Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1/1/4 and 2-Inch Receiver)

Product Details

• Item Weight: 31 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 30.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0001VO1YY
• Item model number: 64650
  

By : Swagman Bicycle Carriers
List Price : $178.00
Price : $137.51
You Save : $40.49 (23%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
The XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack from Swagman is a versatile hitch-mount rack that can easily accommodate children's and adult bikes, downhill bikes, cruiser bikes, full-suspension bikes, BMX bikes, "Y" frame designs, and much more (and without the hassle of removing wheels). The XC slides into a two-inch receiver and carries up to two bikes (with an option to carry up to four bikes with another module, available separately).
Swagman's XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Rack easily adjusts to accommodate a wide variety of bike frames.The XC easily adjusts to different bike frame sizes with the simple movement of the wheel hoops. Its frame grip arms feature a soft, frame-friendly coating to protect your bike's finish. When not in use, the rack folds up for easy storage.
Specifications:

• Capacity: Two bikes
• Mount: 2-inch hitch
• Hitch: Fits Class 3 hitch

Transports up to 2 bikes. Compatible with 1 1/4" and 2" receiver hitch. It has a built in anti-woble hitch device. Upright ratchedt arms easily adjust to different bike frame sizes. It will accomodatge bike framse up to 59cm. The center arm folds down to allow acccess to the rear of the vehicle without removing the rack. Fits 20: to 29" tire sizes. Locking hitch pin required by the manufacturer is item No. 64029.

Product Features

• Carries up to two bikes; fits 1/1/4 and 2-inch receiver
• Features adjustable quick-release tire hoops and a ratcheting top arm which allows you to carry a wide variety of bike frames
• Top arms fold down and the base folds up to keep this rack out of the way when not in use
• Frame grip arms have a soft-frame coating to protect your bike's finish
• Requires minimal assembly

 

Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1/1/4 and 2-Inch Receiver)

 

Customer Reviews

This rack is advertized as easy to put together out of the box, and easy to use once you are ready to to ride. Both of these statements are completely true. We have one man's and one woman's comfort bikes and the different length center main clamps of the rack are perfectly suited to these differences in bike design. The rack is very easy to insert and lock into our trailer hitch and the bikes are extremely easy to load requiring only a minimal lift and support to set and lock them into the rack. Definitely truth in advertising!

After shopping around everywhere on-line, including the classified and auction sites, this was the best deal in a reliable bike rack I could find. Combined with free shipping, it ended up being less than half of the price of the alternatives! This rack is really solid and very quick to take the bikes on and off. It is especially nice that the vertical bar can be rotated flat. This allows quick and painless access into the back of hatchback vehicles without having to remove the rack. A lot of good engineering thought went into this device.
There are two minor points that prevent this item from having five stars. First, beware of the ratcheting top clamps, as they can be a real finger pincher if you are not careful. Second, even though the rack goes together painlessly and quickly, it would be better if the documentation discussed the more subtle but nice features and the best ways of loading and using the rack. For example it is important that the chain side of the two bikes face away from the center post, otherwise there is a clearance problem getting both bikes to fit. Another is the best way to load the first bike (remove both top clamps and rotate the vertical bar down to the back tire position). And yet another is the best approach for optimum positioning of the tire rings (keep all four loose until everything fits, no rubbing points exist and the bikes are centered behind the vehicle).
All in all a great and solid product that will certainly outlast the bicycles it will be hauling around!
-Christopher Erickson

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Allen Deluxe 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 30 x 17 x 5 inches ; 20 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 26.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001M4H2Q8
• Item model number: 552RR
  

