Your Selections. We dislike plastic rims so much that we wont recommend any trailer that has them. Got feedback? All Allen joggers, strollers, and trailers pass the required ASTM safety standards. REMEMBER: This trick only works with Allen racks with swiveling cradles, as other brands only allow the cradles to mount to the top tube and not the bottom tube or even the seat tube. I absolutely recommend this rack. Assembly of the trailers isnt very difficult, but the instruction manuals pictures and instructions are confusing. But you may not care because it really only takes about 5 to 10 minutes. As a result, we found the Deluxe experienced much less movement between the bikes (forward and back while on the rack), when the bike was loaded to its maximum capacity. This rack is about as simple as they come, with limited adjustability and no security features to speak of. Locking? . It was more cumbersome to shift her weight around as I adjusted the straps for the first time. The toddler on the left is in 2T clothes and weighs 27 lbs. Simply pull the lever and a metal tab engages and comes into contact with the tire, preventing its movement. One thing I did not like or anticipate is this rack uses fabric/nylon straps instead of rubber straps like my rack for 4 bikes. Nylon straps are prone to damage from the sun, and the foam bumpers that contact the vehicle will eventually become brittle with age. It is incredibly easy to attach, detach and use. Style: . The first is ventilation. Allen Sports Deluxe Quick Install Locking Hitch Bike Rack (522QR) (9) Total Ratings 9. No "sponsored" content. While 16 wheels on metal rims are fine, the 20 wheels will make quite a bit of difference at higher speeds. Do you plan on carrying kids bikes with 20 or 16 wheels OR do you have a bike with an odd frame design (aka not the standard triangle tubing)? This is one very common feature of inexpensive trailers and is pretty unavoidable unless you want to spend a few extra hundred bucks. Its funny how a small thing like a mesh cup holder can be soooo hard for some trailer companies to figure out! 4. 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. BEST FOR: Casual biking families looking for a super affordable bike trailer that can also convert to a stroller. Tire mount vs my roof mount system. Premier? If you have some extra wiggle room in your budget, we certainly appreciated the upgrades of the Premier, but they arent necessary. If you consider various factors like usability, outlook, price, durability, quality of materials as well as durability, you may have a look of Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack Review in 2020 - Buy a Smart Hitch Mount Bicycle Carrier for an Easy Haul of Your Bikes. The No Wobble bolt is of limited use for preventing rack wobble in the receiver. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Mouse over the features below to see their location on the racks. There is a lot to consider when buying a bike rack! The deluxe bike trailer/stroller exceeded my expectations. NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe. Swiveling cradles allow you to position the racks contact points so that you can mount the bike via the top tube, bottom tube, or even the vertical seat tube of the bike! The Ultra-Compact requires various turning and pushing of spring clips, while the Deluxe has cross supports that take some muscle to snap into the correct position. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Ultra-Compact quickly and easily folds down. You only need tools to assemble the S2 due to the parking brake and handlebar attachments. For more options in your quest for finding the best trailer for your family, be sure to check out our list of our best child bike trailer reviews. In this review, well walk you through what makes Allens trunk racks unique from other brands as well as the differences and similarities between their three different models. 3+ day shipping. As a comparison, the Deluxe has foam protectors that are less likely to withstand the elements with time. The rubber straps are not only quick and easy to use, their tacky texture also helps to minimize movement of the bike while loaded on the rack. Simply loosen the top, side, and lower straps, unhook them from the trunk edges and lift the rack off the vehicle. receiver hitches; includes 2 keys. The item quickly sets up as a bike trailer right out of the box, and can be quickly converted to a swivel wheel stroller. While they aren't as fast or secure as other styles, the straps on the Allen are relatively easy to use. Footguard tube protect passenger's feet, and a padded five-point safety harness comfortably holds your child in place. It has a couple of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Allen Sports Premier QR545 or Allen Sports Premier QR525 . This is actually great from a sun protection perspective, but if want to use the S2 trailer in stroller mode, you cant see your kids unless you tip the trailer waaaay back towards you. bench-style seats found in high-end trailers. On hatchbacks, the upper arms rest on the back window, while the lower arms are positioned near the license plate. The trailer arm is stored folded up, underneath the trailer. There is a lot to consider when buying a bike rack! The Allen Sports 102DN Deluxe Two Bike Carrier fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans and SUV's (make sure to confirm specific vehicle fit above). The process of attaching/detaching the tow arm to the adult bike is relatively easy, but does require you to keep the adult bike very upright so that the holes in the tow arm and the hitch align properly. TRAILER CAPACITY: DoubleTRAILER ARM: IncludedSTROLLER KIT: Included in S2, but not T2JOGGER KIT: Not AvailableUV WINDOWS: NoRECLINE: NoWHEEL SIZE: T2 Trailer Only: 16, S2 Trailer/Stroller: 20. Table Notes 1 - 11 Explained: Note 1: Allen Sport Deluxe model id 5x2RR is a generic form that becomes 522RR for the 2-bike rack, 532RR for the 3-bike rack, 542RR for the 4-bike rack, 552RR for the 5-bike rack. The Premier features