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.
When it comes to the best way to transport your bike from A to B, the discussions among two-wheeler fanatics get emotional. Bike carrier? "No chance, a bike is like a person. You don't hang your girlfriend on the outside of your car either," says our reporter Henri Lesewitz, for example, who only stores his customised speedsters IN his car. The arguments: "While driving, the bike is constantly wobbling and working in the clamps. That could cause scratches! What's more, dead flies stick to the frame everywhere." We have found out: If the claw is properly made and rubberised, no damage is to be expected. Even gentler than a clamp that relies on pressure on the frame are circumferential ratchet straps that manage with significantly less pressure - as used by Atera, Fiamma, MFT and Saris. "If you transport two bikes, the parts may scrape against each other. That causes scratches!" is another argument put forward by sceptics of external transport. Good news: manufacturers are learning and increasing the distance between the rails. With many carriers in the test, there is no risk of contact between the bikes, even with hubs in the wide Boost standard. Orientation aid: From a rail distance of 22 millimetres, the fork and rear triangle are safe from each other.
You can find these bike carriers in the test:
CLUTCH CARRIER:
- Alutrans E-Bike
- Atera Strada E-Bike M (BIKE-TIP: Price/performance)
- Eufab Premium II
- MFT Euro-Select Compact
- Saris Freedom
- Thule Velospace 917 (BIKE-TIP: Test winner)
- Uebler X21S (BIKE-TIP: Handling)
- Westfalia BC 70
HECKTRÄGER:
- Atera Linea
- Fiamma Carry-Bike (BIKE-TIP: rear carrier)
- Thule Backpac 973
These online shops offer bike racks from brands such as Thule, Fiamma and Uebler at favourable prices:
Coupling or flap: where should the bike rack be attached to the car?
Even if the decision in favour of a bike rack has been made, the system question remains. In most cases, carriers for the towbar offer the best balance of convenience and safety. Crux: what to do without the knob on the vehicle? For cars with hatchbacks (mostly estate cars, vans and minibuses), there are suitable tailgate systems that are hardly inferior to their hitch counterparts and even offer advantages for this vehicle class. But if you can't find what you're looking for, you'll have to resort to a classic roof rack. The disadvantages are obvious: the high loading edge makes securing the bike a pain. In addition, the superstructure causes fuel consumption to skyrocket.
Interesting: We discovered many outstanding detailed solutions during our test - but no manufacturer manages to impress in all areas. An aha moment is too often followed by disillusionment in the next step. The good news is that most engineers have now realised that mountain bikes no longer roll along on unprofiled 1.7 inch wide tyres. Even 2.8 inch wide Nobby Nics have found a place on all racks except the one from Alutrans. The tested models also offer more space than necessary in terms of wheelbase. Only with Alutrans (1250 millimetres) and Fiamma (1280 millimetres) can things get tight with extreme geometries.
Garage or cellar compartment: where can you store the bike rack?
The towbar carriers can be divided into two categories: Eufab, MFT, Uebler and Westfalia rely on elaborate folding mechanisms and - when folded to suitcase size - are real space savers. Perfect for tight cellar compartments. They are also easier to put on the coupling because they are easier to handle. The customised design of Saris also remains compact and mobile. The models from Alutrans, Atera and Thule are only minimally foldable. The large, heavy and luxurious Thule Velospace in particular is only recommended if it is parked close to the car in the garage.
Anyone who, after all these arguments, still fears the horror scenario of crunching steel, aluminium and carbon on the asphalt of the motorway may be helped by the convincing words of Günther Kahlert, test engineer for bicycle carriers at TÜV Süd: "If you pay attention to safety when choosing and mount and use everything in accordance with the regulations, then today's models are safe." The only thing we haven't found an argument against is the flies that Henri doesn't want sticking to the frame of his elegant one-offs.
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF THE BIKE RACKS
Which system for which purpose? Advantages and disadvantages at a glance.
Alternative systems for bike transport
In addition to the hitch and rear carriers, there are other systems that are worth a sideways glance. As with the choice of bike, the perfect carrier also depends on individual circumstances and preferences.
