Allen Sports Bike Rack Review (Why It's Soooo Popular on Amazon!)
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- If you’re looking for a solid quality car bike rack that won’t break the bank, Allen Sports is our favorite budget-friendly option.
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Will the Allen Sports Bike Rack work for your family and your bikes? Here are 6 things you need to know about the Allen Bike Rack before you click that buy button!
**STAY TUNED TO THE END OF THIS ALLEN BIKE RACK REVIEW FOR SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING!**
0:33 1. Hanging Racks
1:39 2. Loading Bikes
2:18 3. Rack Capacity
2:514. Bike Sizes & Adaptor Bars
3:53 5. Rack Installation
4:19 6. Rear Access
4:42 BONUS CONTENT
HANGING RACKS
There are two general types of bike racks. Tray racks where the bike’s wheels sit on trays, and hanging racks, where bikes hang from their top tube or an adaptor that serves as a makeshift top tube.
The primary benefits of hanging racks are that they are cheaper, smaller, and lighter. Platform racks can get up to almost 100 lbs. The hanging Allen bike rack weighs just 26 lbs and can be taken on and off the car quite easily.
A drawback of hanging racks is that they store the bikes more tightly together. This makes them a bit more of a puzzle to use than tray racks. Additionally, because they are stored so closely together bikes are also more likely to get scratched or damaged.
LOADING BIKES
While the manual tells you to alternate the direction of the bikes when loading the rack, with some bike combinations there is no way to make that happen. So if your bikes aren’t fitting one way, unload them and try bikes in a different order or a different direction.
RACK CAPACITY
Allen’s hanging racks come in 2, 3, 4, or 5 bike versions. Remember, hanging racks store bikes pretty close together.
We recommend buying a rack with a higher bike capacity than you need. For example, if you have 3 bikes, buy a rack with a 4 bike capacity. This allows you to leave one of the cradles open when loading bikes, and makes configuring them all on the rack much easier.
BIKE FIT & ADAPTORS
This rack fits most bikes 20″ and larger. Bikes smaller than 20″ don’t have long enough frames to fit onto the arms of the rack. (Most racks can’t fit bikes smaller than 20”)
Bikes with sloping top tubes and some 20” and 24” bikes won’t fit easily onto hanging racks without the use of an adaptor bar. The adaptor bar attaches to the headset and seat post of the bike, serving as a makeshift top tube so the bike can hang on the rack arms.
HITCH INSTALLATION
All of Allen’s hitch racks are compatible with cars that have a 2″ hitch receiver. The 2 & 3 bike capacity racks are also compatible with a 1.25″ receiver (they come with an adaptor to make it compatible with a 2″ receiver as well).
To install the rack into the receiver, you simply slide the rack into the receiver and then turn the knob until any wobble is eliminated.
REAR ACCESS
Allen Hitch Bike Racks all have arms that fold down when not in use and masts that tilt away from the hatch. The hatch cannot be accessed when bikes are loaded on the rack.
And now for some pretty helpful BONUS CONTENT!
After loading and unloading a wide variety of bikes on the Allen Hanging rack, we discovered some pretty helpful hacks.
BIKE ORDER: We’ve found that loading them big bike, small bike, big bike, small bike, is less likely to damage bikes and easier to puzzle together than loading biggest to smallest. You may also want to try loading two bikes next to each other in the same direction.
ADAPTOR BAR? Some bikes with sloping top tubes don’t actually need a top tube adapter bar. You can place one carry arm through the space between the seat tube and the seat stays and the other carry arm under the top tube. Rotate the cradles as necessary, and secure!
ADJUST THE SEAT HEIGHT: When using an adaptor bar, adjusting the seat height up or down can make it easier to load.
LITTLE BIKES UPSIDE DOWN: The rack is certainly not designed for upside down bikes, so be prepared with a bungee cord or two for added stability!
TAKE A PICTURE!: Once you’ve figured out the easiest way to configure your bikes, take a picture so you can save time the next time you load up your bikes!
Reviewer: Fressia Eames
Videography & Production: Fressia Eames
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#AllenSports #AllenSportsBikeRack #AllenBikeRack #bikerack #hitchbikerack
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Why can't all review videos be this concise and comprehensive? Thanks for posting this. Much appreciated.
Well thank you for that wonderful compliment! Glad to know our hard work is paying off!
You can order the product from here with 20% discount
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Agreed!
@@Twowheelingtotsbikes jjjjjnnnnnn jjjjjnnnnnn
Generally, we are interested to learn how to install this bike rack to different models kind of car too.
One of the best reviews that I saw in recent times. Clarity, concise, useful. Thank you
We’re so glad it could help you in any way to get out and ride!
Excellent video - the most informative of all the bike rack videos I’ve watched. You sold me on the Allen bike rack. Thanks for such an excellent video.
Thanks for such positive feedback. We're so glad we could help your bike life!
Just about to pull the trigger on this particular rack and your video is extremely helpful. Thanks for the in-depth review.
So glad we could be helpful!!
You can order the product from here with 20% discount
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This is so good!! thank you for putting this together. Very well thought review! Thank you!!
