If you are an outdoorsy person, riding bikes is probably something you enjoy. However, anyone who rides a bicycle knows the exertion and extra effort of transporting it. If you plan on going somewhere scenic and need to bring your bike, you know that trying to shove your bike in the trunk will do no good.
Here’s when bike racks come in. If you plan a road trip with your friends or family and want to get athletic, bike racks are the perfect way to transport those two-wheelers. We have all you need to know about buying a bike rack that is best for you.
Why Choose Atera Strada?
We have scoured the internet to find the best bike racks on the market. After long and thorough research, we landed on Atera Strada models. We like the DL2, DL3, and DL4 due to their sturdiness and capacity. We have highlighted some of their best features below:
Robust Design
Atera Strada has solid and sturdy but lightweight designs. Their bike racks are high-quality, compact, and foldable, not to mention affordable considering their quality. Their sturdiness and advanced technology allow safe and secure multiple bike transportation.
The German engineering implemented on their bike racks has made them one of the most compact options available on the market. They are foldable, which means you can easily access your bikes when installed and put them away when not using them.
Easy Loading
If you are a frequent user, you should go with an easy-to-install rack. Moreover, it would be best to keep in mind if the rack allows you to load and unload the bikes quickly. Atera Strada bike racks come with a sizable clamp that attaches to the tow ball of your vehicle. If your car does not have a tow ball, you can quickly get it installed as well.
Apart from this, it takes hardly five minutes to load or unload the bikes from the stand. You can slide the rack backward and load the bikes by opening the crossbar clamps. Then, you will have to follow the same steps when unloading. Finally, you need to lift the bikes once the crossbar clamp is open, starting with the outer bicycle. The slide option opens the tailgate without bikes or racks getting in the way, making the entire experience convenient.
Good Weight Capacity
We included three other models here that can carry up to four bikes, depending on your choice. The tow ball racks that Atera Strada are offering support the weight of the bikes rather than putting it all on your car’s body. They have lockable clamps and ratchets that you can attach to your car’s front and back wheel. It gives the rack enough strength to support the weight of the bikes.
Secure Traveling
Security is one of the most important things to look for in a bike rack. You need to make sure that your rack is sturdy and secure enough to not loosen during the drive. A loose rack can cause some serious accidents. Moreover, your bike rack should have some anti-theft features. You do not have to worry about leaving your car unattended for a few minutes since you know it is secured.
Atera Strada comes with lockable crossbar clamps, kick bar, and tow ball lock that only open up with a master key. It ensures that your rack stays in place during the drive. It helps eliminate all doubts of theft as long as the master key is with you.
Sliding Technology
Often, you will find yourself in need of grabbing something from the trunk. Usually, you would avoid doing it since you will have to unload the bikes first then access the compartment. Atera Strada has developed a unique solution that allows you to open your tailgate without unloading everything.
The rack, along with the bikes, can be slid backward. All you have to do is push a green button and then press the kick rail with your feet. These two simple actions let you get whatever you want from your trunk without inconvenience.
Atera Strada Overview
If you are looking for a hitch bike rack that can clamp on your car and quickly load or unload, you will love the Atera Strada DL range. The three products we recommend are DL2, DL3, and DL4.
1. Atera Strada DL2
Atera Strada DL2 is a highly innovative piece that slides away from the vehicle whenever you want to use it. Many tow-ball bike racks will slightly tilt so you can load or unload the bikes; however, that is not the case with DL2. You have that extra space that makes everything easy and accessible.
The DL2 can take up to two bikes, but you can also expand it to three bicycles. You have to make sure that the load does not exceed 45 kg, although the limit is 47 kg. Atera Strada DL2 also comes with a strong lock, so your bike transportation is safe and secure. Moreover, the clamp is also heavy-duty and sturdy, making the entire journey even safer.
This bike rack is also suitable for electric bikes and accommodates several other bike types. The sturdy built and compact design makes this a go-to bike rack if you travel with one to two bicycles.
- Convenient loading and unloading
- Affordable
- Can carry up to 45 to 47 kg
- Robust built and sturdy design
- Suitable for electric bikes
- It works for standard bike tires; fitting thicker ones might be challenging
2. Atera Strada DL3
Another great option that Atera is offering is the DL3. This model can carry three bikes with a total of 63 kg. Just like DL2, it has a lockable clamp that makes your transportation safe. The only way you can access the rack is through a master key. This feature makes DL3 a fan favorite as you do not have to worry about your bike, even if it is left unattended.
Atera Strada DL3 also comes with tail lights and indicators that are a massive help to the cars behind you. It is helpful, especially if you are traveling through a fog. DL3 is very lightweight and easy to attach. The attachment itself takes less than one minute once you get the hang of it.
The kick bar also ensures complete safety when sliding back. To slide the rack backward, you must press the safety button and the kick bar together. This way, only the rack comes backward, and the bikes stay in place.