Roof rack
The classic transport option. Roof racks are available for almost every car, are relatively inexpensive and are real space savers. However, they also have significant disadvantages: Loading at overhead height is a feat of strength and balance - almost impossible on your own. In addition, an average estate car swells to more than twice its height. This results in high fuel consumption and severely restricts clearance height (underground car parks, bridges, car park entrances, etc.). On the other hand, the boot remains freely accessible and the view to the rear is unrestricted. The carriers have a very small stowage dimension.
Interior
Clearing out the car is exactly what most bikers want to avoid with a bike rack. With a carrier for the interior, however, this option also becomes more attractive: the carrier gives the bikes a fixed place and secure footing, which minimises the risk of damage and eliminates annoying Tetris games. However, this does not work for every car. It has to be an estate car or mini-van. The front wheels also have to be removed. The clear disadvantage: space in the interior is lost. Instead, the mud and dirt from the trails will spread throughout the car.
Hinged doors
A special solution that makes life easier for drivers of minivans and buses with a split tailgate: with this variant, the rear carrier is attached to just one side of the hinged door. This means that the boot is always freely accessible - sagging tailgates are a thing of the past. Make sure you check in advance whether the door is approved for additional loads! In most cases, the bikes are not fully centred at the rear. Otherwise, this variant is identical to classic rear carriers. The companies Fiamma and Paulchen, for example, offer variants for hinged doors.
Special case of carbon wheels
Dirk Zedler, Managing Director of the Institute for Bicycle Technology and Safety: I advise against clamping carbon frames. In principle, carbon is no more susceptible than aluminium, but cracks can occur that lead to the frame failing. As there is a very fine line between "securely fastened" and "overloaded" when clamping, damage occurs time and again. The best way is to attach it to the seat post - provided it is not made of carbon fibre. If it is, an inexpensive aluminium seat post for transport that is recessed at least ten centimetres into the frame will help.
The bike racks in detail
Keep your eyes open when buying a carrier! After all, it's the little things that decide whether the transport is a pleasure or a frustration. We noticed these details during the test:
Interview with Heidi Atzler, TÜV SÜD: "There is no sensible theft protection."
Under what conditions can I transport my bikes on the car bike rack with a clear conscience?
The carrier must of course fit the car, and I must pay attention to safety when selecting it. The GS test mark or one from TÜV Süd helps here. In addition, all bike carriers affect the usual driving characteristics of the car, as the weight, height, centre of gravity and air resistance change due to the structure. For this reason, a short test drive with steering and braking tests should be carried out after installation. This will give you a feel for how the vehicle reacts to the additional load.
What are the problem areas of the carrier systems?
With carriers for the trailer coupling, reversing systems are usually deactivated or restricted, and access to the boot may be blocked. Basically, of course, I have to keep the new vehicle dimensions in mind - when parking or driving into underground car parks, for example. The speed should also be adjusted from the ground up - my recommendation is a maximum of 130 km/h.
Are there systems that are questionable?
Tailgate carriers that are fixed with straps should be viewed critically. In some cases, the fastening hooks rest against the edges of the glass. Under no circumstances should carrier parts be supported on the rear window. In many cases, the windscreen wiper also strikes against the belt carriers.
How much weight can I load onto my carrier?
When transporting heavy bikes in particular, the permissible weight must be checked carefully; this is stated in the instructions for use of the carrier. The values depend on the load-bearing and drawbar loads of the trailer coupling, car roof and tailgate. The information can be found in the car's operating instructions.
How good are the lock systems used to secure bikes on the rack?
In my opinion, there are no sensible anti-theft devices here. Therefore, my absolute recommendation is to use a certified cable, chain or U-lock to secure the bikes.
THE TEST RESULTS - CLUTCH CARRIER
Alutrans E-Bike
Price 377 Euro
Info www.alutrans.de
Weight / stowage capacity 17 kg / 68x115x23 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 60 kilogrammes / n. A.
