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When you hoist the Eufab ProBC2+ bike carrier onto the towbar and unfold its "wings", it appears to have a wingspan like a condor. In fact, the ProBC2+ offers one of the longest rail lengths we have ever measured on a bike rack. This could give it an advantage for bikes with a particularly long wheelbase. Will the Wuppertal-based company also be able to impress in the test? We'll find out later on.
Assembly effort? Not a chance
The first contact with the massive ProBC2+ is positive. Eufab sends the bike carrier to the customer completely pre-assembled, even the retaining arms with ratchet straps are already attached to the bracket. We find the attachment of the licence plate particularly practical. The bracket has a clamping device that allows the licence plate to be clamped without any effort.
Although the Eufab is no lightweight at a good 17 kilos, it is still quite comfortable to transport to the vehicle. As with the Thule EasyFold 3 the two rails form a practical carrying handle when folded. This makes it easy to lift the Eufab onto the coupling and secure it with the left hand for clamping. The long lever makes it easy to apply the required clamping force. A green mark on the lever shows whether the bike carrier is firmly locked onto the coupling - safety first. The holder for the plug is located directly on the coupling and is easy to reach.
Even if the workmanship is pleasing at first glance, a closer look reveals a few sharp-edged plastic and aluminium parts. The adapters for the third rail and the inside of the handles are particularly prone to bruising your fingers if you're not careful.
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Great solution: sliding wheel shoes
But first we unfold the extra-long rails and snap the licence plate holder into place to make the Eufab ready for use. One unique feature of the Eufab ProBC2+ that we have to emphasise is the sliding wheel shoes. Not only do they ensure that the wheels stand very securely on the rails, but also that the locking straps are always conveniently guided directly around the wheels. This further improves their hold on the bike rack. There is plenty of space for tyres up to 3 inches. The Eufab is only less suitable for fat bike tyres.
Securing the first bike is no problem. As already mentioned above, even bikes with a long wheelbase can easily fit on the ProBC2+ from Eufab. All latching straps are also rubberised, which reduces the risk of damage to the frame and wheels. An overload protection also prevents the straps from being tightened too tightly. The length of the straps on the grippers should be sufficient even for most power e-bikes with large batteries in the down tube.
Gripper arms - somewhat impractical to handle
Things get a little more complicated with the second bike. There are a few weaknesses in the details here. The grippers can be removed to put them in the right position. However, the handling is awkward - especially if the second bike is already on the rail. In addition, the mounting bracket for the grippers is very narrow, which limits the possible positions - especially for frames with complicated suspension systems, it can get tight.
Also compatible with VW Bus and Co.
Anyone who thinks that the + in the model designation refers to the generous amount of space is wrong. This is the version of the bike carrier with slightly wider folding rails. This means that the large tailgates can still be opened fully on VW buses and other vehicles. If you don't need this function, go for the 70 euro cheaper model without the + in the name.
Eufab ProBC2 bike carrier - info & price
- Price: 600 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 17 kg
- Stowage dimension: 74 x 30 x 70 cm
- Rail length / width / spacing: 140 / 7.4 / 23 cm
- max. wheelbase: 135 cm /
- max. pipe diameter: 115 mm
- Carrier / bikes lockable: yes / yes
- Equipment: Secured folding mechanism with foot control; carrier and support arms lockable; padded support arms; plug holder, integrated carrying handle; sliding wheel shoes
Evaluation & conclusion Eufab ProBC2 bike rack
With a span like a condor, the Eufab transports even the longest wheelbases. The adjustable wheel shoes are great. All locking straps are metal-reinforced, rubberised and are also sufficient for fat tyres or voluminous down tubes. In addition to the solid workmanship, the long clamping lever, the carrying handle and the bus-compatible folding function are particularly pleasing. Minor drawback: The bracket offers few clamping positions, and moving the grippers is awkward. Some of the edges are a little sharp.
Stefan Frey
Editor
