier - info & price
- Price: 969 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Weight: 21.3 kg
- Stowage dimension: 70 x 38 x 65 cm
- Rail length / width / spacing: 124 / 7.2 / 21 cm
- max. wheelbase: 128 cm /
- max. pipe diameter: 80 mm (can be extended with longer ratchet straps)
- Carrier / bikes lockable: yes / yes
- Equipment: Secured folding mechanism with foot control; carrier and support arms lockable; padded support arms; plug holder; carrying handle on both rails
Rating & Conclusion Atera Genio Advanced Pro
Extremely heavy and sturdily constructed bike carrier with unnecessarily playful handling. The swivelling rails protect the light bar, but do not provide a good grip. The Genio scores points with easy mounting on the coupling, but is weak when it comes to handling: awkwardly movable grippers, catchy latching straps, few clamping positions. Long wheelbases and voluminous pipes can only be secured with the optional, longer locking straps. Top: Folding angle can be extended to 85 degrees.
Stefan Frey
Editor
