Bike rack

Car bike racks fall into three main categories: towbar, roof, and tailgate-mounted. The starting point for choosing is the type of attachment point available on the vehicle, followed by the number of bikes to be transported and their weight, especially if transporting e-bikes. Leggi la guida

Le marche di Bike rack

Thule Fabbri Yakima Peruzzo Nordrive Menabo Lampa Modula Gp Cora

How to choose the right bike rack for your car

Mounting type: towbar, tailgate or roof

The mounting type determines everything else. Towbar bike racks are the most stable and practical, even suitable for the heaviest e-bikes: they require an approved towbar on the vehicle. Tailgate bike racks attach to the rear bodywork using straps and brackets, with no need for extra equipment, but compatibility varies depending on the shape of the tailgate. Roof bike racks require roof bars and leave the rear of the vehicle free; the total height of the load must be considered in covered parking lots.

Number of bikes and load capacity

Most models carry 2 or 3 bikes. 4-bike racks are found almost exclusively in the towbar family. Always check the stated maximum load capacity: for e-bikes, which can be significantly heavier than a traditional bike, specific models are needed, such as those in the Fabbri Bici OK Elektrobike range or the Peruzzo Siena E-Bike.

Towbar compatibility

Towbar bike racks mount on the standard ball or square neck. Some models, such as those in the Thule EasyFold XT line or the Thule Euroway G2, feature anti-theft locking systems and allow you to open the tailgate without removing the support. Yakima and Nordrive offer solutions with a folding frame to make empty transport easier.

Type of bike: traditional, fat bike, e-bike

Low-step frame bikes, fat bikes, and e-bikes require adapters or dedicated models. Check the maximum accepted tire width and the availability of adapters for frames without a horizontal tube. Thule sells specific adapters to expand compatibility. Menabo and Peruzzo offer rear bike racks with adjustable arms suitable for different geometries.

Bike racks for special vehicles: vans, 4x4s and spare wheels

For vans without a towbar, there are specific bike racks such as the Thule Elite Van XT, which attaches to the rear tailgate of converted vans. For off-road vehicles with an external spare wheel, the solution is a rear-wheel bike rack such as the Yakima Spareride. Before purchasing, check the type of tailgate, the presence of a spoiler, and the shape of the spare wheel.

Domande frequenti

Posso usare un portabici da gancio traino senza gancio omologato?

No. I portabici a gancio traino richiedono un gancio trainante omologato montato sul veicolo. Senza di esso occorre scegliere un modello da portellone o da tetto.

Come si valuta la compatibilità di un portabici da portellone con la mia auto?

I portabici da portellone si adattano tramite cinghie e ganci regolabili, ma la forma del portellone, la presenza di spoiler e le maniglie possono limitarne l'uso. Controlla sempre le istruzioni del produttore e le liste di compatibilità per il tuo modello di vettura.

Un portabici normale va bene anche per le e-bike?

Non sempre. Le bici elettriche sono significativamente più pesanti di quelle tradizionali: serve un portabici con portata adeguata, spesso con bracci rinforzati e attacchi stabilizzatori. Esistono modelli specifici per e-bike tra le proposte di Fabbri, Peruzzo e Thule.

È possibile aprire il portellone dell'auto con il portabici montato?

Dipende dal modello. Alcuni portabici a gancio traino, soprattutto nella fascia alta, permettono di basculare l'intera struttura verso il basso per accedere al bagagliaio senza smontare le bici. Questa funzione va verificata nelle specifiche del singolo prodotto.

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