Grown tired of your local trails? Then it’s time to pack up your bike and find new spots! All you need is the right rear-mounted bike rack. But which one is best for you and your bikes? We put 7 rear-mounted bike racks through their paces for our group test, telling you what to look for to avoid buyer’s remorse and arrive at the trails with everything in one piece.
Whether it’s 100 kilometres to the next bike park or 1,000 kilometres to Finale, transporting your bikes should be as secure and effortless as possible. So, what’s the problem? Just slap on a bike rack and go, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple, because the different clamping mechanisms and frame shapes aren’t all compatible. As such, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to play tetris to find out which models work best so you don’t have to.
With the right rear-mounted bike rack, transporting your bikes will be significantly more effortless and stress free. Meanwhile, you’ll find huge differences between the various models, with some of them boasting cool features like parking assists, trolley wheels for easy handling, or integrated ABUS bike locks. Moreover, expensive racks aren’t necessarily good, and the more affordable options aren’t all bad. The bulky models aren’t unwieldy as a rule, and small isn’t better in all cases. So what makes a good bike rack? And which one is perfect for you?
Step one in finding the most suitable bike rack for you is knowing what you need. But don’t worry, we’ll help you figure this out, because buying the wrong model isn’t just annoying – especially if you’re forking out up to € 1,300 – but can also ruin your vacation.
7 rear-mounted bike racks in comparison – The test field
3 tips to find the perfect bike rack
Before you start comparing bike racks by weight and pack size, you should know that these criteria alone don’t make for a good rack. Just because a bike rack is lighter doesn’t mean it’s better. Important features include trolley wheels on the bike rack for easy handling, a user-friendly mounting system, and how long you need to hold it in place. We also have some pro tips that you should consider before buying a rear-mounted bike carrier.
1. Payload capacity
The payload capacity is the total permissible weight resting on the tow hitch, including the bikes and the rack. Your vehicle’s maximum payload capacity determines how heavy the bike rack and the bikes may be. So you want to be sure your tow hitch is cleared to handle the payload of the bike rack to avoid overloading.
For example, assuming a maximum payload of 75 kg, you must subtract the weight of the rack (between 14 and 23 kg) from these 75 kg. The difference is what’s left for the bikes – depending on the rack, this will usually be around 52 to 61 kg. Pro tip: Remove the battery from the bike to reduce its weight by about 2–4 kg.
In the EU, you should find the payload specifications in section 13 of your car’s registration certificate, as well as the specs on the bike rack and tow hitch. Warning: German authorities allow for an overloading tolerance of just 5 percent. If you exceed the maximum permissible weight limit by more than 5 percent, you’ll be in for a fine of € 10 to € 235, according to German road traffic regulations. If you’re 20 % or more above the limit, you’ll also get a point in Flensburg with the German points system. Your country’s local regulations may vary.
2. Maximum payload capacity of the bike rack
All the bike racks on test have a maximum payload capacity of up to 60 kg. Except for the Atera Genio Pro Advanced, which allows a maximum payload of 65 kg for three bikes, with each individual ebike not exceeding 30 kg. Bear in mind, however, that if the rack weighs 18 kg and your vehicle’s payload capacity is 70 kg, the total weight of your ebikes may not exceed 52 kg.
3. Rail width, length, and ratchet straps
Before buying a bike rack, check if the rails will accommodate your e-mountainbikes. Wide MTB tires and long wheelbases can cause problems on standard rails – especially with models like the Uebler i21 Z-DC. The ratchet straps must also be long enough, or they won’t hold the bikes securely in place. Fortunately, there are longer straps available for many of the models on test like the ORIS Tracc. But why not just provide long straps as standard?
Handling the bike rack: 6 things to consider
1. Mounting the bike rack
Once you’ve familiarised yourself with all the legal prerequisites, you can start mounting the bike rack on the tow hitch. Make sure the hitch is clean and free of grease so that the rack doesn’t slip. The rack should sit horizontally for the locking mechanism to work optimally.
This is where things get interesting and the big differences between the bike carriers on test become apparent. We couldn’t mount the ORIS Tracc before watching an instructional video, and then only after several attempts. Despite following the instructions, we had significant problems and needed several tries. The trick: slide it on diagonally instead of just placing it on the hitch – but even then you risk putting out your back!
