In some areas, North America is ahead of Europe, including when it comes to bike transport. While traditional rear racks—where bikes are mounted crosswise on the vehicle—have become the norm here, vertical mounts emerged early on in North America and Canada. The reason is practical: the conventional design, in which the bikes are mounted crosswise to the vehicle, often requires a veritable puzzle to load them. Wide axles, long wheelbases, and complex frame shapes make handling even more difficult. Vertical systems, such as those used on shuttle trailers, were adapted for passenger cars in North America years ago. However, one obstacle remained for a long time: many of these solutions were incompatible with European road traffic regulations. In the meantime, two German suppliers have taken on the challenge. While Push Components offers the Pushrack, a modular rear carrier for campers, Fastrack focuses on a vertical solution for the trailer hitch. Both systems aim to make handling easier and simplify bicycle transport in everyday life.Pushrack: Vertical Transport for Campers The Pushrack bike rack is designed for campers who want to transport mountain bikes on the rear of their vehicle without relying on heavy and cumbersome rail systems. The bikes are hooked onto the rack with the handlebars facing the vehicle and transported vertically. According to the manufacturer, this saves space, reduces weight, and makes handling easier. Additionally, the rear doors can reportedly be opened even with the bikes mounted. With the V3 version, Push Components has further refined the system. Features include an enlarged tire support, an integrated stem guide for greater stability, reduced lateral tilt of the bikes, and a sliding bearing that allows the tire holder to be adjusted continuously. Additionally, each bike can be locked individually. The stainless steel locking bar is already integrated. The carrier is available in several variants. The standard version is designed for many bike types, including mountain bikes, children’s bikes, lightweight e-bikes, as well as road bikes and gravel bikes with some limitations. A special version is available for downhill bikes with double-crown forks or e-bikes with wide displays. A separate carrier is required for each bike. According to the manufacturer, each unit weighs 1.5 kilograms, is made of powder-coated aluminum, and is manufactured in Germany. Push Components lists suitable vehicles including the Fiat Ducato, Citroën Jumper, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Renault Master, and Volkswagen Crafter. For e-bikes, the load capacity is up to twenty-five kilograms, with a maximum of two bikes per door. This positions the Pushrack as a lightweight and flexible solution for transporting bikes on the rear of a camper. pushcomponents.com

Fastrack: A US-Style Trailer Hitch Bike Rack The Fastrack is a vertical bike rack for the trailer hitch, similar to US models. The bikes are hooked in at the top by the front wheel, secured at the bottom, and then positioned for riding. According to the manufacturer, this allows for quick loading, keeps the system organized, and improves rear visibility, as the wheels no longer protrude from the sides of the vehicle. The carrier is available in two versions. The Fastrack 2 is designed for two bicycles, and the Fastrack 4 for four. Both models are intended for wheelbases up to 1,300 millimeters. The maximum load capacity is 60 kilograms. The smaller carrier weighs 20 kilograms, while the larger version weighs 23 kilograms. According to the manufacturer, the system is suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes, provided the weight limits are observed. The rack is not intended for use with fat bikes, tandems, recumbent bikes, or small children’s bikes, among others. In addition, the rack is designed so that rear doors can be opened fully even on vans, even on vehicles with a spare tire mounted. fast-rack.de