We’re so glad we could be helpful to you!
Thank you for making this very easy to understand.
Great review. Ours just came today and I love the quality and simplicity
Allen makes great products for such a great price!
Such a helpful video. I love your content!
Thank you for the nice feedback!!
Very helpful and covers everything. Thank you!
Thanks for the positive feedback!
I just got the 5-bike rack for...5 bikes. Going to try to use some of your tips to get them all on there (one is a 20 inch, one is a 16 inch). You make it look so easy. If I can't figure it out I'm going to hold y'all PERSONALLY responsible!
😂😂😂 if you have trouble with the 16 inch, try strapping the top tube on the cradle arm closest to the rear wheel, and the downtube on the cradle arm closest to the front wheel. We didn’t show that in the video but it works with several bikes we tried recently!
I have a 4 bike platform rack and just bought a 2 bike carrier from Harbor Freight for $40.
The platform is awkward to handle but you can remove the tire grabbers and use the platform for cargo so thats pretty useful
This was very helpful, well done- thanks!
You're very welcome! Happy riding!
Best video and review I’ve seen.
Glad you enjoyed it, hopefully it was helpful!
Great information. Now I just need to decide 3 or 4 bike rack and consider what you recommended. Great job of demonstrating all the options.
Glad it was helpful!
Very informative video. Thanks a bunch.
Glad it was helpful!
This is a helpful review. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
This was a huge help.
Did watch before I hit “add to cart”
So glad we could help you make the right choice!
Great review, very informative. You ladies know your stuff, and are beautiful as well. Keep it up.
Glad our work is helpful to you!
I was shocked by how much Thule and Yakima 4 bike hanging rack would cost me. This is a good alternative. Thanks for the video
Glad to help!
These are good quality racks. My $27 allen trunk rack was actually stronger than the thule which broke and I had to put metal braces on it.
Awesome video thank you for the help.
Glad it helped!
Very clear and concise
Thanks for the positive feedback!
Amazing review. I've got premier locking 4. Looking forward to use it first time...
Hope you enjoy it!
You can order the product from here with 20% discount
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Wow...that's the best and quick summary review...used ur link to purchase one...4 bike carrier-quick releasee green colored seems only 46$ at the moment
That is an awesome deal! And we’re so glad our video was helpful. We hope you are enjoying your new bike rack!
Great review, thank you!
Glad we could help!
You can order the product from here with 20% discount
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Going to do your advice one better. My boys and I have three bikes so I ordered the 5 bike model so there well be enough space between the three bikes to (hopefully) avoid damaging each other.
Awesome video. Thanks
Happy it was helpful to you!
Will any of these racks work for lifting big enduro mountain bikes on gnarly off road terrain?
I would go with a beefier rack like the Thule Pro XT or a Lolo. www.twowheelingtots.com/best-bike-car-racks-for-families/
How are you fitting that 16" bike with an adult bike? I have the allen mt2 (ultra compact), 2 bike, and I'm finding it impossible to get both bikes on. Can you please show how to do that?
We have a video review specifically for trunk racks. This should help you ua-cam.com/video/hYp9m7OT4aU/v-deo.html
We were able to get some 16 inch bikes on the ultracompact, but not all.
I know this is a shot in the dark, but has anyone tried one of these on a 2020 or newer Hyundai Sonata? The Allen website says it "should" fit. Thule and Saris say their trunk mounts don't fit the vehicle. I'm hesitant to install a hitch and give Hyundai an excuse to void the warranty.
wow great useful video! thanks!
So glad it was helpful to you!
You can order the product from here with 20% discount
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Great Video Thanks
Happy to help!
Is it safe to drive on bumpy roads or dirt roads ( reall off road )while the rack is installed
We would recommend a rack where the bikes are more secure and won’t sway if you’ll be going off road. A platform rack like the Saris Superclamp EX or a vertical hitch rack like Alta Rack would be a better choice.
I was worried about the wobbling I was seeing in my rear view mirror but it seems like this is normal? The end of the video I noticed the rack was a bit bouncy which is what I experienced and it made me nervous lol
Glad we could help!
You can order the product from here with 20% discount
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Just got this a week ago. Fits 4 bikes great! Used it once and now the lock just spins and won't loosen... UPDATE Figureed it out this morning. When its locked it just spins. Hopefully we don't run into the issue where the locking mechanism stops working and you need to cut it off..
Excellent video
Thank you very much!
I have this rack, it’s a very common issue for the locking handle to strip out and then you’re in a solid predicament. At this point the rack is stuck until cut off with angle grinder or sawzall.
We have not had this experience, if you have contacted customer service, we would love to know what they said.
@@Twowheelingtotsbikes I reached out to customer service and luckily my rack is under warranty and will get replacement parts but I was correct, it needs to be cut off. They suggested loosening the bolt from behind but most hitches are sealed so leaves no room for access. Lucky for me I have metal working tools but would really stink if I didn't. This is a very common issue with this rack, I've found countless incidents online with other owners. The knob is made of plastic and bound to fail as the tool used to lock in metal components.
