Opel Astra H (A04) hatchback with a Yakima HalfBack 3 tailgate bike rack

We fitted the Yakima HalfBack 3 tailgate-mounted bike rack on this 5-door Opel Astra H (A04) hatchback. We did the fitting in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Opel Astra H (A04) 5-door hatchback

The Opel Astra H, model code A04, was launched in March 2004 as a 5-door hatchback, exactly the body we worked on. The Caravan estate arrived at the end of 2004 and the GTC in 2005. In January 2007 the model received a facelift, with a new front end and rear lights in different colours. Production ended at the end of 2009, except for the Astra TwinTop, built until November 2010.

On a hatchback the tailgate is the simplest place for bikes: you need neither roof bars nor a towbar. If you later want to use the roof as well, the Opel Astra H manual says that the version without roof rails has fixing points under some covers, and that the maximum roof load is 75 kg, including the weight of the bars. For a tailgate rack something else matters: a clean tailgate and a rack placed in the centre, as we explain in the fitting steps for tailgate-mounted racks.

What we fitted on this Astra H

The Yakima HalfBack 3 rack is a steel rack that attaches to the tailgate or boot lid, designed for up to 3 bikes and a maximum load of 40.8 kg. The bikes are held by the frame, and the ZipStrips secure them to the rack and can be removed. According to the data sheet, the bikes do not touch each other and the rack accepts any frame diameter.

Fitting takes about 5 minutes: the rack comes fully assembled, attaches to the body at 4 points with 4 straps and needs no other tools. When you are not using it, it folds, and the compact design makes it easy to store.

Video: Yakima HalfBack tailgate rack, video presentation

Technical details and what to watch for

• The Yakima HalfBack 3 weighs 10 kg and carries a maximum of 40.8 kg; divided between 3 bikes, that is about 13.6 kg per bike on average, so heavier bikes reduce the number you can take.
• The rack is not compatible with e-bikes or fat bikes, according to the data sheet.
• It has no lock for the rack, so it is best not to leave it on the car unattended.
• After loading the bikes, check that the number plate and the rear lights are clearly visible and that the pedals or handlebars do not touch the bodywork.
• The bikes are held by the frame, so step-through bikes with a low frame may need a bike frame adapter.

Frequently asked questions

Which bike rack fits the tailgate of an Opel Astra H hatchback?

On a 5-door Opel Astra H (A04) hatchback we fitted the Yakima HalfBack 3, which attaches to the tailgate with 4 straps and carries up to 3 bikes, with a maximum of 40.8 kg. Exact compatibility can be checked on the Yakima website, which the product page links to, or you can contact us through our contact page or at [email protected]. contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

How many kilograms can the Yakima HalfBack 3 carry?

The Yakima HalfBack 3 carries a maximum of 40.8 kg, that is up to 3 bikes, and the rack itself weighs 10 kg. It is not compatible with e-bikes or fat bikes.

How do I fit a bike rack correctly on the tailgate of an Opel Astra H?

A tailgate rack such as the Yakima HalfBack 3 goes on a clean tailgate, in the centre, with all the straps tensioned; then check that the rack does not move from side to side and that the bikes do not touch the bodywork of the Opel Astra H. The steps are explained in detail in our fitting guide for tailgate-mounted bike racks.

Can I carry a bike on the roof of an Opel Astra H?

Yes, with roof bars: the Opel Astra H manual shows that the version without roof rails has fixing points under covers, and that the maximum roof load is 75 kg including the bars (100 kg for the estate with roof rails). No roof load is permitted on the Astra TwinTop. You can find the differences between the versions in the comparison of roof-mounted and tailgate-mounted bike racks.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

If you want to see how the Yakima HalfBack 3 sits on your car, our showroom is at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania. Until then, you can browse tailgate bike racks or the whole range of bike racks. For a quick question, contact us through our contact page or at [email protected]. contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

You can also message us on WhatsApp.

Sources: Wikipedia, Opel Astra (Astra H, A04) · Opel Astra H Owner's Manual MY11, pp. 83 and 85 · SuportBicicleta.ro guide: fitting steps for tailgate bike racks · product pages on suportbicicleta.ro