Allen Bike Carrier: A Detailed Review of Its Design and Functionality

The Allen Bike Carrier is a popular choice among cyclists who need to transport their bikes safely and efficiently. It's designed to hold two bikes, with a maximum weight capacity of 35 pounds per bike.

One of the standout features of the Allen Bike Carrier is its sturdy frame, which is made from heavy-duty steel. This ensures that the carrier can withstand rough roads and frequent use.

The Allen Bike Carrier is relatively easy to install, with a quick-release system that allows you to attach it to your vehicle in just a few minutes. This makes it perfect for those who need to transport their bikes on a regular basis.

The carrier's design also makes it easy to load and unload bikes, with a sloping roof that allows for easy access to the bike's wheels.

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The Allen bike carrier is designed to be a versatile and reliable solution for transporting bicycles. It's made of heavy-duty steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance.

The carrier's frame is adjustable, allowing it to fit a wide range of bike sizes and types. This means you can easily transport your road bike, mountain bike, or even a tandem bike.

One of the standout features of the Allen bike carrier is its easy-to-use strap system. The straps are designed to be quick and simple to secure your bike, so you can get on the road or to your destination without any hassle.

The unboxing experience of the Allen Sports Bike Rack is a straightforward one. The rack requires some assembly, but it's a quick process that involves just a couple of bolts.

The assembly process is a breeze, making it easy to get started with using the rack.

Allen Sports adaptors bars can be a game-changer for loading smaller bikes and bikes with steep sloping frames, making it a bit easier to get them on the rack.

Most bikes can technically be loaded without the adaptor, but it's beneficial in certain scenarios. For example, a 20″ bike may not fit properly without the adaptor because the rim and tire of the first bike are in the way of the hand grip and hand brake.

Steep sloping top tubes and some 20″ bikes use the adaptor for easier loading. Step-through frames can also be mounted by rotating the cradle and placing the rack arm behind the rear seat tube and below the rear down-stay.

Using the adaptor on a step-through frame can leave your bike with the front tire way higher than the back tire, which isn't ideal. This method can be just as quick, but it's worth considering the angle of your bike on the rack.

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Folding Rear Hatch Access is a convenient feature that allows you to access the rear of your car without having to load or unload your bikes.

Allen Bike Racks have arms that fold down when not in use, making storage and transportation easier.

Some models have pull levers and release buttons, which are quicker to use than models with QR (quick-release) pins.

These pull levers and release buttons make folding and tilting the mast a breeze.

The mast tilts away from the hatch, giving you easy access to the rear of your car.

However, you'll need to remove a QR clip and tilt the post away from the car to access the hatch when using the QR pin model.

The hatch cannot be accessed when bikes are loaded on the rack, so be sure to pack the trunk before loading your bikes.

Tilting the hitch while it's loaded with bikes could weaken the structural integrity of the rack and damage the bikes.

The performance and functionality of bike carriers is a key consideration for anyone looking to transport their bikes safely and efficiently.

The IMTEST has thoroughly tested various models, focusing on practicality and safety, and two models stood out from the rest.

These models are designed for attachment to the towing hitch and can carry up to two bikes.

The maximum weight capacity of these bike carriers is 60 kilograms.

The Allen bike carrier has its pros and cons. It's a cost-effective bike transportation solution, ringing in at a lower price compared to other options on the market.

One of the cons is the straps, which aren't the most reliable option for securing bikes. However, the tie-downs do rotate, making it easier to find a spot that works for securing the tie-down to the bike's frame.

The "no-wobble hitch installation" claim by Allen is a bit misleading, as there is some shimmy on the road, which is a common issue with bike racks.

The Allen Sports Bike Rack is a cost-effective solution for transporting multiple bikes. It's a good budget-conscious option for those who need to haul around multiple bikes.

One of the notable features of this rack is its ability to rotate and adjust the tie-downs to secure the bikes in place. This is especially helpful when trying to secure the tie-down to a part of the bike's frame that is angled.

The rack is relatively light, weighing about 24 pounds, making it easy to hoist up and install. The install process is also relatively simple, with a built-in spring-loaded alignment "pin" to hold it in place with a tension mechanism.

The rack can secure up to four bikes, with two tie-down cradle positions for each bike. However, the tie-down system may not be the most secure, as mentioned in one review.

Here are some key features of the Allen Sports Bike Rack:

Overall, the Allen Sports Bike Rack is a solid option for those looking for a budget-friendly solution for transporting multiple bikes.

The Allen Sports Bike Rack isn't perfect, and I've got some gripes to share. One major issue is the limited spacing between bikes, making it challenging to fit more than two adult bikes and one kid bike on the rack.

The straps on this rack are a real pain to use. They're a ratchet strap, which is a far cry from the more convenient rubber strap used on higher-end racks like the Thule. The Premier model does offer rubberized straps, but that's not the standard.

You'll also encounter some frustration with the cotter pins, which can be hard to remove. And if you plan to permanently mount this rack to your vehicle, be aware that the top pin is essentially useless when bikes are on board.

If you need to quickly load your bikes and hit the road, this rack might not be the best choice. It's also not ideal for cyclists with expensive bikes who worry about damage or clanking together once loaded.

The Allen Sports Bike Rack is a solid option for those on a budget. It's priced at $149.99 on Amazon, which is significantly lower than many other bike racks on the market.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Allen Sports Bike Rack is that it's not the most feature-rich option out there. However, it's relatively light and easy to install, making it a great choice for those who want a hassle-free experience.

