Will I like this rack if I plan to use it on my vehicle for a day trip ( drive car loaded with bike) then remove the rack at the end of a day trip?
149704
I don't see why not. Rack is simple on and off. I load rack and two bikes in 5 minutes and remove all upon return.
149705
yes. its sturdy, keeps bikes secure, and very easy to use. we've taken our rv to florida and back with our bikes on the back and no problems.
149706
Sure. I do. But of course your temperament may vary. I keep a spare wrench in the rear cubby to make tightening/loosening the bolt convenient but sometimes I just hand tighten and put the lock on it (that's where it locks to the car). My hatchback (2014 Outback) opens with rack mounted but I must make sure the top inside bike clamp is nor in play. Basically mounting us put the rack in your hitch, insert bolt, put lock on. Removal is the opposite. I also fold the two wheel racks down/up because my garage is so full of crap the isn't much roo to set it.
149707
I would think so. It does take a little muscle to get it aligned with and into the hitch but after that it's a cinch. Use a 3/4" ratchet &socket; or a ratcheting box end wrench and it's a breeze.
149708
On the whole, the apparatus is not difficult to manage. However, your vehicle and your stature may factor in to the difficulty level. Keeping in mind that this unit is hitch mounted.
149709
The rack is very stable and does not move around. We take it on trips at highway speeds often without worry. The bike does not move at all, unlike our last rack where the bikes swayed a lot.
149710
The rack is fairly easy to use but does take a little muscle to get it aligned with the hitch to and put the bolt in. Because it folds down, leaving the rack mounted to the hitch should make it less of a problem. I like the rack a lot because it is easy to mount the bikes and lock them in. One problem I had was some rubbing on the top tube of the bike because the bike will move a little. I plan to protect the top tube with some pipe insulation the next time I use the rack.
371987
You could, but you'd have to find a way to keep it firm. The rack itself is solid, but the bike is suspended in two heavy plastic grooves. It can swing from side to side gently.
818148
The straps hook into the trunk lid. Unfortunately if someone wanted to they could cut the straps and take your rack and your bike. That would definitely be a concern for overnight trips, but I just use it for day trips.
1558166
I've traveled all over the country with this rack (last road trip 7000 mi). I share your concern, but agree with the other answers that it's fairly secure. Just in case, however, I do attach a steel cable to a tow point located on the frame of my Prius under the bumper which is then run up through the rack... Just as added security. You could store it in the car- it folds up small enough- but I wouldn't.
463567
Well, just thinking about how much room I have between my rack, my bikes and my car, I'm going to say no. However that answer is a guesstimate based upon what I see and what I imagine you have. If you call Allen and tell them what kind of car it will go on and how wide your bike is, I think they should be able to give you a more solid answer. Good luck!
1362047
i'm a geezer, so my experience may be outdated. i have two racks, one on my touring bike and the other on my grocery/town bike. i did use a rack trunk on one trip, but i didn't like the way stuff shifted around. my sleeping bag fits very well on the front rack ( i secure with cutup inner tubes), freeing up a pannier. on my grocery bike, i tried small panniers once, but didn't need that much room. i use the front rack for things like a gallon of milk or toilet paper (12 pack rides fine). once installed, i have had no problems with either rack.
833598
As long as the bike has sharp lines it will be fine. If the bike has a curve that goes straight down in the middle you will need a bar that attaches the bike to the rack. Not a big deal.
1542738
I would not waste your money on this product. I'd strongly suggest an upgrade to the Bones. It works great and we love the secure feeling we have using it. According to Saris fit guide, your vehicle will accommodate the bike rack, check for yourself http://www.saris.com/en/vehicle-racks.html
1002393
My Yakima bike rack is in excellent condition after one year's use. It would not however fit over a spare tire in the back of the car.
822994
My husband has used it once so far and he removed it and put it in the truck during the bike ride. It is weighty but it had to hold large bikes. If you leave it on someone can take it--my neighbor just leaves his on but it is a cheaper version of a bike rack, very old and he just uses it for one bike and takes the chance. The Allen Sports bike rack looks more expensive and substantial and it will be noticed in my opinion. I would rather have a nice bike ride and take the extra minutes to put it in the trunk and not be concerned about it. As far as I was able to research when I bought it--all bike racks can be stolen off the back of the car. Hopes this helps.
1692922
Yes, to alleviate this, make sure seat post is free of grease & dust. It also depends on how much weight you have in the back. I've mastered giving it a nudge to put it back in alignment while riding...A minor inconvenience on a less than 50 mile ride. If you're going to be planning and extended trip I'd suggest a fixed rack. I bought the Topeak 29'er rack which also accommodates the MTX trunk bag.
804483
Should not be a problem. It is a solid rack. We've used it on ~1000 mile trips before.
2271234
Judie the back can not be opened with the rack installed. However it's very easy to remove. When I am not going to use mine to transport my bike I remove it. The rack is very good. Before I got it I looked at around 10 and this was the best. Hoot this helps. Terry
394012
I had this on my Suzuki 1400 without a luggage rack and it worked fine. It did however rest on the back fender and scuffed the paint finish a bit but I was able to buff it out. I would recommend a luggage rack for long term use. WM
115803
I would say yes. Just check the strap tension during one of your first stops. New straps will have a little give to them. I have taken mine on many steep and windy roads, the rack never moved an inch. Do take the rack off for overnight stays so it won't get stolen
320376
I like this bike rack. I don't think it would work well for three bikes. Our two just fit. Once secured, I haven't any problem's with it loosening
694713
You could but it might be overkill. Bag is large and unless its a fat tire bike with a large rack I think it's going to mess with your ride