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There are basically four different options for transporting bicycles by car:
- in the interior
- on the roof
- on the trailer coupling (if available)
- on the tailgate
The road bike is undoubtedly best protected in the interior - if there is enough space. Many cars are getting bigger and bigger, but the usable volume does not necessarily grow with it. Passengers sit comfortably and airily, but door cut-outs and rear or boot openings are cut in such a way that a racing bike - even without wheels - is often difficult to fit through.
Piggyback bikes
Bicycle racks that are supported on the car's towbar are becoming increasingly popular. They are relatively easy to fit and practical to use because the bikes only need to be raised to knee height; for heavy e-bikes are such bicycle rear carriers for the car the only sensible transport device. Disadvantages: The bikes travel unprotected in the dirt of the vehicle and, depending on the size of the car, they can protrude significantly to the side, which you have to keep an eye on when manoeuvring and in tight spaces. Fuel consumption also increases with this transport option, but significantly less than with the roof rack.
Bicycle hitch carrier
Bicycle roof rack for road bikes
Interior bike rack for the car
- RadFazz aluminium rail and two holders - from 150 euros
- Bikeinside set for two bikes - 150 euros
- Wheelbase B basic system - from 160 euros
- VanBiker universal bike holder - 53 euros per holder
Good to know
Speed:
Unlike driving with a trailer, there is no speed limit in Germany for cars with an externally mounted bike rack. Most manufacturers recommend driving no faster than 120 to 130 km/h with a loaded roof rack.
Licence plate number:
If the hitch carrier obscures the licence plate, a so-called repeat licence plate is required. In addition, a separate lighting device is required, the function of which should always be checked before setting off. In other European countries, there are sometimes very different regulations for the licence plate or marking requirement for the wheel carrier. In Italy, for example, the load must be secured to the rear with a warning sign. In Germany, it is permitted to mount a third, unstamped licence plate on the carrier, but not officially in Croatia or Slovenia. Find out about the applicable laws in transit and travelling countries before starting your journey.
Support or roof load:
Even if the manufacturers advertise sufficient payload for the wheel carriers, the limiting factor is always the permissible support or roof load of the vehicle. For example, if the drawbar load for the trailer coupling is 50 kilograms, a carrier weighing 20 kilograms may not be loaded with three wheels weighing more than 10 kilograms.
Theft:
Although the carriers themselves and the holding arms are lockable, the latter offer little protection against thieves. If you want to be on the safe side, secure the bikes to the carrier with an additional wheel lock with a high protection class.
Matthias Borchers
Editor
