Customer Reviews: Read 42 more reviews...
 Great bike rack May 3, 2007
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
I got this bike rack a couple of weeks ago and used it for the first time on a pretty long trip this past weekend and it worked great! The rack is easy to assemble out of the box and is also available in a 2 inch receiver if your hitch is slightly larger than the 1.25 inch receiver.
The reviewer below said that the way the rack bolts into the hitch is problematic- I had no problems at all. To secure the bolt all you need is a 9/16 wrench with a ringed end and a socket wrench. On the left side of the bolt hold it in place with the ringed in of the 9/16 and use the socket wrench to tighten the bolt through. Keep doing this until it won't go anymore and jerk on the rack a bit- it is extremely steady and will NOT sway back and forth. The bolt does not come loose either. I did not re-tighten it not once on a 3 hour road trip, though I did check to make sure it was still secure.
The straps are excellent on the hitch and really secure the bike to the frame. I wouldn't have had to to use any extra ropes or ties (though I did just to be safer than sorry in the first time using it). Male bikes load perfectly on the hitch whereas female bikes require a little extra work/positioning. Might want to tie the tires together with some twine just so they won't hit each other on bumps.
So this is the first bike hitch I've ever owned and I really like it. I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering purchasing one. You can't beat the price that Amazon has. These are at least $139-$150 in stores. Amazon gives you free shipping- free 2-3 day shipping if you are an Amazon Prime Member... which is pretty sweet.
Best deal that I have found for under $100 June 4, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I have been looking for an inexpensive 1.25-inch hitch rack capable of carrying up to three bikes for my smaller vehicle. I originally bought one made by Graber, but it wobbled too much for my liking. I returned the Graber rack, did some more research and decided to give the Allen rack a try. From the minute I opened the box, I noticed that the packaging and instructions were of far better quality then my previous rack. It was very easy to install, as long as you have two 9/16-inch wrenches to make bolt tightening go smoothly.
The rack is very solid, it does not wobble at all when attached to my car, the attached straps allow the bikes to fit securely, and the rack folds down to save space when not in use. In addition, you can swing it back to allow open you car's rear hatch without removing the rack from the hitch.
The biggest downside with this rack is that it lacks a way to lock your rack to the hitch. However, purchasing a new bolt that allows a lock to be attached can probably solve this issue.
This is probably the best rack available for under $100.
Sturdy --- Well Made May 12, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I received this in about two days with Free Shipping! It comes in three pieces that are easily put together. I replaced the half inch bolt that came with the rack with a half inch locking pin (WalMart). This secures the rack to my trailer hitch. The rack rides very well. I hear no rattles with the rack empty or 1-2-3 bikes. Sturdy & well made - I'm very pleased.
Sturdy and Easy to use January 18, 2007
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Unlike some flimsy Bike racks which I bought and return from typical retailer, this rack not swaying too much when you're driving and it could fold straight up when not in used, rack position for 3 are firmly spaced and attached to the bar not moving around. You will like it for its intelligent design and sturdy construction.
Functionality & Price May 13, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Very sturdy, foldable, tiltable, and functional just as I was hoping when I ordered it. The rack accomodates my 2 Downtube folding bikes easily. I'm glad I didn't waste money on other more-expensive brand.
|
