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Allen Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Carrier Review

A very affordable, bare-bones trunk rack for the infrequent rack user on a tight budget
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allen deluxe 2-bike trunk carrier bike rack review
If you're on a tight budget, the Allen Deluxe 2-Bike is a basic but functional option to consider.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Price:  $60 List
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Manufacturer:   Allen Sports
By Curtis Smith, Jeremy Benson  ⋅  Oct 1, 2020
53
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#16 of 17
  • Ease of EveryDay Use - 20% 5.0
  • Ease of Removal and Storage - 20% 8.0
  • Versatility - 20% 4.0
  • Security - 20% 2.0
  • Ease of Assembly - 10% 9.0
  • Durability - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Allen Deluxe 2 is an economical trunk mount rack that uses the bicycle frame as the primary point of attachment. This very inexpensive model is quite basic compared to the higher end competition, but it can carry 2 bikes and fit on a wide range of sedans, station wagons, and SUVs. It lacks any security features and has limited adjustability, but it is one of the least expensive options for bike transport available. We feel this rack is best suited to the infrequent user looking for a convenient, storable rack that won't break the bank. Compare it to top competitors in our review of the best bike racks.
REASONS TO BUY
Very inexpensive
No assembly required
Lightweight
Folds small for storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Not adjustable
Support arms may not work with all frame shapes/styles
No security features

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Star Rating
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Bottom Line This affordable trunk mount rack has limited versatility and no security featuresThis rack combines solid performance and a reasonable priceA roof-mount rack that's easy to install and remove and works best with shorter vehicles and lighter bikesAn ideal rack when used on vehicles with low roof heightsThis rack eliminates the need for axle adapters and can carry nearly any type of bike on the market
Rating Categories Allen Deluxe 2-Bike... RockyMounts MonoRail Yakima HighRoad Yakima Front Loader Kuat Trio
Ease of EveryDay Use (20%)
5.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Ease of Removal and Storage (20%)
8.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
5.0
Versatility (20%)
4.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Security (20%)
2.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
Ease of Assembly (10%)
9.0
6.0
10.0
9.0
7.0
Durability (10%)
6.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
Specs Allen Deluxe 2-Bike... RockyMounts MonoRail Yakima HighRoad Yakima Front Loader Kuat Trio
Style Trunk Hitch (tray) Roof Roof Roof
Bike Capacity 2 2 1 1 1
Lock? No Yes Available but not included Yes, sold separately Yes
Rack Weight 7 lbs 9 oz 44 lbs 2 oz 18 lbs 13 lbs 7 lbs
Max Weight Per Bike 35 lbs 60 lbs not specified 30-40 lbs (varies based on crossbar spread) 45 lbs
Other Sizes Available? Yes, 3 and 4 bike versions Yes, 1.25" reciever, single bike add-on sold separately No No No
Cross Bar Compatibility N/A N/A T-slot compatibility with additional SmarT-Slot Kit Fits Yakima round, square, factory or aerodynamic crossbars Most factory

Our Analysis and Test Results

Allen Sports makes a variety of affordable bike racks, and the Deluxe 2 is a no-frills trunk mount model with a 2-bike capacity. This rack is very, very inexpensive when compared to any other rack we've tested, and that low price is reflected in its very basic design. This rack is about as simple as they come, with limited adjustability and no security features to speak of. That said, it works well enough that it's hard not to recommend to the infrequent user who is on the tightest of budgets.

Performance Comparison


allen deluxe 2-bike trunk carrier bike rack review - it's far from fancy, but the allen deluxe 2-bike gets it done at a...
It's far from fancy, but the Allen Deluxe 2-bike gets it done at a fraction of the cost of the competition.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Ease of Everyday Use


Loading bicycles on this competitor is relatively easy, and the loading height is low. Front-wheel removal is not required. Bikes are placed on the plastic cradles and secured using nylon straps with plastic buckles. Threading and tightening the plastic buckles is not as fast and straightforward as the rubber straps or the ladder straps used on the more expensive competition.

allen deluxe 2-bike trunk carrier bike rack review - while they aren't as fast or secure as other styles, the straps on...
While they aren't as fast or secure as other styles, the straps on the Allen are relatively easy to use.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

We did find that the straps that secure the bikes had a tendency to loosen over time, and they required attention and retightening on longer drives. This wasn't an issue, however, on shorter trips. The support arms on the Deluxe 2-Bike measure 12.5-inches wide, and we found them to work best with bikes that had more traditional frame shapes. This rack quickly became more cumbersome to use when oddly shaped frames and rear suspension designs came into play.

