Allen Sports Bike Rack Review

This Allen Bike Rack is an excellent low cost trailer-hitch bike rack that is highly recommended.  [easyazon_link cloaking=”default” keywords=”allen sports premier hitch” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″]Available in models for 2, 3, 4, or 5 bikes[/easyazon_link], it has a wide range of capacities.  While it’s not the quickest of bike racks to load/unload, it’s reasonably straightforward and is a great value for the price.

Buy on Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/2wW1Ib7
Buy Amazon CANADA: http://amzn.to/2zpGHH8

(affiliate links)

[Update: this review was for the 555RR rack.  It has been replaced with the S-555 rack, which adds a few extra features.  This review is still applicable.]

[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B00ASSOHYO” cloaking=”default” layout=”top” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″]Pros:

• Low cost for a good quality trailer hitch bike rack
• Easy tilt up/down provides access to rear of vehicle, without removing bikes via easy to release pins and clips
• Single bolt secures rack tightly into receiver hitch
• Easy to fold down or remove when not in use
• [The S-555 includes pads to protect your bike from dings from the bike rack]
• [The S-555 includes quick tie-down straps for faster securing of the bike to the rack]

Cons:

• Loading can be tricky at times to avoid interference between bikes (but, that’s the case with any bike racks for more than a single bike)
• Additional straps / bungee cords are needed to help keep wheels from bouncing around
• Fitting 5 adult bikes in the rack may be a stretch; though I’ve only testing with a mix of adult and kid bikes (which could actually add to the difficulty of bikes interfering with one another)

 

Buy 2, 3, 4, or 5 bike versions via Amazon (for less than “list price”):

• [easyazon_link asin=”B00ASSOGMC” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]2-Bike Version: Allen Sports Premier Hitch Mounted Carrier[/easyazon_link]
• [easyazon_link asin=”B00H643FXM” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]3-Bike Version: Allen Sports Premier Hitch Mounted Carrier[/easyazon_link]
• [easyazon_link asin=”B00ASSOHH6″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]4-Bike Version: Allen Sports Premier Hitch Mounted Carrier[/easyazon_link]
• [easyazon_link asin=”B00ASSOHYO” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]5-Bike Version: Allen Sports Premier Hitch Mounted Carrier[/easyazon_link]

Note:

If you are interested in an easier to load (but more expensive) bike rack, look at the Hollywood Platform style bike rack.  [easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”center” asin=”B000QJC4AY” cloaking=”default” layout=”top” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”tdiy008-20″]