By : Allen Bike Racks
Price : $147.99
You Save : $82.00 (36%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Carry your bicycles securely and avoid the hassles of piled bikes or high threshold rooftop mounts, with the Allen Deluxe 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. Fitting vehicles with a 2-inch trailer hitch, the Allen Deluxe Hitch Mount Rack is both easy to operate and super secure for your bikes. Constructed out of steel with a durable black powder finish, the rack is built to last and is backed up by a lifetime warranty by Allen.
The Allen rack boasts a patented tie-down system and individually cradles up to five bikes in the 28-inch carry arms. A separate tie down strap is included with the rack and eliminates lower bike movement completely. As easy to install as it is to use, the rack sets up in less than 5 minutes with a no-wobble bolt that holds it still within the hitch. When the rack is not in use, the carry arms quickly drop out of the way and fold down flat with a patented single pin mechanism and the rack tilts up to allow easy access to the lift gate.
Specifications:

• Fits vehicles with a 2-inch trailer hitch
• Holds up to five bikes
• 28-inch carry arms
• Individual bike cradles
• Steel construction
• Black powder coat finish
• Patented single key release system
• Tie down strap
• Minor assembly required

About Allen Bike Racks:In 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace technology for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage hobby into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family's bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts garage in search of a more efficient way to transport bikes. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allens tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the first trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns over three-dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick's son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a small garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has products sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.
Manufacturer's WarrantyLifetime warranty

Delux 5 bike carrier for 2" Hitch

Product Features

• 5-bike rack fits vehicles with a 2-inch trailer hitch only
• 28-inch long carry arms individually secure bicycles with Allen's patented tie-down system
• Folding carry arms quickly drop out of the way when rack is not in use
• Rack sets up and installs in less than 5 minutes
• Sturdy steel construction with black powder coat finish; Lifetime warranty

 

Allen Deluxe 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)

 

Customer Reviews

I purchased the Allen Deluxe 5-bike rack in November 2009. I spent about 15 hours researching bike racks on the Internet and at several retail outlets. I settled on the Allen after comparing features and value between five of the major competitors. I mounted the rack to a 2009 Honda Odyssey. I've used the hitch to carry two adult and two kids bikes for several local trips and one 200+ mile trip. The bikes loaded easily (even the bike used by my 4 year old). The couplings swivel, allowing small bikes to attach with out a crossbar. I added a few bungee cords for my own peace of mind on the longer trip and to reduce sway. The only flaw with the product thus far is that I was unable to put the pin back in the hole after I tilted the rack with the bikes attached. The weight of the bikes appeared to put too much downward pressure on the rack causing misalignment of the holes. A longer pin that could be manipulated better or a second person pushing up on the rack may help. The rack was very easy to put together and install and shipping by Amazon was very fast. The rack has already paid for itself in the enjoyment my family has had biking on several great bike trails with family and friends.

This is a great bike rack if you have a big family. We had it on the back of a 30' RV with all 5 bikes on it for 2 weeks and traveled almost 3,000 miles and it held up perfectly under that very rough ride! Easy to attach the rack to the vehicle and also easy to secure the bikes to the rack. Would recommend to anyone who needs to haul a lot of bikes.

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Allen Tension Bar Bicycle Cross-Bar Adaptor

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 18 x 5 x 2 inches ; 2.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000ELSSZE
• Item model number: 900B
  

By : Allen Bike Racks
List Price : $19.99
Price : $17.11
You Save : $2.88 (14%)

Product Description

Amazon.com
Made by Allen Bike Racks, this adaptor bar adds a top tube to your bicycle frame so that it can be installed properly on a bicycle carrier. It's designed to be used with hard-to-mount bike frames, such as full-suspension bikes, women's bikes, or other non-conventional designs. The bar features an internal spring that maintains constant tension to keep your bike secure. The product is designed to fit bikes that have a distance of 16 inches to 27 inches between the seat post and the stem, and installation is easy. Plastic-coated hooks are there to protect the finish of your bike.
Manufacturer's WarrantyAll of Allen's products are backed by a no-nonsense lifetime guarantee. If an Allen Rack fails to function properly due to a defect in workmanship or material over the lifetime of the original purchaser, simply return the product with your original receipt, and Allen will repair or replace the rack free of charge. This warranty does not cover damage or wear which occurs as a result of day-to-day use or general wear and tear.
About Allen Sports USAAllen's goal is to design and manufacture the finest bicycle carrying, parking, and storage racks available. Ever since Dick Allen started making rear-mounted bicycle carriers in his garage in Lincoln, Massachusetts, in 1967, the company has been committed to producing the highest-quality, easiest-to-use racks on the market.