allen deluxe 2-bike trunk carrier bike rack review - this rack is quite easy to attach to and remove from the vehicle...
This rack is quite easy to attach to and remove from the vehicle with 5 straps that hook into the top, sides, and bottom of the trunk or rear hatch of the vehicle.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Ease of Removal and Storage


Finding the optimal attachment points for the nylon straps is an exercise of trial and error. The directions give only generic instructions with no specifics for different vehicles, which is in contrast to the extremely versatile and easy-to-use fit systems found on some of the more expensive trunk mount racks. Removing the Allen Deluxe 2 is quite easy. Simply loosen the top, side, and lower straps, unhook them from the trunk edges and lift the rack off the vehicle.

The rack is impressively lightweight at just 7 lbs and 9 oz, and it folds up very small for storage. You do need to unhook the two silver support stays to fold it into its smallest size which we measured at 22.5" L x 13.5 W x 4". With such a light weight and collapsed size, the Allen takes up virtually no room in your trunk or storage space when not in use.

allen deluxe 2-bike trunk carrier bike rack review - allen claims the deluxe 2-bike fits on an astounding number of...
Allen claims the Deluxe 2-Bike fits on an astounding number of sedans, station wagons, and SUVs. The back of the box has a comprehensive list, and you can check for compatibility on their website too.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Versatility


This model is secured to the vehicle trunk or hatch by nylon straps in a similar manner to other trunk-mount racks we tested. Metal support arms wrapped in soft foam contact the vehicle. Allen has printed a list of compatible vehicles on the back of the box, and they have a fit compatibility feature on their website. It is claimed to work with a surprisingly large number of sedans, station wagons, and SUVs. That said, this is the only trunk-mount rack we tested that has no adjustability to allow an optimal fit for different vehicles. The metal support arms are fixed in place, so they cannot be adjusted for stability or to avoid contact with latches, lights, or areas that may not be suited to supporting the weight. Access to the rear vehicle compartment is not possible when the rack is mounted to the vehicle, but this is the case with all of the trunk-mount racks we tested.

The Deluxe 2 can hold 2 bikes with a max weight limit of 70 lbs. It holds bikes by making direct contact with the frame and works best with more traditional frame shapes. It isn't ideal for carrying full-suspension bikes or bikes with funky frame shapes. When carrying two bikes, they are prone to making contact with each other, so those with expensive bikes should keep that in mind.

allen deluxe 2-bike trunk carrier bike rack review - this rack comes fully assembled, with only one simple step required...
This rack comes fully assembled, with only one simple step required to fold it open and secure it in place required to use it.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Ease of Assembly


This bike rack comes out of the box already assembled. Two attached wire struts must be inserted into pre-drilled holes on the upper support arm, and then the model is ready for use.

allen deluxe 2-bike trunk carrier bike rack review - there is no way to secure this rack to lock this rack to the...
There is no way to secure this rack to lock this rack to the vehicle. It could easily be removed by loosening the straps.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Security


This model has no security features to secure the rack to the vehicle or the bicycles on the rack. One could lock the bikes to the rack with a cable lock, but that would do very little to deter a determined bike thief.

allen deluxe 2-bike trunk carrier bike rack review - the nylon straps and the foam bumpers should stand up to a few years...
The nylon straps and the foam bumpers should stand up to a few years of use, but this rack doesn't feel as durable as many others we've tested.
Credit: Jeremy Benson

Durability


The overall construction does not feel as robust as on other trunk racks we tested. Nylon straps are prone to damage from the sun, and the foam bumpers that contact the vehicle will eventually become brittle with age. We did not experience any failure of the plastic buckles used to secure the bikes, but they seem susceptible to damage if used carelessly.

Value


Despite the lack of versatility, the Allen Deluxe 2 is a good value, so long as the buyer is aware of its shortcomings. For those that plan to use a rack on a regular basis or who have expensive bikes, we feel there are better options.

Conclusion


The Allen Deluxe 2-Bike is one of the least expensive trunk racks on the market. It can fit on a wide range of sedans, station wagons, and SUVs, and provides a serviceable performance. The trunk mount design with fixed bike support arms limits its ability to carry full suspension bikes. That said, we feel this is a decent option for the infrequent bike rack user working on a tight budget.

Curtis Smith, Jeremy Benson