The best performers here are the Spinder TX2 Plus and Thule Epos 3. Just place them on the hitch and you’re good to go. No need to think about it; they just work. The EuFab ProBC2 + and Norauto E-FIT 200-2 bike racks weren’t far behind. Another advantage is their ability to adjust the bike rack to the size of the tow hitch. Not every tow hitch is exactly the same size, which is why some racks fit better than others. If you can adjust the size of the clamping mechanism, you’ll be able to dial in the fit.
Weight isn’t all that important when mounting the rack. What matters significantly more is how intuitive the mechanism is to operate. Case in point: We had to hold the lightest bike rack on test, the Uebler i21 Z-DC, up for a long time while fiddling with the mounting mechanism, and you’ll eventually struggle holding up even the lightest weight. A heavier rack that’s easy to mount is less of a strain.
2. Theft protection
If you want to play it safe, make sure that the clamping mechanism of the bike rack is lockable. This doesn’t just secure your bikes during the trip, but also serves as theft protection. All of the models on test can be locked to the tow hitch and the gripper arms all offer some form of theft protection. Either they’re lockable or built such that the gripper arms can no longer be removed when the gripper head is locked, thereby deterring opportunistic thieves.
Quick stop at the petrol station or bakery? No problem. A four-course, post-ride meal at the restaurant? Rather not. Theft protection on the bike rack is nice to have, but we recommend securing your bikes with an additional bike lock nonetheless, and not leaving them unattended on the bike rack either.
3. What to consider when loading the bikes on the rack
E-mountainbikes are heavy, so the rack will usually only accommodate two bikes. Load the heavier bike first so that it’s closer to the car, making use of the leverage effect! With a van like the VW bus, turn the handlebar sideways so it doesn’t hit the rear windscreen. Place the second bike on the rack facing in the opposite direction as the first, so the handlebars don’t collide. Drop the saddles, so they’re not in the way. If things are tight, remove pedals or try rotating the cranks and play a little Tetris. If all else fails, just put enough padding between the bikes to avoid damage.
Pro tip: If you’re running 2.8″ tires, try deflating them a little to make them fit onto the rail.
Pro, pro tip: Take a photo when the bikes are perfectly arranged – this will save you time and spare your nerves the next time you mount the bikes.
4. Tipping the bike rack
For campers and vans with large tailgates, a tippable bike rack is crucial to access the trunk. Fortunately, all the models on test have this function. With a 90-degree tipping angle, however, wide MTB handlebars can touch the ground. To avoid damaging the grips, turn the handlebar of the second bike sideways or wrap a piece of foam padding around the end of the handlebar. However, this requires additional effort. Rather look for a rack with a 75° tipping angle, as this is sufficient to access the trunk without the handlebar touching the ground.
Pro tip: Switch your electric tailgate to manual so it doesn’t accidentally hit the bike rack.
5. What to consider when transporting your bike
Remove all detachable accessories on your bikes before transit. This includes things like water bottles, frame bags, and pumps. Avoid covering the bike with a tarp to reduce wind resistance and thereby fuel consumption. There are special protective bike covers on the market, but beware: these are mostly intended for motorhomes and not recommended for use on a bike rack. They’re likely to get ripped apart by the wind on the back of a car and can cause other damage in the process.
Most ebike battery manufacturers recommend removing the battery before transport. “When transporting the ebike on a bike rack, the battery should be removed and securely stored in the car. The same applies to a removable on-board computer,” says Tamara Winograd, Head of Marketing and Communication at Bosch eBike Systems.
6. Which bike racks are suitable for carbon frames?
If you want to protect your precious carbon frame, you need the right bike rack. Of the seven bike carriers on test, the Uebler i21 Z-DC and the EuFab ProBC2 + are most suitable for carbon frame, and Thule offer the Carbon Frame Protector as an aftermarket accessory for the Epos 3. While the other models on test have rubberized grippers, making them suitable for sensitive frames, they’re not explicitly recommended for carbon frames.
A real no-go: The straps that secure the wheels on the Thule Epos 3, Atera Genio Pro Advanced, and Uebler i21 Z-DC aren’t rubberised – and these are premium models! It’s hard to believe that bike racks at this price point come without a feature as essential as this.