Bicycle Cross-Bar Adaptor

Product Features

• Model 900B
• Creates a top tube for non-conventional frames
• Internal spring keeps your bikes secure.
• Plastic coated hooks protect bicycle's finish.
• Lifetime on workmanship and materials

 

Allen Tension Bar Bicycle Cross-Bar Adaptor

 

Customer Reviews

The bar does exactly what it is intended for. However, on the packaging of the bar it specifically says the distance from the seat post to handle bar post needs to be at least 18 inches, no where does it say that on the online write up. So, it doesn't work for my daughters' bikes. Something to be aware of.

This bar is very stout and capable of staying in place. I use it to mount two expensive Treks and feel confident the bikes will stay in place at 70mph on highway. When I picked up my new Treks, the service tech commented on the quality of the bar and asked who makes it, where I got it etc...he was impresssed of it's quality. The rubber end coatings interface well and won't harm bikes' finishes. Both my treks have different frame configurations, the bar adjusted easily.

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Allen Deluxe 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 28 x 18 x 5 inches ; 10 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 11 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000ELQNYM
• Item model number: 103DB
  

By : Allen Bike Racks
List Price : $89.99
Price : $39.54
You Save : $50.45 (56%)

Product Description

This Deluxe Trunk Mounted Bike Carrier by Allen holds up to three bikes and is ideal for weekend biking trips with friends and family. Compatible with sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs, this rack features 15-inch long carry arms and a tie-down system to securely holds and protect each bicycle. The rack comes fully assembled, so it can be set up and attached quickly.
About Allen Bike RacksIn 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace technology for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage hobby into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family’s bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts garage in search of a more efficient way to transport bikes. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allens tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the first trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns over three dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick’s son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a small garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has products sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.

Deluxe Trunk Mounted 3-Bike Carrier

Product Features

• Model 103D
• Fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs
• Single configuration design eliminates headaches during set up and installation
• Patented individual tie-down system secures and protects bicycles
• Lifetime warranty on workmanship and materials

 

Allen Deluxe 3-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

 

