Uebler i21 Z60: Bike rack in the test

With the i21 Z60, Uebler is sticking to its concept of extremely compact bike carriers. There is hardly a carrier that can be folded up smaller and is so light that it can be carried to the car almost effortlessly. Nevertheless, the Uebler is said to be suitable even for heavy e-bikes, long wheelbases and large tube diameters. Alternatively, the traditional Forchheim-based manufacturer has a version for three bikes with a maximum payload of 72 kg as well as an alternative for van drivers that folds down by 90 degrees. Can the lightweight version keep up with the competition in the test? Let's see.

A few simple steps for assembly

You don't have to spend long setting up the Uebler. In principle, the i21 Z60 delivered completely pre-assembled. After removing a few protective covers, the bike carrier can be mounted directly on the car; the necessary steps are clearly described in the operating instructions. Only the grab arms still need to be attached. However, this is usually only done when loading the bikes anyway, as this makes it easy to determine the ideal position for the grippers.

Uebler i21 Z60: Mounting with IQ quick-release fastener

For mounting on the coupling, Uebler uses its very own IQ quick-release system, which does away with the need for a separate clamping lever. Instead, the I21 Z60 is clamped by pushing the folded carrier onto the coupling and then pressing the rails downwards - this is particularly practical. The green bar in a small viewing window indicates whether the carrier is correctly engaged. The only thing you have to practise a few times at the beginning is how to fold out the quick-release fastener correctly. But then the assembly is done extremely quickly.

Set up the brackets, unfold the rails and we can push the first bike onto the bike carrier. Thanks to the longer rails, even long wheelbases are no longer a big problem for the tiny bike carrier. Also good: the classic bracket with its wide design allows more clamping positions than most other towbar carriers in the test.

Grab arms on the Uebler bike carrier

The single-handed detachable gripper arms are extremely practical. There is no need for tiresome shifting on the bracket. As soon as the wheel is on the rail, the gripper is threaded through the frame at the appropriate position. This also makes it easy to position the second wheel. The long, wide straps are also sufficient for very voluminous frames. A little annoying: The rubberised ratchet straps are difficult to move and get in the way, especially with slim tubes.

Uebler i21 Z60 bike carrier: Secure hold for the bikes

The rails of the i21 Z60 are sufficiently wide and are also suitable for wide tyres thanks to their flat design. The distance between the rails is 24 cm, which generally does not lead to any collisions or unsightly scratches with the current frame dimensions. However, with long wheels and some lateral offset, the ratchet straps can sometimes be too short. In this case, we recommend changing to longer straps that allow a little more room for manoeuvre.

Version for VW Bus and Co.

As with most current models, the Uebler bike rack can be folded down easily and reliably using a smooth-running foot pedal. For most cars, the angle is absolutely sufficient to access the boot. However, if you want to use the i21 on a VW bus or a similar model with a large tailgate, you will need to use the model with the suffix Z90. As the name suggests, the folding angle here is a full 90 degrees.

The workmanship of the Uebler is of a high quality for the price. We didn't notice any corners or edges that could injure your fingers during the test. Only the cable routing is less neatly organised than on some other models.

Bicycle carrier Uebler i21 Z60 - Info & Price

• Price: 887 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 13.5 kg
• Stowage dimension: 61 x 20.5 x 95 cm
• Rail length / width / spacing: 119 / 7.5 / 24 cm
• max. wheelbase: 130 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

Rating & Conclusion - Uebler i21 Z60 bike rack

• Assembly (30 %): Grade: 1.3
• Handling (40 %): Grade: 2.1
• Equipment / processing (10 %): Grade: 2.2
• Weight / transport (20 %): Grade: 1.2
• Overall grade: 1.7

Low weight, top function and good handling. The Uebler I21 Z60 does almost everything right

The simple design of the i21 Z60 saves weight and enables the smallest storage dimensions. Nevertheless, the Uebler bike carrier is stable and of high quality. It can be easily placed on the coupling and clamped by folding down the rails - clever! Thanks to the wide bracket and easily adjustable grippers, the Uebler also holds complicated frame shapes. Only very long wheelbases lack a little room for manoeuvre - longer locking straps are available as an option. The conical rails are suitable for almost all tyre widths.