Bicycle trailer hitch assembly instructions

Hand fitting the veolo hitch to the rear axle of the bike

How to properly install the bicycle trailer hitch

The veolo trailer can be attached to the rear wheel of almost all bicycles.
We explain in 5 steps how to properly install the bike trailer hitch and which accessories you need depending on the axle type.

1. Determine axle type

What axle does your bike have?

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 1: cap nut on the rear hub

Full axles?

Solid axle: firmly connected to the hub on the left and right by locknuts. Older bicycles often have solid axles.

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 2: spring and lever on the quick release

Quick-release axle?

Quick-release axle: Clamping lever with approximately 5 mm diameter and springs on the left and right.

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 3: quick release with spring and screws

Steering axle?

Thru-axle: may also have a quick-release lever, but it is over 9 mm thick and has visible threading on one side.

Do you have a thru-axle? Then jump directly to step 3.

2. Check the frame

Only for quick-release or solid axles: check if your frame is flat dropout on the left side in the direction of travel or recessed dropout:

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 4: hitch plate on the dropout

Outrageously Flat

If the frame has no recess, it is completely flat, see illustration. Proceed to step 3.

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 5: special pin on the hitch plate

Outrageously Deep

For a recessed frame, you need an adapter to extend quick-release axles (e.g., here) and a thru-axle adapter for thru-axles (e.g., here) to compensate for the recess, see illustration.

For all quick-release axles, you can learn more about the special polygon in step 3.2.

3. Check Axles

Now we will check whether you can continue to use your axle without any problems or if an adjustment is needed.

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 6: two pin versions compared

Check full axles

If you have a full axle, check now whether you can use it without problems, need accessories, or have to replace it.

  • Loosen the castle nuts and measure whether there is at least 15 mm of remaining thread on the full axle.
  • If yes, you can easily attach the coupling.
  • If not, you need a full axle adapter.
Fitting the veolo hitch, step 7: wide special pin for thicker frames

Check quick-release axle

If you have a quick-release axle instead, check its compatibility as follows:

  • Frame with flat dropout: Loosen the quick-release lever and check if the axle protrudes at least 10mm (nut + coupling piece) on the other side for attaching the coupling (Note: If less than 10 mm remains on the other side of the axle, your axle is too short and you will need an adapter.
  • Frame with recessed dropout: You need to compensate for the recess with an adapter so that the coupling can be attached.
Fitting the veolo hitch, step 8: sectional drawing of axle and hub with dimensions

Check the drive axle

If you have a thru-axle instead, proceed as follows:

  • For a thru-axle, you need an axle with a coupling mount.
  • Compare the illustration with your thru-axle to determine the axle length, axle mount, and thread pitch, and to find the appropriate thru-axle.

4. Assembly & Order

Attach and align the clutch.

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 9: mounting with the special pin or the quick adapter

Full Axle Assembly

Pay attention to the order of the individual parts.

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 10: version with the quick adapter

Quick Release Axle Installation

Pay attention to the order of the individual parts.

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 11: bolting both versions

Steering Axle Assembly

Pay attention to the order of the individual parts.

4. Hook and secure the drawbar

The clutch must be securely seated and aligned as shown in the illustrations. Now you can get started.

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 12: hitch and axle labelled

Hanging

Insert the ball head of the bicycle trailer drawbar into the coupling on the bicycle. The illustration shows the Thule model.

With the veolo coupling
, the ball head clicks in from the side.

Fitting the veolo hitch, step 13: safety pin and safety strap

Save

Secure the coupling with the safety cable around the frame. Pass the safety cable once around the frame and back through the loop in the safety cable. Now insert the locking pin into the coupling until it clicks into place. The illustration shows the Thule model.

For the veolo coupling
, the safety cable must be attached to the frame. A locking pin is not necessary. Optionally, you can lock the coupling.

Suitable accessories for your clutch

Full-axle adapter M12x1.25 for the veolo trailer hitch

Axle Adapter Full Axle

If your solid axle has less than 15 mm of remaining thread.

Quick-release adapter for the veolo trailer hitch

Special Polygon Quick Release Clamp

If the frame of your quick-release axle is recessed outward.

Thru axle with nut and washers for the veolo trailer hitch

Thru axle

The suitable thru-axle with coupling mount.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Clutch

To install on the gravel bike, you need a suitable new thru-axle with a lateral mount for various coupling systems. We always include the appropriate Thule coupling piece.

Yes, the appropriate coupling piece from Thule is included as standard. In the configuration, you can alternatively choose the Weber coupling for a small additional charge.

Standard coupling (similar to Thule): proven system with ball head on the drawbar and counterpart on the bicycle, secured with a split pin and safety cable. Almost play-free, durable, unobtrusive – installed as standard and supplied with the counterpart.

Weber coupling: technically more complex, with drawbar connection and integrated lock. A slightly larger coupling piece remains on the bike; the mounting part for the bicycle is not included and cannot be combined with the swivel drawbar.