OPEL Flex-Fix
The extendable "Flex-Fix" for two bikes is an integrated system from Opel, which we tested on an Opel "Corsa Cosmo 5T Twinport" with two racing bikes. With a little practice, the "Flex-Fix" is ready to load within a minute, although fitting the additional rear lights is a little fiddly. After a further two minutes, two bikes are attached to the carrier using the adjustable crank arm holder and wheel straps. The system can be adjusted to different wheelbases using the ratchet system. A positive feature: thanks to the plastic padding, high-quality racing bike cranks are gently clamped up to a cross-section of 42 by 22 millimetres. Caution is advised with carbon cranks and wheels. The pedals can remain mounted, but for longer distances it is advisable to remove the seat posts so that the handlebars and saddles of the bikes cannot touch each other. The mounted wheels remain within the width and height of the vehicle; a beeping park assistant helps when reversing. When driving on motorways and serpentines, the wheels were always securely in place and fuel consumption increased only slightly; the manufacturer does not specify a speed limit. Once the wheels have reached their destination, the system is lowered back into the rear of the vehicle. The disadvantage compared to other trailer coupling solutions is that the tailgate can no longer be opened when the wheels are fitted.
PLUS: Easy handling; quick loading and unloading; also suitable for mountain bikes or trekking bikes; vehicle width and height remain unchanged; interior space is retained
MINUS: Wheels are exposed to rain and dirt; tailgate cannot be opened when wheels are fitted; crank and wheel holders could be made to a higher standard; risk of theft
SKODA ROOMSTER
The interior holder, which is available as an optional extra for all Škoda "Roomster" models, naturally has the advantage over the Opel solution that the bikes can travel in the interior, protected from dirt and rain. However, despite the highly variable seating system with rear seats that can be easily removed individually, there are two fewer passengers in the car when transporting two bikes. We tested the "Roomster Cycling 1.9 TDI DPF". The front wheels have to be removed in order to attach the racers to the holding device using the front quick-release. However, as the vehicle interior is high, the seat post and saddle can remain in the bike. The bikes are additionally secured with lashing straps that can be hooked onto devices in the load compartment. Disadvantage: The rubber retaining claws of the straps supplied for additional securing to the top tube or seat post cannot be adjusted, so the bikes have to be fixed at an unchangeable distance from each other. Overall, loading and unloading takes a little longer than with the Opel. If you position the bikes at a slight angle, there is enough space to close the tailgate without having to turn the handlebars. There is also enough space for luggage. In the driving test, the wheels always stood securely, the view to the rear is restricted, as with the Opel.
PLUS: Wheels travel protected in the vehicle interior; high travelling speed possible; no increased fuel consumption MINUS: Retaining system when not in use and removed seats require extra storage space; not very flexible retaining straps; interior space is tight for trekking bikes without removing the handlebars
Matthias Borchers
Editor