thick rubber vehicle pads to help prevent the trunk and or/bumper of the car from scratches or damage. Includes rear flag for safety during trailer mode, and a removable three-season bug and rain season protects your little riders from the elements. The Allen Sports 102DN Deluxe Two Bike Carrier fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs (make sure to confirm the specific vehicle fit with the manufacturer). Theres also an extra layer between the ground and those little bums. Let us know! Filter By Price. One piece of advice that will save you time with the S2 trailer & stroller model. We did not experience any failure of the plastic buckles used to secure the bikes, but they seem susceptible to damage if used carelessly. The Allen S2s stroller wheel, however, attaches to a short, dedicated stroller arm, allowing the wheel to be tucked in close to the stroller. They are NOT the same rack with additional upgrades added to the more expensive models. Weve made it easy for you. The Allen Sports Locking Quick Release Hitch Rack delivers all of the features to safely and securely get you and your bikes out for adventures. According to Allen, designing a trunk rack that is able to properly support 4 bikes that are essentially cantilevered over a trunk is quite the engineering feat. If you are on a tighter budget or you need the ability to carry a 16 bike, the Deluxe is your best bet. Plus with the sturdy construction, the rack is capable of carrying three bikes simultaneously with a capacity of 105 pounds. Quick Set-Up/Fold design; Quick Secure Cradle Straps; Rapid Tilt Away; Padded Spine Shield; 2, 3, 4 & 5-Bike Capacity; Fits 1 1/4" & 2" Hitch* Powder Coating Both has 97.2CC engine, both has power and torque output of 6.15 kW at 8000 rpm and 0.82 kg-m (8.05 N-m) @ 5000 rpm respectively It is just the look and feel of the bike that varies. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. While the Allen Sports Trunk Mount Rack does this by attaching the different straps and the arm to the bike's frame, the Thule T2 Pro uses a cable lock to grasp the bike's . View our Terms of Use. It was easy to pop off, while the rest of the D-loops on the retaining pins are pretty difficult to remove (in a good way). Carry up to three bicycles on road trips or camping excursions with the Allen three-bike carrier hitch. No sponsored content. can be storage cargo.). When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Minor assembly required. Nice trailer, works well for biking and running. I got the quick EVERYTHING even though it was a little more expensive. I use my vehicle for work M-F and have to install and remove the bike carrier virtually every weekend. 15. A very affordable, bare-bones trunk rack for the infrequent rack user on a tight budget, Support arms may not work with all frame shapes/styles. All trademarks property of their respective owners Sea Eagle has two option groups for the Sea Eagle 330 and 370 Kayaks. With solid designs that are a step up from the very basic trailers youll often find at Walmart, Allen bike trailers are the best weve found at their price point. You may buy it online if you don't like to visit a market . With her in-depth knowledge of the kids' bike world, she has consulted with many top brands as well as contributed to articles at NY Strategist, the Today Show, and more. One could lock the bikes to the rack with a cable lock, but that would do very little to deter a determined bike thief. I have the two seater it is fantastic. The Allen Sports AS1 1-Child bicycle trailer and stroller offers the perfect outdoor solution for active parents. Unfortunately, theres potentially an annoying problem with this design. The second is that it has plenty of give to allow a childs helmet to recess into the back of the seat so their head doesnt get pushed forward by the bulk of the helmet. During our testing process, we learned several tips and tricks to help safely and securely use trunk-mounted bike racks. All trunk racks work essentially the same way and Allen Sports racks perform the same task at a lower price than many other brands. Offering a great combination of car compatibility, bike compatibility, and affordability, theres a strong reason these racks are Amazon best-sellers. 5. Mouse over the features below to see their location on the racks. Removing the Allen Deluxe 2 is quite easy. This bike rack has no security features, no locks for bikes and no way to secure the rack to a vehicle. Allen Sports 542RR-R 4 2in Receiver Bike Hitch Mount Rack - Black (24) Total Ratings 24. The Allen S2 trailer & stroller has a few additional inches of headroom and legroom compared to the T2 trailer only. (2) Adaptor Bars and Vertical Clearance: Adapter bars are often needed on hanging racks in order to carry bikes without a long, straight top tube (such as bikes with step-though frames or small kids bikes). Material on GearLab is copyrighted. weight limit. All three Allen Racks fold to allow for easy storage but need to be unfolded before you can mount them to your car. Like all Allen cradles, the Premiers cradles rotate to help fit a variety of bike frames without the need for an adapter bar. Locking? View our, Allens hitch mounted bike racks, we have a review for that too. When not in use, its rolled up and secured at the top of the trailer with an elastic loop. 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. There are lots of options for trunk racks on the market. 