Number of bikes 2 (Strada Vario 3 available for 3 bikes)
Plus tyres² / tipping no / yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1250 mm
Rail spacing 19 cm
Accessories / Special features Biker XL model available for longer wheelbase and more space between the bikes
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
GOOD
CONCLUSION Take it in your hand and get started: The assembly of the Alutrans carrier is extremely self-explanatory and simple. Unfortunately, the first problems with bike mounting are not long in coming: the straps for fixing the wheels are far too short (1), so that we were no longer able to mount our standard bike with a wheelbase of 1233 millimetres and 2.35 inch wide tyres. The distance between the rails is also very small, which means that two bikes literally stick together. The space between the handlebars and the car is also very tight. The levers for tilting the carrier are hidden between the bikes (2) and are therefore difficult to reach. A positive feature is the solid, wide main bar, which gives the grab arms a large adjustment range and the parked bikes stability. The wide-opening claws with good rubber coating are also pleasing. The gripper arms are not removable and move a little awkwardly.
Atera Strada E-Bike M
Price 395 Euro (e.g. available at Rosebikes)
Info www.atera.de
Weight / stowage capacity 15.2 kg / 71x100x20.5 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 60 kilograms / 30 kilograms
Number of bikes 2 (Strada Vario 3 available for 3 bikes)
Plus tyres² / tipping yes / yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1315 mm
Rail spacing 23 cm
Accessories / Special features Ratchet straps in three lengths included, TÜV test seal and city crash-tested
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 9 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION The Atera does not have any serious weaknesses. Installation on the coupling is simple and self-explanatory. Even before locking, the carrier holds onto the coupling, which makes it easier to align and secure. Attention: The indicator for correct seating on the coupling head (1) is already green before the carrier is fixed ready to ride. Super: All attachment points are fitted with convenient ratchets. Unfortunately, the tyre ratchets on the outer bike are on the inside of the carrier and are therefore more difficult to reach. In addition, the levers are far away in rest mode (2), which favours accidental opening. In terms of tyre width and wheelbase, the Strada clears all hurdles and the distance between the bikes is also exemplary. Only the tailgate of our test vehicle should have more room for an 800 mm handlebar. Pleasant: wide, non-slip foot pedal for tipping.
Eufab Premium II
Price 399 Euro
Info www.eal-vertrieb.de
Weight / stowage capacity 17.3 kg / 69x54.5x30 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 60 kilogrammes / n. A.
Number of bikes 2 (Premium III available for 3 bikes)
Plus tyres² / tipping yes / yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1460 mm
Rail spacing 22 cm
Accessories / Special features Plus version available for vans for opening large tailgates, TÜV and GS test seal
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION No carrier can be lifted onto the coupling as easily as the Premium II from Eufab. This is made possible by the comfortable carrying handle (1) and the favourable lever ratios when holding the stowage miracle. However, a few hand movements are required to unfold it, but these are quickly done once you have internalised the procedure. The wheel arches are comparatively narrow, but 2.8 mm Nobby Nics can still be fitted just fine. A small detail with a big impact: the clever plug holder (2) keeps the cable out of the way during transport and storage. Practical when mounting the bike: The grip arms can be easily removed. On the other hand, the straps for wheel fastening reduce comfort somewhat compared to a ratchet. The clamp for the second bike is on the inside, which makes it difficult to access. The licence plate holder and the lighting could be more solid.
MFT Euro-Select Compact
Price 379 Euro
Info www.mft.systems
Weight / stowage capacity 15.55 kg / 74.5x62x23.5 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 60 kilograms / 30 kilograms
Number of bikes 2
Plus tyres² / tipping yes / yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1330 mm
Rail spacing 20 cm
Accessories / Special features GS, TÜV test seal and City Crash tested.
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 7 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
GOOD
CONCLUSION The foldable MFT carrier almost looks like a toy UFO when you peel it out of the packaging. Not only visually, but also technically, the Euro-Select Compact goes its own way. Assembly is therefore not very intuitive. With the help of the operating instructions, mounting is easy, but requires many steps. The bike attachment is also special: only one frame is fixed to the carrier, the second bike is held between the frames by a connecting bone (1). Advantage: The distance between the bikes is standardised, and despite the relatively small distance between the rails, two bikes do not get in each other's way. Unfortunately, the base carrier is not particularly rigid. Other models offer a firmer stand. Annoying: The button, which has to be pressed firmly several times to mount and dismount, is located directly next to the spanner (2), and the ratchet straps show signs of wear after the first assembly.
