Bike rack test: 11 bike racks for towbar & tailgate in comparison

This article was first published in May 2021 and was revised in June 2024.

What is the most superfluous product when the 15-kilometre rule is in effect again during the coronavirus lockdown? Exactly, the bike rack. Where are you supposed to chauffeur your bike if the radius of movement doesn't even reach the end of your own home circuit? But as incidence figures fall, the desire to travel increases again, and carriers become the best friend of mountain bikers hungry for adventure. They transport the bike safely and space-savingly on the trailer coupling or the tailgate of your own car - without the boot ending up looking like a poodle has shaken itself dry after a mud bath.

According to surveys, two thirds of bikers opt for a bike rack for mounting on the towbar of their car. This is understandable, as these models offer a number of advantages: The bikes can be easily lifted onto the carrier, the clearance height remains unchanged compared to the roof rack or tailgate carrier, and the bikes travel in the slipstream of the towing vehicle to save fuel. In addition, hitch carriers are quick to fit and just as easy to remove and stow away in the basement. Nevertheless, the individual models differ enormously in some cases: the prices alone vary between 365 and 730 euros. We also tested three bike carriers for the tailgate of the still popular minibuses.

Overview: The bike carriers in the test

Bicycle carrier for the towbar

• Atera Strada Sport E-Bike ML
• Buzz Rack E-Scorpion 2
• Eufab Premium TG
• Menabo Alcor 2
• Thule VeloSpace XT 3
• Uebler i21
• Westfalia Bikelander
• Yakima JustClick 2

Bicycle carrier for the tailgate

• Fiamma Carry-Bike VWT6 Pro
• Thule WanderWay 2
• Uebler Primavelo T6 Basi

Wheel transport on the hitch: what you need to consider

Drawbar load

Before buying a towbar carrier, you must check the drawbar load of your towbar. This can be found in the vehicle registration document. The total weight of the carrier and the bikes to be transported must not exceed the permitted weight. The weight of the individual bikes can be found in the operating instructions of the bike carrier manufacturer. Simple calculation: With a drawbar load of 50 kilos and a carrier weight of 17 kilos, the two bikes together must not weigh more than 33 kilos.

Licence plate and brake light

If the licence plate is covered, the rear carrier also needs one. A third licence plate is required for coupling carriers. If the third brake light is not visible, it must be supplemented by a clip-on light on the rear bicycle. In some countries, an additional warning plate must be attached to the rear.

Before the journey

The towbar must be free of grease and dirt before you fit the carrier. Otherwise there is a risk of the bike carrier slipping on the towbar. You should remove any parts that are not permanently attached to the bike, such as water bottles, mini pumps or bike computers, before setting off. Frame parts or fork bars that touch each other should always be padded to prevent damage.

The bike carriers for the towbar in the individual test

Atera Strada Sport E-Bike ML

• Price: 458 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 14.9 kg
• Stowage dimension: 68.5 x 122.5 x 22 cm
• Max. payload / per bike: 67.9 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / yes
• Plus tyres / lockable: no / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 155 cm / 2.6 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 23 cm / 80 mm
• Accessories / special features: Long rails, protected lights

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 9/10
• Handling: 8/10
• Bike attachment: 9/10
• Scratch risk: 10/10
• Processing: 8/10

Conclusion: The extra-wide version of the Atera has no real weaknesses. Fitting it to the coupling is simple and intuitive. It sits securely even before it is locked in place, making it easy to align. Caution: The indicator for the correct fit already shows green before the carrier is ready to ride. When loading, the bike sits securely in the flexible wheel holders, all attachment points are equipped with ratchets. The ratchets on the second rail are a little difficult to reach and come loose easily when touched. Top for carbon frames: The grippers prevent the ratchet from being overstretched. Wheelbase and rail spacing are exemplary, the wide foot pedal for tipping is comfortable.

Buzz Rack E-Scorpion 2

• Price: 399 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 18.1 kg
• Stowage dimension: 68 x 71 x 28 cm
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / no
• Plus tyres / lockable: yes / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 142.5 cm / 4 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 30 cm / 70 mm
• Accessories / special features: Tensioning strap / castors, height-adjustable brackets

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 5/10
• Handling: 8/10
• Bike attachment: 9/10
• Scratch risk: 9/10
• Processing: 7/10

Conclusion: If you don't mind all the plastic parts, you get a rack with clever details: the Buzz Rack can be rolled up to the car, fits even the widest tyres and longest wheelbases, and the front wheel is also fixed in place. This keeps the bikes extremely secure on the rack. The centre bracket is height-adjustable, offers many mounting options and creates space between the bikes. To do this, the rear bike must be lifted over the bracket. Mounting on the hitch using two levers is awkward and requires effort, the cable routing is loose and the lighting is a little wobbly. The ratchet straps are extremely long, but have to be tightened by hand. Pleasant stowage dimensions.

