Atera's design team have come up trumps again, with the superb new lightweight Strada 2 and 3 carriers (only 12.5/14.5kg) which is fully self-adjusting for all tow balls and - this is the real innovation - doesn't tilt but slides away from the car, much in the same way as a kitchen drawer slides out of a unit. Not only is this a single handed operation, but the bike carrier is taking the weight of the bikes, so it's easy, and safe - the bikes won't suddenly pivot forward and clock you on the head.
You can step into the carrier to make carrying and fitting it even easier, i.e. placing no strain on your back, and causing no bruises to your shins. It's only 100cm wide so you should be able to fit it into the boot of most cars; although it locks to the tow bar this lock is as much for safety as security - the real benefit of being able to remove the carrier is that it increases the opportunities for safe parking, especially in e.g. a multi-storey car park, or in a standard car-length parking space, or when parked diagonally to the road, nose into the pavement, which is the typical routine in mainland Europe.
There's even a double ended plug, i.e. both the "13 pin" continental type and the 7 pin standard UK type, so you'll never need a lighting adapter.
The Strada 2 holds upto 3 bikes with a third-bike adapter, and the Strada 3 holds upto 4 bikes with a fourth-bike adapter.
Prices start at £230 for the Strada 2 and £250 for the Strada 3*.
To find out more aboutthe Atera Strada's and other bike carriersclick here
*Price correct at 28 June 2007. The Roof Box Company reserve the right to change this price at any time.
