Bike attachment to bike carrier – why steel-reinforced ratchet straps are the best choice
A bike carrier for the towbar is currently the most popular solution for transporting bikes or e-bikes safely and comfortably. It is easy to use and provides stable mounting. However, the right bike attachment is crucial for safety during transport – and there are significant differences between the various systems.
Clamps – classic but inflexible
In the past, bikes were often secured directly to the frame with sturdy clamps. The advantage: clamps can be locked and thus offer a certain degree of protection against theft.
The disadvantage: they are often inflexible with modern frame shapes, such as those commonly found on e-bikes with large battery elements. Many frames cannot be enclosed correctly. That is why current bike carriers for towbars are increasingly less likely to use clamps.
Nylon straps – flexible, but not lockable
Another option is nylon straps, which are mostly used to secure the tires. They are flexible and gentle on the rim, as they do not create a hard pressure point. Their disadvantage is that they are not lockable and are somewhat more cumbersome to use.
Ratchet straps – standard on modern bike carriers
Ratchet straps are now used almost exclusively on modern bike carriers for towbars. They are used to secure the frame and tires and offer numerous advantages:
- They completely enclose the frame or tire – no slipping possible.
- A rubber coating protects the paintwork and ensures a firm hold.
- They are quick and easy to use.
Especially with bike carriers for e-bikes, it is important to ensure that the ratchet straps are the correct length. E-bikes often have large frame tubes or larger wheel spacings. If the straps are too short, the bike cannot be secured safely.
It is particularly practical if the manufacturer offers different lengths of ratchet straps. This means that longer straps can be retrofitted or replaced if necessary if the standard strap is too short.
Another quality feature is additional rubber buffers or frame protectors on the ratchet straps. These serve as padding between the strap and the frame and protect sensitive surfaces from pressure marks and scratches. Not all manufacturers offer such buffers as standard, but they have great advantages:
- The pressure is distributed evenly over a larger area, which is particularly important for carbon frames.
- Paint damage or pressure marks on aluminum or e-bike frames are reliably avoided.
- The improved force distribution keeps the fastening stable without having to build up excessive tension.
Especially with high-quality or lightweight bikes, it is worth paying attention to such details – they increase both the safety and the value retention of the bike.
Steel-reinforced ratchet straps – greater security for e-bikes
An important aspect of bike transport is theft protection. While the bike is usually locked to the frame mount, the ratchet straps are often a weak point.
Without reinforcement, conventional plastic straps can simply be cut through.
That is why it is important that the ratchet straps are steel-reinforced. Only with an integrated steel strap does locking really make sense. At the same time, the steel reinforcement increases the service life of the straps and protects against tears, UV damage, and material fatigue.
It is ideal if the tire holders also have a locking function. This provides double security for the frame and wheels – ideal when transporting expensive e-bikes.
Care and spare parts
Over time, the teeth of the ratchet mechanism can wear down. Therefore, the straps should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary. When purchasing a bike carrier, make sure that replacement straps are available and easy and inexpensive to replace.
Additional rubber buffers or frame protectors protect sensitive materials such as carbon and distribute the pressure evenly.
Conclusion
If you transport an e-bike or bike on a towbar, steel-reinforced ratchet straps are highly recommended. They offer maximum security, protection against theft, and great flexibility when attaching different frame shapes or tire sizes—ideal for anyone who wants to transport their high-quality bikes reliably and safely to their destination.