Customer Reviews

Originally bought around January of 09. Read through to get the whole story.
I purchased this to be able to combine car (97 Saturn SL1) and bike commuting. So far, so good. 4 days/week, I drive near work, then bike into (and around) my workplace. My commute is about 20 minutes, with about 10 minutes of freeway driving.
In the few months I have used this, I have had no major issues. The bike does not move much, except the front wheel. I have not found a good way of securing this. Currently, I use my U-lock to lock the wheel and bike frame to the rack frame. This keeps the tire from hitting the car, but there is some motion. I've used bungee cords, which kept the wheel very stable, but the bungees were slowly getting shredded. Otherwise very little motion. So little that it has twice stayed in place when I forgot to strap it down (including once where I drove for 2 - 3 miles on the freeway)!
The straps can be done/undone fairly quickly. It takes me about 1 minute to mount/dismount the bike. A clasp, or something similar, might be quicker, but these do work fine.
It takes a little bit to mount/dismount the rack, but really, not all that long (I've only done it once ... it's fairly intuitive). The short straps for clamping bikes do flap in the wind, and that is occasionally a little distracting when I look in the rear-view mirror, but overall I do not find the rack or rack with bike to be much of a visual issue.
Have not used it on a long trek yet, or with multiple bikes (I will try to remember to update when I do).
I did notice that it seemed to leave a mark on top of my trunk where the foam pad rests. I did not try to remove it, so it could be a non-permanent mark.
UPDATE 4/28/09: Definitely leaving a mark from the middle of the bar on the trunk. Would encourage folks to add some protection in that location.
I still mostly use this for short trips. Did two slightly longer trips (~100 miles each way) without removing the bike in between, and it needed no tightening. This was also through the giant wind tunnel that is the San Gorgonio Mountain Pass in Southern California near Palm Springs ... and the wind was RAGING on the way back.
UPDATE 9/7/09: Mark on the car: it is due to the trunk curving, but the bike-rack bar being straight and with padding only at the ends. I would strongly encourage adding padding in the middle.
Used it for a camping trip with two full-sized bicycles and one child bicycle. Worked fairly well, although I did get some slippage, and the bikes were definitely bouncing (even on the way back, when I was more careful about tightening straps).
UPDATE 6/10/10: My bike rack broke today. One of the straps connected to the trunk just broke, about two inches from the hook. A couple of things to note with this ... I have been using this rack for a year and a half, and about 99% of the time it is outside on my car in a desert-like environment (lots of heat and sun, a little bit of water). Today, I arrived at work and one of the straps had broken. The good news: the bike did not fall off. The one side that broke had slipped to the back of the trunk, but it all stayed on. Also, there is enough strap that I can just tie the strap to the hook, and that held for the drive home, even under 70 MPH strain.
Also, all of the rubber elements on the rack look like crap now. They have sort of "bubbled" in the sun. It doesn't have a lot, so not a big deal. This happened probably in about the first 6 months or so.
FINAL UPDATE 8/18/10: Well, within another month of the first strap breaking, two more did. Honestly, all of the straps were seeming a little brittle. Probably,this was caused by continued exposure to the elements. So, if this is a bike rack you plan to leave on your car, 1.5 years might be it's effective life use. I had thought about contacting Allen to see if I could get new straps under their warranty, but the day after the third strap broke i found a nive replacement rack for $5 at a garage sale.
OKAY - ONE MORE UPDATE 10/3/11: In looking at teh picture, it appears the design may have changed. My rack had a straight bar across the trunk, and this one appears to be curved. I did not have issues with the small metal rods coming out, but given some of the recent reviews, it's certainly something I'd look into if I was purchasing this.

This bike rack works as it should, and fits my prius quite well. We've had no problems or complaints. We can install it in about 1 minute, and it comes off in in seconds.

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Allen Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 4 inches ; 8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000ELUXFC
• Item model number: 102DB
  

By : Allen Bike Racks
List Price : $59.99
Price : $52.79
You Save : $7.20 (12%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
No roof rack, no problem with the 102DB Deluxe Two Bike Carrier from Allen Racks. This simple, sturdy bike carrying system fits most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs via a single configuration design that eliminates setup hassles and headaches during installation. The rack comes fully assembled, and mounts to your vehicle in seconds. Twelve-inch long carry arms easily accommodate up to two bikes, and a patented individual tie-down system secures and protects your bicycles. Also includes a manufacturer's lifetime warranty on workmanship and materials.
About AllenAbout Allen Bike RacksIn 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace technology for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage hobby into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family's bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts, garage in search of a more efficient way to transport bikes. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allens tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the first trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns more than three dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick's son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a small garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has products sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.

Deluxe Trunk Mounted 2-Bike Carrier

Product Features

• Simple, sturdy bike carrying system
• Fits most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs
• Single configuration design eliminates setup hassles and headaches during installation
• 12-inch long carry arms accommodate two bikes, and patented individual tie-down system secures and protects
• Lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship

 

Allen Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack

 

Customer Reviews

I've been pretty nervous looking for a decent but affordable bike rack. After initially getting an Outback Rack from Target, I was disappointed by the flimsy construction and had to return it. I did some more researching and wasn't able to find any reviews for low-mid-priced racks online. Found a Bell 3-bike rack from Walmart and later on a Bell 2-bike rack from Sports Authority. These were a lot sturdier but also quite heavy.
I have a mountain bike that weighs about 35lbs. A friend of mine has a road bike that weighs about 25lbs. I kept looking and finally settled on the Allen because of the price, design and construction.
(I took a star off for aesthetics. The foam supports are grey. The top and bottom struts are unpainted silver aluminum, and the caps at the end of the rack are white.)
A couple of things I learned:
cloth/nylon strap tie downs are better than plastic or rubber which become brittle after repeated use and exposure to different weather conditions
use of lighter weight aluminum is better than steel
the more anchor points to your car the better (3 is the minimum)
put the heavier bike on the slot closer to the car
women's bikes or bikes without a horizontal beam from the seat to the handlebar column will require a "bike adaptor"
when not in use, remove the rack from the car to prevent it from being stolen or the foam padding from melting onto your car
lock your bike(s) to the rack with a separate chain
use common sense and don't put more than the number of bikes the rack was designed for
drive more slowly and carefully on uneven streets
Hope this review helped! :)