5. One of the main differences between the Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack and the Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack is how the bikes are secured to the mount rack. $150.00 New. Deluxe? Never use this item on a trailer. Both trailers are a little tight for two toddlers, but for casual paved trail rides, the Allen bike trailers cant be beat for the price. From seat height and harnesses to covers and wheel size, there is a lot to learn about bike trailers! Will not work with Class I receiver hitches. Just attach it to your hitch, then use the tie-down cradle system . #SandySays #BabyGear #BabyRegistryMustHavesHow to ATTACH BIKE TRAILER | Allen Sports Deluxe 2 Child Bicycle Trailer & StrollerIn today's video, I am showing . (If you read closely, some trailers, like the Bee, actually state that rider weight capacity is 80 lbs. bike max weight), the Premier is absolutely worth the upgrade, especially if you are driving longer distances. If youve used an Allen bike trailer in the past, this system is a huge upgrade from their old, pretty rudimentary clip system. We are a reader supported site. If thinking about where to store the rack while not in use is already giving you a headache, the Ulta-Compact is the best rack for you. This rack quickly became more cumbersome to use when oddly shaped frames and rear suspension designs came into play. Bikes are placed on the plastic cradles and secured using nylon straps with plastic buckles. But it works well! The rain cover of the Allen trailers is a permanent fixture on the trailer. 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. If you are on a tighter budget or you need the ability to carry a 16 bike, the Deluxe is your best bet. Answer (1 of 5): There is absolutely no difference between both engine and its performance. 145. Depending on where you ride, how long you ride, and at what time of day, this may or may not make a difference to you. $74.99 New. For the size of kids that are realistically going to fit in these trailers width-wise, there is a comfortable amount of headroom and legroom in both trailers. In the bike trailer world, Allen Sports is known for affordable but quality trailers. We tested both models to help you determine which model is best for you as well as show you how they compare to other budget trailers. This product absolutely needs a RUBBER FRONT WHEEL!!! An anti-sway or no wobble bolt is a great feature employed by the Editors' Choice Thule T2 Pro, but the one included with this particular model, the Deluxe 4, doesn't work. I have used it in the winter in deep snow/ice grass/rough terrain. Detailed explanations of these differences, as well as our general experience with each model, are found below. The T2s hitch was actually easier to insert the pin than that S2s, but they are technically the same so it must have been due to slight imprecision in manufacturing. This model is secured to the vehicle using a No Wobble hitch bolt that requires two " wrenches to install. Video covers proper placement and hook. It holds bikes by making direct contact with the frame and works best with more traditional frame shapes. Loading bicycles on this competitor is relatively easy, and the loading height is low. While not challenging or time-consuming, it does take some muscle and if not careful, you could accidentally pinch a finger while doing so. Allen Sports Easy Load Deluxe XR200 is $250.93 less expensive than an average car bike rack ($386.93). ), which did not fit on the others. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. If you want really great sun protection, you have to spend quite a bit of money (for Burley, that would be the $800 DLite X trailer!). Compare the updated Allen 4-Bike rack (left) to the version we tested (right). The Premier is the only Allen trunk rack to feature rubber cradle straps as compared to nylon straps. If youdosee a pin that looks bad, just request a new one. If you use your rack on a daily basis, consider another option such as the Best Buy Rocky Mounts MonoRail. It took me rereading the instructions to fully understand how the locking mechanism worked, plus a short video by Allen helped a lot (I was leaving the key in after turning it then turning the handle, but the key should . The crotch pad especially came off quite frequently and really isnt necessary if your child is wearing clothes. Of the three Allen racks, we found the Deluxe to be compatible with the most cars. Allen Sports Deluxek. Comparison of Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack Vs Swagman XTC4 Hitch Mount Bike Rack . The wheel size of the Allen T2 (trailer only) is 16, while the S2 (trailer and stroller) is 20. Without a lot of support, hammock-style seats often sag in the middle, making them less comfortable than firmer (and much more expensive!) Loading bikes with traditional front triangles is relatively easy, but loading small bikes, full suspension bikes, or other bikes with non-traditional front triangles is frustrating and in some cases impossible. Other than that, there were no issues with the structural integrity of the rack. Best Bicycle Car Racks based on Build Quality, Convenience, Customer Support, Easy to Install, Giftable, Overall Satisfaction, Size, Value for Money and Pros & Cons. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. Product details. It was easy to set up, perfect size and quality is very impressive considering the price point. On Amazon, 7 out of 90 user reviews cite various structural failures, but it's difficult to determine whether a defect is to blame, or misuse by consumers. With wider set supporting bars (14.5 as compared to the Deluxes 11), the Premier is better able to distribute the weight of larger, heavier bikes. You can see in the image below how compared to the T2s properly functioning pin, the end of the S2s retaining pin is barely covered by the D-loop. as well as bikes with odd frame designs, BEST FOR: Those with very little storage who need a quality, compact rack. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Carrier. All trunk bike racks essentially work the same way. Simply design (axels, fittings, etc.) $64.99 New. The Allen bike trailers have an easily accessible storage area behind the seats. Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Bike Rack. $76.09. Ease of installation. The item quickly sets up as a bike trailer right out of the box, and can be quickly converted to a swivel wheel stroller. This article will compare InSTEP Take 2, InSTEP Quick-N-EZ and Allen Sports AST2 bicycle trailers. it slides instead and does not turn. 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