The Atera Strada E-Bike ML is the only hitch rack on test that isn’t foldable. Can the generously sized rack with its flexible ratchets take on the competition nonetheless? Read on to find out what advantages the Atera Strada offers and what to consider before buying this rack.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best hitch rack for eMTBs – 5 models in our group test.
Important Note: Our sister magazine DOWNTOWN has recently conducted a comparison test of the following bike rear racks. This includes a buyer’s guide, clear recommendations, and a standout winner: The best rear-mounted bike carrier – 7 models head to head in our big rear carrier group 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)
Atera were the only brand on test to send us a non-foldable hitch rack, the Strada E-Bike ML. This rack is designed especially for larger bikes with long wheelbase and ebikes that need to be spaced wider apart. Generally, a non-foldable rack isn’t as easy to mount on your own as its foldable counterparts and, as expected with the Atera system, installation isn’t as easy as with the other racks on test. However, it can still be done by one person. First, you fold out the U-bar and then use that to pick up the rack, place it on the hitch at an angle and secure it with the lever. After a couple of tries, you’ll find it works quite well. Loading the bikes is easy, too, and the rails can be adjusted to suit different wheelbase lengths. However, the wheel straps were a bit short, so it might be worthwhile to buy the longer straps for up to 4″ tires.
Atera Strada E-Bike ML
€ 349.00 | Manufacturer’s website
TECHNICAL DATA
Weight 15.8 kg
Load capacity 59.2 kg (with 2 bikes)
Maximum tire width 2.4″, expandable to 4″ with longer straps for wide tires
SPECIFIC FEATURES
Suitable for carbon frames: no
Maximum tipping angle: 75°
Lockable: yes
The arms for securing the bikes are padded and fitted with ratchets, which is great for frames with oversized tubes. If you can’t reach the outermost bike with the second arm, Atera offer an optional spacer that connects the first bike to the second one.
Conclusion
The Atera Strada is generously sized and can easily accommodate eMTBs with long wheelbases. However, the standard wheel straps quickly reach their limits if you’ve got thick tires over 2.4″ wide. In that case you should invest in longer straps, which are optionally available. Due to their length, the clamp arms don’t work with every ebike combination. Fortunately, Atera offer a spacer which you can use to fasten one bike to the other and thereby secure the outermost bike.
Tops
- large gap between the bikes
- flexible clamping mechanism is great for sensitive frames
Flops
- not foldable
- maximum tire width of 2.4
You can find out more about at atera.de
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best hitch rack for eMTBs – 5 models in our group test.
All hitch racks in test: Atera Strada E-Bike ML | EAL EUFAB Premium TG (Click for review) | Thule Easyfold XT2 (Click for review) | Uebler i21 (Click for review) | Westfalia Bikelander Classic (Click for review)
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Words: Susanne Feddersen, Manne Schmitt Photos: Manne Schmitt, Robin Schmitt