This product works great as long as you go under 45mph in your car. Ideal for city life. It's easy to put on and take off which beats dissembling your bike to put it in the trunk. It was fine when I had it for the first couple of months driving around the city to go the trails.
However, I drove 5 hours each way to go on a biking trip, mostly doing about 70+ mph. The bike ended up scratching my bumper pretty bad as it was flying around. Furthermore, the rubber wheels of the rack that sit on the trunk ended up burning a hole through my paint as it shifted back and forth from the force of the bike flying back and forth. I even stopped 4 times to tighten everything down as much as possible! I'm glad I have an older car so this doesn't matter so much to me, but I can't imagine the surprise people are getting on their new to 1-5 year old vehicles People were staring, and no one followed within 300ft of my car.
The top of my trunk has two holes straight down to the metal and the bumper has skid marks/scratches all over it. Don't be cheap and get yourself a trailer hitch installed. Then purchase the bike racks that fit into those that keep the bike away from your car and the product off the paint!

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Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 24.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001PLG7UK
• Item model number: 542RR
  

By : Allen Bike Racks
Price : $99.00
You Save : $60.99 (38%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Carry your bicycles securely and avoid the hassles of piled bikes or high threshold rooftop mounts, with the Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. Fitting vehicles with a 2-inch trailer hitch, the Allen Deluxe Hitch Mount Rack is both easy to operate and super secure for your bikes. Constructed out of steel with a durable black powder finish, the rack is built to last and is backed up by a lifetime warranty by Allen.
The Allen rack boasts a patented tie-down system and individually cradles up to four bikes in the 22-inch carry arms. A separate tie down strap is included with the rack and eliminates lower bike movement completely. As easy to install as it is to use, the rack sets up in less than 5 minutes with a no-wobble bolt that holds it still within the hitch. When the rack is not in use, the carry arms quickly drop out of the way and fold down flat with a patented single pin mechanism and the rack tilts up to allow easy access to the lift gate.
Specifications:

• Fits vehicles with a 2-inch trailer hitch
• Holds up to four bikes
• 22-inch carry arms
• Individual bike cradles
• Steel construction
• Black powder coat finish
• Patented single key release system
• Tie down strap
• Minor assembly required

About Allen Bike Racks:In 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace technology for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage hobby into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family's bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts garage in search of a more efficient way to transport bikes. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allens tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the first trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns over three-dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick's son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a small garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has products sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.
Manufacturer's WarrantyLifetime warranty

Deluxe 4 bike carrier for 2" Hitch

Product Features

• 4-bike rack fits vehicles with a 2-inch trailer hitch only
• 22-inch long carry arms individually secure bicycles with Allen's patented tie-down system
• Folding carry arms quickly drop out of the way when rack is not in use
• Rack sets up and installs in less than 5 minutes
• Sturdy steel construction with black powder coat finish; Lifetime warranty

 

Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)

 

