Uebler i21 – The featherweight for big bikes

The Uebler i21 is the lightest hitch rack in the test field. It is easy to mount and loading the bikes can also be done intuitively. Read on to find out whether the featherweight among the tested hitch racks can deliver in terms of handling and function compared to the other brands on test.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best hitch rack for eMTBs – 5 models in our group test.

The Uebler 21 is the lightest hitch rack on test and comes delivered in a compact and easy to handle box. As such, mounting the rack can easily be done even if you’re on your own. However, you’ve got to pull the rack towards you and tip it down after you pushed the coupler home on the hitch ball, which requires a little practice at first. Once it’s on, you simply pull it down and if everything fits correctly, you can hear the coupler and the rack clicking into place. The U-bar can then be folded out and locked into place. The rails also get folded out. With that done you can plug the rack in and you’re ready to go.

We really liked the clamps used to secure the bikes on the Uebler i21. The clamp that attaches to the U-bar is self-closing. To open it, all you have to do is squeeze the clamp on the other end. Once you’ve found a good place to attach it, simply release the clamp. This can take a little longer compared to other mechanisms, but it closes securely and can also be locked with a key. That said, the bikes were very close together. To avoid damaging them, we stuck a piece of foam in between the eMTBs. For bikes with wide frames, Uebler also offer optional spacers. The rails on the Uebler i21 can accommodate tires that are up to 4.5″ wide, but in that case, you need to buy longer straps since the standard versions are only long enough for up to 2.8″ tires.

The model we tested was the Uebler i21, model no. 15900. In the meantime, Uebler has included spacers for wide frames and the straps for tires up to 4.5″wide in the new model.

Depending on the model, the rack can be tipped by 60° or 90° with one hand, making it easy to reach the contents of your boot. If you’ve got very wide eMTB handlebars and choose the 90° version, you’ll have to be careful that the handlebar of the bike on the outside doesn’t hit the ground when you tip the rack. Alternatively, you’ll have to loosen the stem and tilt the handlebar sideways. Unfortunately, this will cost you additional time and effort. Obviously, you’ll also have to remember to tighten the stem back up before you go riding, which is easy to forget in the heat of the moment!

Conclusion

Once you’ve figured out how to angle the rack to slot it onto the tow hitch, the Uebler i21 is easy to fit and clicks into place all by itself. We also liked the clamp arms, which the manufacturer claims are suitable for carbon frames. However, the bikes were a bit too close together for our liking and we had to protect them with additional pieces of foam. Depending on the version, the rack can tip by 60° or 90°. However, if you choose the latter one you’ll have to be careful not to slam the handlebar of the outermost bike into the ground when tipping the rack.

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You can find out more about at uebler.com

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 (Click for review) | EAL EUFAB Premium TG (Click for review) | Thule Easyfold XT2 (Click for review) | Uebler i21 | Westfalia Bikelander Classic (Click for review)

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Words: Susanne Feddersen, Manne Schmitt Photos: Manne Schmitt, Robin Schmitt