Saris Freedom
Price 399 Euro
Info www.saris.com
Weight / stowage capacity 15.5 kg / 114.5x62x25 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 32 kilogrammes / 16 kilogrammes
Number of bikes 2
Plus tyres² / tipping yes / yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1295 - 1345 mm (depending on bike combination)
Rail spacing 21.5 cm
Accessories / Special features Shells for fatbike tyres optionally available, TÜV and GS test seal
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 6 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION Saris is competing with a completely independent system in which the bracket with the frame mounts is positioned between the two bikes. The big advantage of this is that there is always free access to the frame, as there is no need to manoeuvre the gripper arm past the first bike. The clamp is always on the down tube, which can be unfavourable for carbon frames and frames with external cables. On the other hand, the padding is very generous and soft (1). Convenient when loading and unloading: The bikes are already stable in the carrier without any fastening. The cable routing and the tilting device are very rudimentary (2), and the straps for securing the wheels could be longer. We were just able to fit Nobby Nic tyres with a width of 2.8. Saris offers optional wheel moulds for fat bikes. The storage dimensions of the Freedom are pleasantly small and the centre bar is very easy to fold in.
Thule Velospace 917
Price 589 Euro (e.g. available from Rose)
Info www.thule.com
Weight / stowage capacity 18.45 kg / 67x133x81 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 60 kilograms / 30 kilograms
Number of bikes 2
Plus tyres² / tipping yes / yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1330 mm
Rail spacing 25 cm
Accessories / Special features Transport wheel available for pulling the carrier, TÜV, GS test seal and city crash-tested
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 10 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION The Velospace 917 is the cruise liner among towbar carriers: elegant and comfortable, but somewhat unwieldy. The bikes are stored at a safe distance (1) and are securely lashed down so that scratches to the bike or car are virtually impossible. Plus or even fat bike tyres have plenty of room - no rack offers more versatility. This is mainly due to the flat rails, which do not require wheel shoes. Solid and well thought-out ratchets, which are easy to operate, secure the wheels. Good detailed solution: the straps can be stowed away and are not in the way when loading (2). The Velospace's advantages come at the price of its high weight and bulky stowage dimensions, which makes assembly time-consuming. However, once the carrier is balanced on the coupling head, it lies securely in the flat guide. The folding system is simple: only the solid bracket can be folded down, there is no quick-release fastener.
Uebler X21S
Price 579 Euro (e.g. at Rosebikes available)
Info www.uebler.com
Weight / stowage capacity 14 kg / 63.5x63x26 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 60 kilogrammes / n. A.
Number of bikes 2 (X31S available for 3 bikes)
Plus tyres² / tipping yes / yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1360 mm
Rail spacing 22 cm
Accessories / Special features Various grab rails optionally available, TÜV, GS test seal and city crash-tested
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 10 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 8 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION Attaching and loading the X21S is a joy - and not just because of its record weight. The clamping mechanism is self-explanatory and functional, and the ratchets are easy to operate. The handling of the gripper arms (1), which can be removed with one hand, remains unrivalled by the competition - a big plus in terms of comfort. The wheel attachment does not require wheel shoes, which has a negative effect on the tight fit - but all the more positive in terms of tyre clearance. The carrier has no problem even with 2.8 tyres. The rubberisation of the frame mount could be more comfortable and better finished, but two bikes can be parked on the rails at a safe distance. When folded, the lightweight rack is a storage marvel and easy to carry. Thanks to the quick-release fastener (2), rest mode is also reached quickly. There is some criticism of the lighting, which is a little wobbly and not well made.
Westfalia BC 70
Price 499 Euro
Info www.westfalia-automotive.com
Weight / stowage capacity 17.55 kg / 69x55x21.5 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 60 kilograms / 30 kilograms
Number of bikes 2, expandable to 3
Plus tyres² / tipping yes / yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1245 mm
Rail spacing 20 cm
Accessories / Special features Transport box can be optionally retrofitted, TÜV test seal and city crash-tested
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 7 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 9 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION The bikes are perfectly lashed down on the high-quality Westfalia carrier. This is due to the very good wheel attachment via solid ratchets (1). Unfortunately, it is somewhat more difficult to find the correct mounting position, as the main bracket is narrow and offers fewer positions for the gripper arms. In addition, the arms cannot be moved very smoothly on the bracket. On the other hand, the rubber coating of the claws (2) and the enclosed rim protectors, which can be pulled over the ratchet straps, are exemplary - the icing on the cake of the impeccable workmanship. It is a pity that the distance between the rails is too small and the bikes are therefore dangerously close together. The tilting mechanism has to be disconnected by hand from under the carrier, which is relatively inconvenient. Releasing the ratchets is also a little awkward.
