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When the holiday caravan meanders southwards over the Brenner Pass again this summer like viscous lava, chaos is inevitable. The mega construction site on the Lueg Bridge is already casting long shadows of traffic jams ahead. But for racing cyclists, the test of patience often begins before they set off. This is when all the suitcases are stowed away and the children are strapped into the rear seats - and only the bikes need to be placed on the rear carrier. As soon as more than one bike is taken along, nerves are often frayed even before the journey begins. To find out which test model does the job best, we weighed, towed, measured and loaded a wide variety of bikes to cover as wide a range as possible.
These are the 7 bike racks from the test
Click on the respective bike rack to go directly to the detailed test with all pictures and information.
What do you need to consider when choosing a bike rack in terms of dimensions?
You should also take a tape measure before buying to clarify a few crucial questions: Will the racing bikes fit on the rack without protruding? Are the rails wide and the locking straps long enough? In addition, and this is particularly important for e-road bikes with an integrated battery: Will the gripper also enclose the bulky down tube in case of doubt? Classic claw grippers are clearly at a disadvantage here, as they can barely grip tube diameters of more than 80 millimetres. Holding arms with latching straps usually also grip much bulkier frames securely, can often be upgraded with longer straps and are also gentler on the material - keyword carbon - because they distribute the clamping force over a larger area.
If the first bike fits on the carrier, this is by no means a go. Only the second bike will show whether the bike rack really suits your fleet. One point in particular caught our eye in this test, and it's not the discreet black colour in which the manufacturers have recently been delivering their carriers.
More importantly, the design of the coupling carriers has changed. The rails can now be folded upwards on almost all models. This saves space in the garage and makes transport easier. However, this also means that the brackets are much narrower so that they do not protrude sideways over the folded-up rails, thus cancelling out the small pack size. The negative effect: fewer clamping options on the frame. This is particularly noticeable with Atera, Eufab, MFT and Thule. Especially with the second road bike, the only possible position is often the down tube, or you have to move the bike so far that it either almost slips off the rail or the locking straps are no longer sufficient to secure the wheels.
Check the drawbar load of the trailer coupling!
Even if a road bike doesn't weigh much, you should consider the drawbar load of your trailer coupling in advance. If you add several bikes to the weight of the carrier, this can quickly add up to 40 kilos or more. A quick look at your vehicle's operating instructions will then show you whether the permissible drawbar load of the towbar is sufficient. It can be particularly tight if you fit an optional third rail. With the exception of BuzzRack and Uebler, all models in the test offer this option. As a rule, however, the additional rails are not designed for particularly large wheelbases and are intended more for transporting children's bikes.
Incidentally, gripper arms that can be easily detached from the bracket - with the new Thule brackets, this can even be done with one hand - and then reattached to the bracket at the appropriate point proved to be particularly practical in the test. BuzzRack solves the problem particularly cleverly with a bracket positioned between the rails. The only limitation here is the small clamping diameter of just 60 millimetres. Threading the unconventional articulated arm of the MFT carrier through the frame, on the other hand, is an art in itself. And so for some, the journey becomes a game of patience before they have even joined the queue at the burner.
The bike racks in detail
Compulsory warning signs abolished in Italy
After some legal back and forth, Italy has abolished the mandatory warning sign. Bicycles mounted on a carrier on the coupling no longer have to be labelled with a warning sign, provided the carrier has a repeater plate and its own lights. Attention: The new regulation does not apply to bicycle carriers on the tailgate!
By the way: If you are travelling on the motorway with a bike rack, you should keep an eye on the speedometer. All manufacturers recommend a speed limit for their carriers. For all models in the test, the limit is 130 km/h!
Accessories for the 7 bike racks from the test
Loading ramp
Foldable drive-on rails are now available for most bike carriers. Prices start at around 50 euros, depending on the manufacturer.
Extension rail
If a rail can be added to the bike carrier, you can spontaneously take another guest with you on tour. Please note: The additional rails are usually designed for a slightly lower load capacity. Prices: from approx. 100 euros.
Longer ratchet straps
Batteries often require wider down tubes. Not all gripper arms are designed for such dimensions. It's great if the holders can be adapted to the oversized tube diameters using longer ratchet straps. The same applies to the ratchet straps on the wheels.
Frame adapter
The ClickTop transport aid from Yakima is actually designed for unconventional frame shapes. However, this type of attachment is also a gentle alternative for transporting sensitive carbon bikes. The bar is clamped between the stem and seat post and serves as an attachment point for the gripper arm. Price: 39 euros.
Frame/rim protectors
Carbon rims have long since proven their robustness, of course, but you don't want to put your expensive round wheels through unsightly scratches. That's why the ratchet straps should always be fitted with rim protectors. These are available from almost every manufacturer for just a few euros.
Further details
Stefan Frey
Editor