5 Rules to follow before setting off with the bike carrier
So you’re ready for your next adventure with the bike rack? Before you set off, here are some important rules for smooth sailing – here’s what to keep in mind.
1. Licence plate
A rear-mounted bike carrier requires its own licence plate, as the carrier typically obscures the rear licence plate on the car. Without a licence plate on the rack, you risk being fined € 60 (this will obviously vary depending on your country). It must be the same licence plate as on the vehicle – a duplicate to ensure that it’s visible at all times. This also means that if you change your vehicle, you’ll also have to change the plate on the carrier.
All the bike racks on test have plate holders, though some are easier to use than others. Some allow you to simply clip the licence plate in, whereas others use clamps or additional clips. It is important that the secondary licence plate meets the same requirements as the original licence plate, as stipulated in your country. A homemade licence plate typically won’t fly.
Note: The rear licence plate must always remain attached to the car and not simply be transferred to the carrier.
2. Loading
According to German Road Traffic Regulations, the load on the bike rack may not extend more than 40 centimetres beyond the edge of the tail lights. If the load extends further, it must be marked on both sides with a white light facing to the front and a red light facing to the rear.
3. Lighting
For good visibility of the licence plate, it must be illuminated in the dark. Make sure you’ve got the appropriate plug to power the lights on the rack as you get different versions with 7 or 13 poles! This connects the additional tail lights, brake lights, and indicators with those of the car, in compliance with road regulations.
4. Speed limit
You should never exceed 120 or 130 km/h with a bike carrier attached to the car, even if there’s no speed limit. Most manufacturers recommend a speed limit of 120 km/h, though some allow up to 130 km/h. The faster you drive, the greater the risk that clamps and straps will rattle loose, which could prove disastrous. Rather safe than sorry!
5. Driving abroad
Before driving abroad, you should familiarise yourself with the specific regulations of the country or countries you’ll be driving in as they relate to bike carriers. In Italy, Spain, and Portugal, a warning sign is mandatory, for example. It must measure 50 x 50 cm, and have reflective red and white stripes. In Italy and Spain, the sign must be made of aluminium. You can buy reversible signs suitable for both countries.
Our test criteria for the bike racks
To make the group test as fair and accurate as possible, we predefined the three most important criteria.
Handling
The handling refers to the ease with which the bike racks can be mounted on the tow hitch. Are they intuitive to mount or not? From lugging them out of the garage to securing them on the tow hitch – we looked closely at every step.
Compatibility
This is where it gets really interesting! Compatibility was a common problem in our previous bike carrier group test, so this was one of our top criteria. How compatible and secure are the bike carriers really? Can they accommodate different frame shapes? How well are the gripper arms, grippers, and ratchet straps designed? Does the rail spacing and length suit all bikes? Are the different components intuitive to use, secure, and of high quality? And don’t forget theft protection, i.e. where and how can you lock the bike rack?
Value for money
Finally, how do the bike carriers’ materials, overall quality, and workmanship compare to the price? Put simply, is it good value for money?
How we tested the bike carriers
Our DOWNTOWN crew and the experts from our sister magazines E-MOUNTAINBIKE, ENDURO, and GRAN FONDO don’t just share a passion for biking, but also have years of testing experience with bike racks under their belts. We tested seven models in all kinds of conditions and day-to-day situations – whether on the way to the bike park, crossing the Alps, for road cycling, or on vacation with your SUV ebikes in tow.
But that was just the beginning. We also pitted all seven bike racks against each other in back to back tests.
Disclaimer: This test wasn’t about how the car handles with a bike rack attached to the rear, but about the carriers’ usability, the pros and cons of the individual models, and the most important points to consider before buying a rear-mounted bike carrier to transport your ebikes safely and avoid buyer’s remorse.
We tested everything from light and fragile road bikes to urban commuters and heavy eMTBs. Of course, we couldn’t test every bike on the market, however, so specific bikes or combinations might not fit perfectly. That said, some racks impressed us with a remarkable degree of compatibility, while others lagged behind – fortunately, the manufacturers often offer practical accessories to make the carriers more versatile.
Our bike rack test crew
Our test crew isn’t just constantly on the road with all kinds of bikes for our magazines, but also travels a lot privately. So they’ve come to know what to look for in a rear-mounted bike carrier, and what really counts.