THE TEST RESULTS - REAR CARRIER
Atera Linea
Price from 499 Euro (VW T5)
Info www.atera.de
Weight / stowage capacity 9.6 kg / 148x132x24 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 45 kilograms / 15 kilograms
Number of bikes 2, expandable to 3
Plus tyres² no
Wheelbase³ max. 1370 mm
Rail spacing 12.5 cm
Accessories / Special features TÜV test seal and city crash-tested
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 7 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 6 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 5 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
GOOD
CONCLUSION The bad news first: As delivered, two mountain bikes cannot be transported on the Linea! The distance between the rails is so small that the fork and rear triangle do not fit next to each other (1). Failed? Yes and no. If the outer rail is packed into the holes for the optional third bike mount, two bikes can be parked at a safe distance. However, this requires a suitable, longer grab arm, which is not included in the scope of delivery. This also eliminates the need to upgrade to several bikes. Next weak point: The straps for wheel attachment are too short (2). 2.35 tyres can only be fixed securely with difficulty - although the comfortable cycling shoes would allow really thick slippers. The all-round frame clamp with ratchet fastener and the quick assembly of the lightweight carrier are pleasing.
Fiamma Carry-Bike
Price 316 Euro (VW T5)
Info www.fiamma.com
Weight / stowage capacity 8.9 kg / 148x129x36 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 60 kilogrammes / n. A.
Number of bikes 2, expandable to 4
Plus tyres² Yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1285 mm
Rail spacing 29.5 cm
Accessories / Special features Also available for hinged doors, optional rear carrier box, TÜV, GS test seal and city crash-tested
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 9 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 9 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 10 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION The lightweight Fiamma carrier is our tip for the tailgate: impeccable workmanship, good handling and useful details. Want an example? The grab arm for the outer bike is split in two (1), adjustable in length and very variable. This means that the positioning angle - and therefore the contact points between the bikes - can also be adjusted. All screws are protected with rubber caps. It's a pity that the rails don't have wheel shoes; the fit of the wheels could be tighter. The frame mount is very variable and super rubberised, but does not have a ratchet. When equipped with three or more bikes, the carry bike becomes much more cramped and the risk of damage increases. Practical: If there are no bikes on the carrier, the bracket can be securely and cleanly fixed to the main frame with the wheel rails (2). Somewhat fiddly mounting on the tailgate (screws too short).
Thule Backpac 973
Price 375,95 Euro
Info www.thule.com
Weight / stowage capacity 12.8 kg / 117x97x32 cm
Max. payload ¹ / per bike 60 kilograms / 15 kilograms
Number of bikes 2, expandable to 4
Plus tyres² Yes
Wheelbase³ max. 1370 mm
Rail spacing 15 cm
Accessories / Special features TÜV, GS test seal and city crash-tested
RATING
Assembly (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
BIKE fastening (25 %) 8 out of 10 points
Scratch risk (15 %) 6 out of 10 points
Processing (10 %) 7 out of 10 points
Bike judgement4
VERY GOOD
CONCLUSION The removable grab arms and the neatly rubberised claws for clamping the frame are a pleasure to use. In other areas, the rear carrier unfortunately falls short of the high bar set by its brand colleague for the coupling in terms of workmanship and ease of use. The adjustment knobs for adjusting the wheelbase are difficult to reach inside the profile rails (1). Furthermore, these are not particularly rigid when extended (2). However, the wheels are sufficiently stable in all positions, only the front wheel has noticeable room to move. The distance between the rails is small, most bikes will constantly rub against each other on the Backpac. It is essential to place solid padding in between or place the second rail in the holes of the (optional) third bike mount (longer gripper arm required). The mounting at the rear and the padding to the flap are exemplary.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