- Can carry a total of 63 kg
- Lockable clamp ensures security
- Tail lights for better visibility in harsh weather
- Convenient installation
- Accommodates electric bikes
- You will need to strap the bike wheels first for security
3. Atera Strada DL4
If you are a family of four, Atera Strada DL4 is one of the best options available for you. It comes equipped with lockable crossbar clamps that ensure safe travel. The tow ball key works similar to the DL3 model, where the bikes remain secured but allow you to slide the rack backward.
DL4 uses the same lightweight technology that makes it incredibly easy to attach and detach. The tail lights at the end warn the drivers behind you, especially when you are at a route with low visibility.
Although the bike rack can carry up to four bikes, the build is still very compact yet solid. The rack can slide away instead of titling, which gives the user more space to load and unload. Another notable feature is the transverse rails with clamps and ratchets that attach the rack to the front and the rear wheels for extra security.
- Sturdy Built
- Can carry up to four bikes
- Secure and theft-proof
- It comes with tail lights for better visibility during the drive
- Convenient and easy installation
- Might face some difficulty when threading the crossbar through the first few bikes
Atera Strada Buying Guide
Bikes racks come in different styles and capacities, depending on how you use them. You should keep in mind a few factors before buying a bike rack:
Type of Bike Rack
Trunk bike racks usually carry one to three bikes. You can mount them on the trunk of your car. Apart from being lightweight and compact, they are also effortless to load.
Roof racks are also one of the most popular bike racks that are easy and versatile. The number of bikes they carry depends on the model you are going for, but it can go up to four bicycles.
Another option is a tow-ball or a hitch bike rack. These racks can carry two to four bikes and are one of the safest options out there. There are two significant ways to install these on your car’s tow-ball. The bicycle can either be screwed in or clamped to the tow ball. Both options are versatile and safe and will carry your bike wherever you want.
Capacity
How many bikes are you going to transport? That is a question that you should ask yourself when buying a bike rack. Once you have this figured out, you can narrow down your options according to that. Make sure you are looking into the stability of the bike rack if you are going with a higher bike number.
Safety and Security
The design and the construction are different for each model. Before buying anything, you should consider whether the rack is secure and safe. A bike rack should not block the side or rear mirror view for legal reasons. It also should not obstruct your registration number plate. The rack should be able to carry the load that it claims. Overall, the rack should have a robust design that ensures safe traveling at any cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you increase the capacity of a tow ball bike rack?
Yes, most tow ball bike racks are expandable. You can add one more bike rail to your rack. However, you have to keep the weight capacity of the tow ball in mind. If it allows you, there should not be a problem adding another bike, but if there is, you should switch to a different rack altogether.
2. What if my car does not have a tow ball or a hitch?
You can install a tow ball or a hitch on almost any vehicle. The installation prices depend on the towing capacity. If you install the hitch just for the bike racks, you do not need something too powerful. However, if you want a multi-functional hitch, you can go with a firm tow ball.
If your car does not come equipped with a hitch, you can even install one yourself. Ensure you have the proper tools and the skillset of someone with experience, so you do not end up hurting yourself. Also, many guides are available on hitch installation that can help you install one yourself.
3. How do I install the Atera Strada rack on my car?
First, you need to fit the Strada clamp on your tow ball. You have to ensure to clamp it all the way. Push the button on the rack and open the clamp just enough; you can access this button through a key that comes with it. Once you have opened the clamp, you can slide the rack over the tow ball and tighten it. A green light indicates whether the rack has been fitted properly or not.
To load the bikes on your Atera Strada rack, you need to feed the bicycles one by one onto the crossbar clamp. You have to start with the bike that goes nearest to the vehicle. Lock the crossbar clamp with the key after clamping the first bike in place. Then, the wheels should be ratcheted into the rails using the wheel straps that come with them. You can fit the rest of the bikes in the same way. The only difference is that you will be using a longer crossbar. Once you reach your last bicycle, you need to feed it through the frame of the first bike to secure everything in place.
4. How can you unload the bikes from the Atera Strada bike rack?
The unloading process with the Atera Strada rack is straightforward and convenient. Starting with the outer bike, you need to unclamp the crossbar with the key and untie the wheel strap. After this, all you have to do is lift the bike. You can load and unload your bikes in a few minutes with some practice.
There are a lot of powerful clamps, ratchets, and locks involved, so the bikes stay secure on the rack no matter how bumpy the journey is. It also protects your bikes from theft since you need a master key to unload them.
Conclusion
It is safe to say that Atera Strada has a way of satisfying its clients with the best quality and functionalities. The sturdiness and compactness make their racks stand out, making them a favorite for cyclists. Their products are more pricey; however, the quality you get in return makes up for it.
They have a wide range and models available, catering to various customers. Thus, whether you want a rack for four bikes, two electric bikes, or even something just for yourself, Atera Strada has it all.