Pros and cons of our 7 hitch mount bike racks
Tops:
Flops:
Insights from the bike rack group test
Not everyone can afford a bike carrier for € 1,300. But do you have to spend that much? Our insights show that it isn’t necessarily! An expensive rack isn’t guaranteed to meet your needs. Fortunately, with our pro tips, you can avoid buying the wrong rear-mounted bike carrier.
Design can be deceptive! A simple bike carrier can be just as good, if not better, than a flashy one. Plastic is lighter and often offers easier handling and mounting. More rudimentary designs often impress with a high level of robustness and functionality.
Is lighter always better? No! A lower weight on paper doesn’t necessarily mean easier handling. Convenient trolley wheels are much more important, allowing you to roll the carrier to the car with minimal effort. Well-placed, ergonomic handles also make lifting and mounting the bike rack easier. Otherwise, you might hurt your hands or pinch your fingers. The tow hitch fastening mechanism is equally crucial. Systems with one-handed operation or those that simply click into place make the mounting process significantly easier.
Keep it simple! Our group test shows that established tow hitch mounting systems are easier than special in-house solutions. Some racks require you to slide or screw the rack onto the tow hitch, which can complicate the process unnecessarily. Proven systems, where the rack simply plonks on the tow hitch, are much more user-friendly.
Even when mounting the bikes, simple solutions have proven to be superior. Traditional bike racks, where the gripper arm securing the second bike must pass by or through the frame of the first bike are sorely limited, and have become outdated. In our test, new concepts have prevailed, offering a hassle-free and widely compatible clamping system. The test winning Thule Epos 3, and the Spinder TX2 Plus offer significantly higher compatibility thanks to innovative gripper arm designs. These new concepts are flexible enough to accommodate wild frame shapes, meaty tires, and all kinds of shock and linkage configurations without complicated adjustments or optional adapters.
Best in Test, Best Buy, and the loser of our bike carrier group test
In our last bike rack comparison test in our E-MOUNTAINBIKE magazine, there was no clear winner as no model delivered the perfect overall package. In our new bike rack test, this time it’s different!
Test loser: ORIS Tracc
Unfortunately, the ORIS Tracc can’t deliver in the real world, letting it fall behind the competition. The complicated tow hitch mounting system, lack of compatibility with various bikes, and poor quality workmanship are its biggest drawbacks. While the flexible gripper arm system is well thought out, it can’t deliver in practice, unfortunately.
Best Buy: Spinder TX2 Plus
It was a close call between the Spinder TX2 Plus and Norauto E-FIT 200-2. Ultimately, the Spinder TX2 Plus managed to take the lead in the final stretch. We were impressed with the highly adjustable gripper arms, offering maximum versatility and very easy handling. However, the durability of the plastic gears on the gripper arms is questionable, especially with improper use. The Spinder TX2 Plus delivers unbeatable value for money, making it our well-deserved best buy.
Best in Test: Thule Epos 3
This time, we have an undisputed winner! Good, better, Thule Epos 3! Everyone in our HQ fought over who could have the Thule Epos 3 for the weekend – for testing, of course. It’s no wonder, considering that it offers the easiest tow hitch mounting system in the test field and features a brilliant system that makes securing the bikes a breeze. The Thule Epos 3 is the most versatile bike rack currently on the market, accommodating any bike you can think of. Add to that unbeatable quality, impressive handling, and you’ve got yourself a well-deserved test victory!
Conclusion
Bikes have long stopped relying exclusively on diamond-shaped frames, but most bike rack manufacturers have done their homework and adapted well. New mounting systems are capable of securely clamping even the most unusual frame shapes. However, you’ll find significant differences, nonetheless. Intuitive mounting, easy handling, and high compatibility are key when choosing a rear-mounted bike rack, making travelling with your bike a stress-free experience. Where you go is up to you. The world is your oyster.
Overview of all bike racks in the comparison Test:
Thule Epos 3 (Read Test) | Uebler i21 Z-DC (Read Test) | Norauto E-FIT 200-2 (Read Test) | Atera Genio Pro Advanced (Read Test) | EuFab ProBC2 + (Read Test) | ORIS Tracc (Read Test) | Spinder TX2 Plus (Read Test)
Words: Antonia Feder Photos: Antonia Feder