The rack can hold four bikes, but be prepared for some wrangling when getting the straps around the bikes. The ratchet straps can be a bit of a pain to deal with, especially when you're trying to secure multiple bikes.

The rack does have some wiggle room, but it's not too bad. You can rotate the tie-downs to get them in the right position, which helps to secure the bikes.

If you plan to permanently mount the rack to your vehicle, be aware that it won't be a quick proposition to access the cargo area. The cotter pins can be hard to remove, and the top pin used to rotate the rack down isn't really usable when bikes are onboard.

Overall, the Allen Sports Bike Rack is a good option for those who need a budget-friendly hitch rack that fits four bikes.

The Allen bike carrier is a solid-quality product that's perfect for families on a budget. It's impressive to see how Allen Sports can offer such great value without breaking the bank.

The Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Hitch Rack is a great example of this, holding up to 5 bikes while costing under $200. I can attest to the ease of assembly and disassembly, as the rack takes up very little space when fully assembled.

The rack's design makes it incredibly easy to put on and take off the car, with the process taking under a minute. This is a huge plus for anyone who wants to get on the road quickly.

The Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Hitch Rack is a reliable choice for families who want to enjoy the outdoors together. Its quality and functionality make it a great option for those on a budget.

Assembling the rack is a breeze, requiring just a few hand movements to get it done. The quick-release mechanism makes securing the rack a simple process.

The rack's versatility is impressive, allowing you to adjust the fit to your car's hitch with ease. This is especially useful for those with different types of hitches.

The Allen Bike Carrier is a great option for transporting multiple bikes, but it's essential to consider the capacity and weight limits. The rack comes in capacities ranging from 2 to 5 bikes, with a maximum weight of 35 pounds allowed for each bike.

If you can afford the slight upgrade, buying a rack with one extra bike capacity than you need is a good idea. For example, if you need to carry four bikes, consider purchasing a 5-bike capacity rack. This will give you a bit more flexibility and make it easier to load and unload the bikes.

The actual load capacity can be easily calculated by subtracting the weight of the rack from the maximum allowed weight. For a typical maximum weight of 75 kg, this would be an allowed load of 57 kg. However, when using a multi-bike rack, it's easy to reach the maximum weight limit, so it's crucial to keep an eye on the total weight.

The capacity of a bike rack is a crucial consideration when choosing the right one for your needs.

Allen bike racks come in carrier capacities of 2 to 5 bikes, with a max weight of 35 pounds allowed for each bike.

It's worth noting that buying a rack with one extra bike capacity than you need can be a good idea, as it gives you some flexibility when carrying different bikes.

For example, if you need to carry four bikes, buying a 5-bike capacity rack can be a good investment.

The manual for the Allen bike rack recommends alternating the direction of the bikes when loading the rack, but this may not always be the best approach, especially if your bikes are of different shapes and sizes.

To find the right configuration, you may need to experiment with different bike placements and angles.

Bikes 20″ and larger can be loaded onto this rack, but some may require an adaptor.

Bikes smaller than 20″ don't have long enough frames for the carry arms to fit inside.

Larger bikes are a lot easier to carry on this rack because they have a larger frame that allows you to slide them right and left along the rack arms.

The Allen bike carrier is designed to be easy to install, but it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. The Allen bike carrier can be installed on most vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks.

To ensure a secure installation, make sure to tighten all bolts and screws firmly. The Allen bike carrier has a weight capacity of 35 pounds per bike, so be mindful of the weight of your bike when loading it onto the carrier.

Before each use, inspect the Allen bike carrier for any signs of wear or damage. The carrier's arms should be securely attached to the vehicle's roof, and the straps should be tightened properly to prevent the bike from shifting during transport.

Loading and unloading a bike rack can be a bit of a challenge, but it's worth it to get your bikes safely on the road. The manufacturer recommends loading the bikes onto the rack arms and placing top tubes into cradles with the bikes in alternating directions.

Securing the bikes into the cradles using straps is a must, especially if you're planning a long drive or a lot of stop-and-go traffic. The bikes will sway when you brake and accelerate, and not securing them can lead to wear and tear.

Using a 70" strap to tie the bikes together and to the mast can significantly decrease the movement and sway of the bikes. This is a great idea, especially if you're not used to driving with a bike rack.

Padding between the bikes can also help protect them from damage, but it does add extra time to the loading process. If you're short on time, you might consider skipping this step.

Loading a bike rack can be a bit of a workout, with a "sweat factor" of 7 out of 10. It's a task best suited for teenagers or adults, as it requires some muscle and maneuvering.

To ensure the lights on your bike carrier work properly, you'll need a socket at the trailer hitch to connect the car's electronics to the bike carrier. This connection is necessary for the rear lights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate light to function.

There are two types of sockets available for this connection: a 7-pin and a 13-pin socket. The 13-pin socket is the newer design and is supported by all the candidates in our test field.

The Allen Bike Carrier is a great option for those who want a hassle-free installation process. It's far simpler to install on your vehicle than traditional tray racks.

The Allen Bike Carrier is also lighter and less bulky, making it a great choice for those with limited storage space. This is especially true for smaller vehicles or those with limited roof space.

However, there is a trade-off for this simplicity: it can be more complicated and time-consuming to load bikes onto the rack. You'll want to plan ahead and take your time when loading your bikes to avoid any issues.

Loading your bikes to the max capacity can also lead to premature wear and tear on your bikes. So, be mindful of your bike's weight capacity and don't overload the rack.