Customer Reviews

Let me begin by stating that I bought this rack at Pep Boys after reading one of the negative reviews (there's irony for you). After using the Allen Deluxe 4-Bike rack last week to haul two bikes from Baltimore, MD to Brunswick, ME (12 hours), then four bikes from Brunswick to Acadia National Park (3 hours), plus round trips and the time we spent in Acadia, I can say this inexpensive rack performed admirably. For the most part, the pros and cons supplied by other reviewers seem fair. (Although why you would want to fold down a rack with 4 bikes attached is beyond me, probably because of my lack of strength.)
Installation: My husband and I had a hitch installed on our 2001 Pathfinder specifically to take our inexpensive hybrid bikes to Acadia. The guy who installed the hitch, Bob, also assembled the rack in about 10 minutes; he's used to assembling Thule racks, so he's experienced but it didn't look terribly difficult. Bob didn't like the "sway" and recommended a locking pin that would fix that problem (which another reviewer also mentioned). The locking pin, however, would not go through the bike rack's holes, so Bob expanded the hole by re-drilling it (again, another Amazon reviewer mentioned the need to do this). Clearly a design flaw in a rack specific to a 2" Class III hitch, but it was "easily" corrected by Bob who had the tools and know-how.
Use: Getting two men's hybrid bikes on the rack was simple. Getting four bikes was a tight squeeze, and it was made more difficult because one of the bike's was a woman's bike. Still, with some trial and error, the four bikes fit. For 3 days the four bikes were put on and off the Allen rack with little difficulty. They were extremely stable. We used an assortment of chains and locks to deter any opportunistic thieves who may have been looking for low-end bikes. We were able to access the inside of the SUV through the back window which required only a slight movement of one bike's handle bars. Although the rack folds down, you need to remove the bikes and we could get to what we needed without doing this.
Recommendation: if you have the money to spend, have expensive bikes, and/or transport your bikes frequently, buy a more expensive rack with more bells and whistles built in (locking pins, locking cables, etc.). If, as we did, you need a rack to transport more than two bikes and can't justify or afford to pay at least $250 on hitch rack, buy this one with confidence. Although our need for a 4 bike rack was specific to our vacation trip, we now have the ability to carry 2 bikes easily and up to 4 with a minimum of hassle. All this, for less than $150. We're happy. If we decide to become more than occasional recreational bicyclers, we'll invest in better bikes and possibly a different rack.

At first, I must admit that I thought that the two bars holding the bikes would not be strong enough to support all of the weight of my MTB bikes. But, after several trips to the local trails, I'm glad to report that it's been a very solid rig.
On the down-side (if you could call it that), you must remove a retaining pin when tilting the bike rack down in order to open your SUV Hatch. It can be a bit of a hassle if you're doing this a half a dozen times per day. I noticed that with Thule Racks (for example), they have a 'quick release' tab that tilts the rack down with a flick of the wrist. This seems to be a far superior method.
Other than that, I've been very satisfied with this product and would probably buy it again considering the great price.

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Allen Deluxe 3-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1.25 or 2-Inch Receiver)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16.6 x 4 x 25.9 inches ; 22.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 23.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001M4KXDM
• Item model number: 532RR
  

By : Allen Bike Racks
Price : $69.97
You Save : $80.02 (53%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Carry your bicycles as securely as possible and avoid the hassles of piled bikes or high threshold rooftop mounts, with the Allen Deluxe 3-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. Fitting vehicles with a 1.25 or 2-inch trailer hitch, the Allen Deluxe Hitch Mount Rack is both easy to operate and super secure for your bikes. Constructed out of steel with a durable black powder finish and with Allen's patented tie downs that keep bikes from bumping, the rack is built to last and is backed by a lifetime warranty from Allen.
The Allen rack boasts a patented tie-down system and individually cradles up to three bikes in the 16-inch carry arms. A separate tie down strap is included with the rack and eliminates lower bike movement completely. As easy to install as it is to use, the rack sets up in less than 5 minutes with a no-wobble bolt that holds it still within the hitch. When the rack is not in use, the carry arms quickly drop out of the way and fold down flat with a patented single pin mechanism and the rack tilts up to allow easy access to the lift gate.
Specifications:

• Fits vehicles with a 1.25 or 2-inch trailer hitch
• Holds up to three bikes
• 16-inch carry arms
• Individual bike cradles
• Steel construction
• Black powder coat finish
• Patented single key release system
• Tie down strap
• Minor assembly required