Eufab Premium TG

• Price: 459,95 Euro
• Weight: 17.4 kg
• Stowage dimension: 71 x 59 x 30 cm
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / yes
• Plus tyres / lockable: no / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 155 cm / 2.4 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 23 cm / n. A.
• Accessories / special features: 3 lashing straps / carrying handle, plug holder

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 8/10
• Handling: 8/10
• Bike attachment: 8/10
• Scratch risk: 9/10
• Processing: 8/10

Conclusion: The folded rails of the Eufab form a comfortable carrying handle. This makes it easy to place the Premium TG on the coupling and secure it there. It is then ready for use in just a few simple steps. Long wheelbases are no problem, the distance between the rails is also generous, but wide tyres are difficult to fit into the sliding wheel holders. Both ratchets are located on the inside and are therefore somewhat difficult to operate. The gripper arms can be easily removed, but the narrow bracket limits the mounting positions. The cable routing and plug holder are cleverly designed, but the ratchet straps are already starting to show signs of wear.

Menabo Alcor 2

• Price: 365 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 16.2 kg
• Stowage dimension: 118 x 79 x 37 cm
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / no
• Plus tyres / lockable: yes / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 126 cm / 4.3 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 21 cm / 50 mm
• Accessories / special features: Tensioning strap, ratchet strap movable

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 5/10
• Handling: 6/10
• Bike attachment: 5/10
• Scratch risk: 8/10
• Processing: 5/10

Conclusion: Before using the Menabo for the first time, there are a few assembly steps. The workmanship leaves a lot to be desired: the cable guide brackets break easily and the holes for the clamping lever are not aligned on our model. The operation of the clutch lever is not very ergonomic and there is no sign to indicate that it is securely in place. Tyres of any width fit on the flat, somewhat short rails, and the rail spacing is also ok. The design of the grippers and the narrow bracket severely restrict the variability and the tube diameters. The ratchet straps for the wheels have to be tensioned by hand. Overall, heavy bikes in particular sit rather wobbly on the Alcor 2.

Thule VeloSpace XT 3

• Price: 729,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 20.8 kg
• Stowage dimension: 135 x 73 x 32.5 cm
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 3 / yes
• Plus tyres / lockable: yes / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 127 cm / 4.7 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 18.5 cm / 80 mm
• Accessories / special features: Transport wheel available separately

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 7/10
• Handling: 9/10
• Bike attachment: 10/10
• Scratch risk: 7/10
• Processing: 10/10

Conclusion: Mounting the bulky bike on the hitch requires a healthy back or a helping hand. But as soon as the ergonomic lever has fixed the carrier in place, the bulky storage dimensions and heavy weight are quickly forgotten. Attractively finished and very variable: the wide rails even offer enough space for fat bike tyres, the solid and handy grab arms can be removed, all ratchets for the wheels face outwards and are easy to operate. The straps can be stowed to the side for loading and are therefore not in the way. Modern frames quickly clash with the 3-seater version. The XT 2 with more space between the rails is recommended here.

Uebler i21

• Price: 639 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 13.4 kg
• Stowage dimension: 60 x 61 x 19.5 cm
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / no
• Plus tyres / lockable: yes / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 132 cm / 4.5 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 22 cm / 75 mm
• Accessories / special features: Folding system, gripper can be removed with one hand

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 10/10
• Handling: 10/10
• Bike attachment: 10/10
• Scratch risk: 8/10
• Processing: 8/10

Conclusion: Extremely compact, lightweight and comfortable to handle - the i21 is impressive across the board. Clever solution: The clamp does not require the usual lever and engages securely and audibly on the coupling. When folded out, the i21 offers plenty of space for wide tyres and long wheelbases. Top: The gripper arms can be removed with one hand and can be moved very variably on the wide bracket - it couldn't be better. The ratchets for the wheels both face inwards and are somewhat difficult to reach. The grippers could also be more rubberised. We also criticised the loose cable routing and the somewhat wobbly attachment of the lights. Foldable to the smallest size and also available as a version for three bikes.

Westfalia Bikelander

• Price: 480 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 17.5 kg
• Stowage dimension: 69 x 57 x 21 cm
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / yes
• Plus tyres / lockable: no / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 130 cm / 2.36 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 20 cm / 80 mm
• Accessories / special features: Folding system, LED lighting

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 7/10
• Handling: 7/10
• Bike attachment: 8/10
• Scratch risk: 7/10
• Processing: 8/10

Conclusion: The neatly finished Bikelander is folded compactly onto the hitch. The lever on the side makes it slightly more difficult to lock, but engages securely. Solid ratchets and adjustable wheel mounts securely lash the bike to the carrier. The rubberised grippers and the additional rim protectors are exemplary. Unfortunately, the narrow bracket makes it somewhat difficult to position the gripper arms correctly. The folding mechanism also has to be operated manually from the inside. The bikes are very close together and the ratchets are a little awkward to release. From March, the rail spacing is to be increased to 22 cm and the maximum tyre width to 7 cm.

