Bike rack test: BuzzRack Scorpion Lite2 - inexpensive space miracle

When it comes to bike racks, probably very few people will have the Taiwanese manufacturer BuzzRack on their radar. It's not just the country of origin that makes the Scorpion Lite 2 an exotic product. The inexpensive towbar carrier also surprises with many unusual solutions when it comes to equipment.

However, it should be of particular interest to owners of oversized bikes: In addition to its unusual design, the Scorpion offers one thing above all: plenty of space for fat tyres, long wheelbases and expansive frames. How does this exotic bike perform in practice? We'll find out in the following lines.

>> You can find an overview of all bike carriers currently tested by us here.

Unique design with centred bracket

The BuzzRack is also customisable in terms of its other features. It is the only bike carrier in the test that has a grab rail, which is positioned in the centre between the two rails and is also adjustable in height. From this position, it should be possible to secure both bikes quite comfortably.

The initial assembly of the inexpensive BuzzRack is somewhat more complex than with the other models. Screw on the rear lights, lay the cables and attach the licence plate holder. However, the lavishly illustrated instructions clearly explain all the necessary steps.

Only the supplied screwdriver can be safely thrown into the scrap heap - to spare your nerves, it's worth reaching into your own toolbox. In view of the favourable price, the BuzzRack Scorpion Lite2 is attractively finished. The materials look very high quality. There are no edges that could injure you.

Cumbersome clamping on the clutch

BuzzRack goes its own way when it comes to clamping on the clutch. There are no simple levers, but a somewhat more complex system for bolting. Before you lift the BuzzRack onto the coupling, you first loosen the clamping jaws. These are then roughly tightened again with the twist lock.

The bike carrier is then firmly clamped to the coupling using a second lever. Not only is the whole process a little awkward, there is also no indicator or click when the required clamping force has been reached. It is difficult to determine whether the BuzzRack is really secure. Another disadvantage: The rotary knob is quite high. You should definitely try out whether you can still open the boot lid with the BuzzRack before you buy it.

Wide rails with plenty of space

The Scorpion's moment comes when the first bike is lifted onto the bike rack. The best way to do this is to push the bike past the bracket from the side. The extremely wide rails offer space for any tyre width.

Thanks to its shape, even thin gravel tyres are still secure. From children's bikes to generously sized downhillers, there is room for everything that has wheels. At most, the competitors perform just as well here Eufab ProBC2 or Thule EasyFold 3 from.

The ratchet straps are also sufficiently long. One small drawback: the Scorpion does not have a ratchet function. The straps have to be tightened by hand. Top: The centrally positioned bracket increases the distance between the rails to a full 30 centimetres. There's no need to worry about scratching the frame or fork.

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Classic claw grippers - not suitable for all frames

We were less convinced by the grippers. Although the classic claw grippers are cleanly rubberised, they can only grip tubes up to a diameter of around 6 centimetres. It's good that the height of the clamp can be easily adjusted, so you can usually reach the less thick top tubes or seat tubes. However, the BuzzRack is not suitable for bulky down tubes on e-bikes.

Also unlike most bike carriers in the test, the folding function is not triggered by foot, but must be unlocked and operated by hand. In practice, however, the system has hardly any disadvantages and worked quite conveniently. Another detail on the BuzzRack: the licence plate holder can be released with a flick of the wrist. If you're worried that your licence plate could fall victim to thieves when you're out and about in the city, simply park it safely in the vehicle.

Although the Scorpion does not have a real carrying handle, the relatively lightweight carrier can still be carried back and forth between the garage and vehicle fairly comfortably on its bracket. Despite the practical folding function of the rails, the BuzzRack, together with the Yakima bike carrier, brings up the rear in terms of storage space.

BuzzRack Scorpion Lite2 bike rack - info & price

• Price: 449 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 17.5 kg
• Stowage dimension: 70 x 43 x 69.5 cm
• Rail length / width / spacing: 133.5 / 10 / 30 cm
• max. wheelbase: 138 cm
• max. pipe diameter: 60 mm (no square tubes)
• Carrier / bikes lockable: yes / yes
• Equipment: Secured folding mechanism with manual operation; carrier and support arms lockable; padded support arms; plug holder; height-adjustable bracket in the centre

Rating & Conclusion BuzzRack Scorpion Lite2 bike rack

Inexpensive carrier with clever details. The centred and height-adjustable bracket allows many clamping positions and creates space for all kinds of bikes. Long wheelbases and fat tyres are just as secure as compact gravel bikes. Only bulky or angular tubes cannot be gripped. The initial assembly is a little more complex, and the clamping on the coupling takes some getting used to. No real carrying handle, otherwise a real price tip.