About Allen Bike Racks:In 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace technology for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage hobby into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family's bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts garage in search of a more efficient way to transport bikes. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allen's tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the first trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns over three-dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick's son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a small garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has products sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.
Manufacturer's WarrantyLifetime warranty
Deluxe 3 bike carrier for 1 1/4" or 2" hitch

Product Features

• 3-bike rack fits vehicles with either a 1.25 or 2-inch trailer hitch
• 16-inch long carry arms individually secure bicycles with Allen's patented tie-down system
• Folding carry arms quickly drop out of the way when rack is not in use
• Rack sets up and installs in less than 5 minutes
• Sturdy steel construction with black powder coat finish; Lifetime warranty

 

Allen Deluxe 3-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (1.25 or 2-Inch Receiver)

 

Customer Reviews

I love this bike rack. The price is very reasonable and its build-quality I consider top-notch with all holes and welds being quite precise. The design has clever features that were new to me, such as being able to fold down the bike support arm when not in use so one doesn't accidentally run into it and also the ability to fold down the whole rack allowing quick and easy access through the rear door. The strap cinching system seemed cheap and goofy at first but after using it a few times I've now become quite adept at strapping and unstrapping the bikes to where it only takes a few seconds for me to do so. I now feel its quite clever in that this strapping system will accommodate any size bike tube (unlike some other bike racks I've had in the past). Its important to note that the spacing between the supports is quite wide at 14" and that might limit its use for smaller bikes, as our adult bikes just barely fit (with <2" to spare). I did run into an issue that I've noted that some other Amazon reviewers (reviewing other similar model Allen bike racks) had alluded to. All hitch mounted bike racks will wobble to some extent and that's why most have some sort of anti-wobble system that basically draws the bike rack tight to one side of the receiver to prevent it wobbling. Well, the anti-wobble bolt that is supplied with the bike rack works well for a 2" receiver hitch, however if you have a 1-1/4" receiver it won't fit unless you drill out the hole on one side of your receiver... it will need to be slightly larger than 1/2". If you don't want to do that then you'll need to buy an 'after-market' anti-wobble bolt. That's when I ran into the problem that anti-wobble bolts don't seem to exist for 1-1/4" receivers... oh, there are a huge variety of choices for 2" receivers but not the 1-1/4"... I don't know why. There are brand specific anti-rattle pins for 1-1/4" but none of them will work with these Allen bike racks. Finally, after much searching, I finally found one (the only one on the internet I've got to believe), however it was also a locking pin, which was okay with me. I got it from a site called [ etrailer ]... do this search on [ Anti-Rattle with Lock for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitches ] It's code63147 and basically costs $25 and with shipping totals out at a hefty $30 but was well worth it for me. It works perfectly and is very high quality. I've read reviews here on Amazon by others with 1-1/4" receivers who couldn't seem to find a 1-1/4" locking pin (evidently even Allen's own won't work!)... well this one is both an anti-wobble as well as a locking pin and works on Allen bike racks. So I hope this bit of info helps those with 1-1/4" receivers like myself. And if I've managed to help you please check the YES under helpful checkbox below.
Okay I've got to add this edit... I just got through another search of that website 'etrailer' and did find Curt makes an anti-rattle pin (no lock) for a 1-1/4" receiver codeF-315 that appears will work with the Allen bike rack, its $11 less than the locking style. As far as I could find, after extensive web searching, these are the only two anti-rattle (anti-wobble) 1-1/4" hitch receiver pins I could locate anywhere that will work with Allen bike racks. So if anyone who reads this knows of another please add it in a comment as I believe others might find it helpful to have choices.
Final edit due to the many helpful comments attached to this review... Allen is definitely supplying both pin sizes with these bike racks now so no additional pins are required, however I still stand by my review in that this is a quality and cleverly thought-out bike rack system and represents an excellent price/value bargain.

Works as advertised! We took a 300 mile trip to the beach with this rack and our two bikes were rock solid as we went down the road. Easy installation, folds down easily, and nice tilt feature for trunk access.

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