Yakima JustClick 2

• Price: 599 Euro
• Weight: 17.4 kg
• Stowage dimension: 78 x 100 x 30 cm
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / yes
• Plus tyres / lockable: yes / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 132 cm / 3.25 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 24 cm / 80 mm
• Accessories / special features: Extendable rails, transport roller

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 9/10
• Handling: 10/10
• Bike attachment: 9/10
• Scratch risk: 9/10
• Processing: 9/10

Conclusion: The newcomer to the market, Yakima, performs well in the first test. Mounting on the clutch is excellent: attach, align, fold down - without any levers. The workmanship is also pleasing. The rails are easy to extend and swallow wide tyres just as easily as long wheelbases. The solid rubberised grippers can be removed effortlessly and the bracket offers many mounting positions. The slightly raised second rail creates plenty of space between the bikes. Practical: small castors for transport, wide pedal for tipping and the holder for the optional access rail. Not quite as nice are the careless cable routing and the somewhat awkward ratchet straps for the wheels.

The bike carriers for the tailgate in the individual test

Fiamma Carry-Bike VW T6 Pro

• Price: 556 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 16.3 kg
• Vehicle models: VW T5, T6, T6.1
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 15 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / yes, max. 4
• Plus tyres / lockable: no / no
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 134 cm / 2.3 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 30 cm / 100 mm
• Accessories / special features: Gripper with joint

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 5/10
• Handling: 8/10
• Bike attachment: 6/10
• Scratch risk: 8/10
• Processing: 7/10

Conclusion: You should allow time for the time-consuming initial assembly of the Fiamma. Attaching it to the vehicle is not without its pitfalls, with the risk of scratches. The carrier itself is quite variable: gripper with joint (1), laterally adjustable rails and sliding wheel holders with long ratchet straps as well as plenty of space between the wheels. The ratchet straps have to be tightened by hand, the adjustment for the grippers can only really be reached with an easel and there are no integrated locks. The workmanship of the carry bike is also not entirely convincing, especially the plastic straps and wheel holders look cheap. Good: The Fiamma can be fitted to the VW T5, T6 and T6.1 using an adapter.

Thule WanderWay 2

• Price: 512,95 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 13.1 kg
• Vehicle models: VW T6, T6.1
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / yes, max. 4
• Plus tyres / lockable: yes / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 129 cm / 3 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 31 cm / 80 mm
• Accessories / special features: Torque limiter; pre-assembled

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 10/10
• Handling: 9/10
• Bike attachment: 8/10
• Scratch risk: 10/10
• Processing: 10/10

Conclusion: Thanks to the precisely fitting design and detailed instructions, the neatly finished Thule can be attached to the rear in five minutes and removed just as quickly. The grippers sit comfortably in the hand, are easy to remove and protect the frame thanks to the torque limiter. The wheel holders are also pleasing: they can be moved with one hand, are equipped with a non-slip ratchet and are wide enough for plus tyres. The rails can be moved sideways without tools, leaving plenty of space between the two bikes, although with four bikes it gets tight. When not in use, the platform locks securely into place on the base carrier. It's a shame that the WanderWay is only available for the VW T6; it is both the test winner and the price-performance tip.

Uebler Primavelo T6 base

• Price: 499 Euro
• Weight: 11.8 kg
• Vehicle models: VW T6, T6.1
• Max. payload / per bike: 60 kg / 30 kg
• Number of bikes / expandable: 2 / yes, max. 3
• Plus tyres / lockable: no / yes
• Max. wheelbase / max. tyre width: 122 cm / 2.2 inch
• Rail spacing / pipe diameter max: 19 cm / 75 mm
• Accessories / special features: Anti-theft device

BIKE rating

• Assembly: 9/10
• Handling: 8/10
• Bike attachment: 7/10
• Scratch risk: 6/10
• Processing: 8/10

Conclusion: The Uebler also comes as a kit out of the box, but is quickly assembled and easy to attach to the vehicle without tools. Clever: integrated theft protection. Unfortunately, the Primavelo is poorly prepared for modern MTBs: It can barely cope with fat tyres and long wheelbases, and the space between the bikes is also tight. Moving the rails and ratchet straps is time-consuming. The grippers, on the other hand, are easy to operate and can be removed with one hand. Unfortunately, the inner gripper arm is so short that the fork of the bike almost touches the carrier. Due to its design, the Uebler does not automatically tighten itself to the tailgate and is therefore a little more wobbly. Also available as a family version for four bikes.