This is great feedback. Thank you for posting that here. Can you tell us exactly which model you’re having the issue with?
Sigh, Can you advise a budgetfriendly rack for childrens bikes 14 and 16 inch?
This doesn’t really exist. There are very few racks that can fit a bike smaller than 20”. Those that can are expensive. Parents usually just their small bikes in the truck or even the front seat.
Do the straps that hold the bike loosen up while driving?
In our experience, no!
No! They should'nt either! They do recommend strapping all 4 bikes together for more stability and should a strap come loose that extra strap will prevent anything from falling off :)
How does this compare with the Allen Deluxe hitch mount bike rake?
The main differences between the Premier and Deluxe lines are as follows:
Spine Shield: The Premier models offer Spine Shield, which is a padded shield that protects the bike from the metal mast of the rack. Deluxe models do not offer a padded shield.
Rapid Tilt-away Mast: The Premier models have a one-handed pull-lever to tilt the mast away from trunk, while the Deluxe models use a quick-release clip.
Quick Fold Carry Arms: The Premier models have two red release buttons that you press to fold down arms, while the Deluxe models use a quick-release clip
Quick Secure Straps: The Premier models have upgraded rubber straps that hook onto a knob to secure a bike in the cradle. The Deluxe models have fabric straps that must be threaded and then pulled tight.
@@Twowheelingtotsbikes thank you so much.
Does the adapter come with?
Which adapter are you referring to?
Best freaking video
Thanks! We’re glad it’s helpful to you!
Strap security vs Thule Apex Xt?
Can you be a little more specific what you mean?
How do you keep the bikes from getting stolen?
You don't leave them unattended. That goes with any bike rack. Even if you wrap a locking bike cable around the frames, a determined thief could easily cut that cable.
so blocking the taillights is ok?
That will depend on your state. Each state's laws are different, but many accommodate for the use of a bike rack.
Do these fit on Toyota rav 4s
I would contact Allen's customer service for specific fit questions.
Can you lock the bike on the rack?
There is no locking mechanism included.
ma i carabinieri non fanno multe per la targa illeggibile?
It depends on the state. Usually bike racks are exempt from that.
thank you
Thanks for watching!
The cradles can be twisted to hold the seat-post so the bike won't wiggle while driving.
Comments?
Two hot moms! That are very helpful Thanks!
almost sold. but how could I lock the rack to the hitch?
If you buy the Deluxe Locking model, it will lock to your hitch. amzn.to/3vgEuuR
There are also "Locking pins" for the non deluxe model but personally I would go with the locking model. You get 2 keys :)
Iss ue is that you can lock the base of the rack to the hitch, but anyone with a wrench can undo the next nut and bolt and take the rack and the bikes with it! Not sure why they dont weld thos other pins in place, otherwise best to get 4 locking pins to secure the whole rack OR use a chain around the frames back to the ring in the hitch.
@@stevehardie8109 my mechanic stripped to top nut so that it can't be removed. Ever. I figured even if I remove the rack from my car for some reason, there would be no reason to dissasemble to rack arm from the peice that goes in to the trailer hitch, so not being able to take it apart isn't an issue, and feeling much better knowing that no one with any kind of tool will be able to dissasemble and walk off with it.
That is the best way to transport your bikes long distance without using gashog pickup trucks
A bike rack will change your bike life!
We have the 4 bike rack and it’s not good
We love ours for the price! What do you not like about yours?
You should review clearly bikes
We do review Cleary bikes!
Wish they had a six
You need a vertical hitch rack for that! www.twowheelingtots.com/best-vertical-bike-racks-hitch/
@@Twowheelingtotsbikes yeah…1000+. No thanks. Wish Allen had a six. At least their prices are within reason…
We hear you! Unfortunately vertical or pick up truck bed racks are the only style that can accommodate that much weight.
What about the license plate? Will the police be able to see license plate, I don't want to be pulled over.
License plates are obscured by most racks when loaded, but many states have that as an exception and it's not against the law. Be sure to check the laws of your state.
These racks are garbage. Wait until the rack gets stuck in your hitch with no way to get it out.
That can happen with any hitch rack if left in your hitch receiver for too long. How long did you have it on your car without removing it?
Initial response: Got this bike for my friend. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ Delivery was fast. And the friend was surprised I would order it when she had never suggested she wanted anything but the pedal bike she had. She has now ridden the bike two times and gives it a 10 and says it is very fun. We have some hills in our town that are very challenging to climb on a typical bike. But tonight she went up with the pedal assist and loved it. I was way behind on my standard bike, huffing and puffing. Now she is no longer lagging behind me. This thing is powerful enough that a person could go around town without any pedaling. She likes to get some exercise so on flat ground she hits the red button to turn off pedal assist and only uses the twist throttle when she's in a tough spot. The bike looks good. It is really a very nice bike for the friend. Now for me, when I get an electric bike, I'm twice her size and will be looking for a bigger watt motor and battery. But this one is just wonderful for my friend. I am happy with this purchase.
Lolol good problem to have!
Manufacturer recommends the first bike loaded should have the chain side loaded away from the rack.