ADAC compares bicycle carrier systems - and has a clear recommendation

Created: 07/15/2022 15:36

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

There are three different systems available for transporting bicycles by car.

Only one variant was able to convince the ADAC testers.

Traveling by car on holiday will definitely not be cheap this year: fuel prices are still extremely high - which is why you should definitely follow a few tips on saving fuel.

However, one should refrain from unusual ideas – such as filling up diesel vehicles with cooking oil.

But you can also save a lot of fuel if you get on your bike at your holiday destination instead of sitting behind the wheel.

The ADAC has now tested various bicycle carrier systems - and found a clear winner.

The ADAC tested bike rack systems - and found a clear winner.

© ADAC

ADAC compares bicycle carrier systems - and has a clear recommendation

By far the most advantages in the test were offered by the bike rack on the trailer hitch: according to the experts, the system showed only "minimal anomalies" during driving maneuvers such as emergency braking and evasive maneuvers, had the lowest additional consumption (only around six percent at 130 km/h) and was also the easiest to handle.

The system for the trailer hitch was also convincing in terms of payload and comfort - thanks to the tilting function, the trunk behind the tailgate remains at least partially usable.

The experts used a VW Tiguan as a test vehicle, which was equipped with the respective carrier systems and two e-bikes.

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ADAC compares bicycle racks: roof systems only "recommended with reservations"

The ADAC experts rated the system for the roof as only "recommended with reservations".

Even non-professionals can assemble the bike rack, but loading and unloading the bikes requires two people, especially for a tall vehicle like an SUV.

Also negative: The additional consumption is high and is up to 34 percent (at 130 km/h) because the wheels are directly in the airflow.

Of course, record-breaking consumption values ​​like this BMW 7-series diesel are rather difficult.

ADAC compares bicycle racks: system for tailgate causes substantial additional consumption

The worst was the system for the tailgate: there were minus points for the tedious assembly, among other things.

This variant also failed in the crash test: the wheels tipped backwards and hit the ground - which can potentially result in major damage to expensive e-bikes.

The tailgate was also slightly damaged in the impact.

Another negative point: the trunk can no longer be opened with the wheels on the carrier.

And especially with the current fuel prices, a powerful argument against the purchase: the additional consumption of over 44 percent at a speed of 130 km/h.