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Last updated: September 2026
Allen bike racks (from Allen Sports) are some of the most common budget-friendly bike carriers on the road: simple trunk racks and hanging-style hitch racks that carry 2 to 4 bikes. They’re a popular choice if you want to carry bikes occasionally without spending premium-rack money. This guide compares six current Allen Sports models, from the classic Deluxe 2-bike trunk rack to 4-bike locking hitch carriers, including one for vehicles with a rear spare tire.
How we chose: this is a comparison based on Amazon listing titles, not hands-on testing. Check each rack’s fit guide for your vehicle, your hitch size and your bikes’ frame shapes, and stay within the rack’s and your hitch’s weight limits.
Quick Picks: Best Allen Bike Racks
- Trunk rack, no hitch needed: Allen Sports Deluxe 2-bike trunk rack (102DN-R)
- 3-bike hitch rack, 1.25″ or 2″: Allen Sports 3-bike hitch rack
- 4-bike hitch rack: Allen Sports Deluxe 4-bike hitch rack (2″)
- Locking 4-bike hitch rack: Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Quick Release 542QR
- Premier locking 4-bike: Allen Sports Premier Locking Quick Release 4-bike
- Vehicles with a rear spare tire: Allen Sports Premier 400QR
Allen Bike Rack Comparison
| Model | Type | Bikes | Hitch (per listing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe 102DN-R | Trunk | 2 | None needed |
| 3-Bike Hitch Rack | Hitch | 3 | 1.25″ and 2″ |
| Deluxe 4-Bike | Hitch | 4 | 2″ |
| Deluxe Locking QR 542QR | Hitch, locking | 4 | 2″ |
| Premier Locking QR | Hitch, locking | 4 | 2″ |
| Premier 400QR | Hitch, locking, for spare-tire vehicles | 4 | 2″ |
Allen Trunk Rack
1. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Rack (102DN-R)
- Patented Design Fits Sedans, Hatchbacks, Minivans, And Suv’S Consult Manufacturer Web Site For Specific Vehicle Fit Info…
- Side Straps For Increased Lateral Stability. Single Configuration Design Eliminates Setup Hassles And Headaches During I…
- Individual Tie Downs Secure And Protect Bicycles
Bottom line: Allen’s classic 2-bike trunk-mount rack, model 102DN-R. A trunk rack straps to the back of a car or SUV, so you don’t need a hitch or roof bars.
What to know: Trunk racks rely on straps and pads against your car. Check Allen’s fit guide for your vehicle, especially with spoilers or glass hatches, and re-tighten straps during the trip.
Allen Hitch Racks
Hitch racks slide into a receiver on the back of your vehicle. Allen’s are mostly hanging-style (bikes hang by the top tube), which keeps them light and compact. If you don’t have a hitch, see our best trailer hitch guide.
2. Allen Sports 3-Bike Hitch Rack
- Sport type: Cycling
- Fit type: Universal Fit
Bottom line: A 3-bike hitch rack listed for both 1.25″ and 2″ hitches, which makes it an option for smaller cars with Class I or II hitches too.
What to know: Check the tongue weight rating of a 1.25″ hitch against the rack and three bikes.
3. Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Rack (2″)
- Features. Hitch insert fits 2-in receiver hitches. Patented tie-down cradle system individually secures and protects bic…
- Carry arms fold out of the way when not in use. Rack tilts back for easy lift-gate access. No-wobble bolt eliminates mov…
- All retainer clips attached with lanyards to prevent lost parts. Minor assembly required. Black powder-coated finish.
Bottom line: A 4-bike hitch-mount rack for 2″ receivers.
A real limitation: Four bikes on a hanging rack can swing into each other. Use the cradle straps and frame spacing carefully, and check the weight limit.
4. Allen Sports Deluxe Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier (542QR)
- Features. Quick install hitch secures and tightens rack inside of receiver hitch. Includes two keys.
- Arms fold out of the way when not in use and rack tilts back when needed. Individual tie-downs. Made in China.
- Model: 542QR.
Bottom line: A locking, quick-release 4-bike carrier for 2″ hitches, model 542QR. Locking helps deter someone from removing the rack.
What to know: Check what the lock covers (rack to hitch, bikes to rack, or both) on the listing, and add a hitch lock or cable lock if needed.
5. Allen Sports Premier Locking Quick Release 4-Bike Carrier
Bottom line: The Premier-line locking quick-release 4-bike carrier for 2″ hitches.
What to know: Compare it with the Deluxe 542QR on the listings to see which features differ.
6. Allen Sports Premier 400QR (Vehicles With Spare Tire)
- Sport type: Cycling
- Fit type: Universal Fit
Bottom line: A locking quick-release 4-bike carrier for 2″ hitches on vehicles with a rear-mounted spare tire, model 400QR. It’s aimed at Jeeps and SUVs with a tire on the tailgate.
What to know: Confirm clearance around your spare tire and tailgate before ordering.
Who Allen Racks Are NOT For
- Owners of step-through, full-suspension or kids’ bikes may need a top-tube adapter bar on a hanging rack, or a platform rack instead.
- Heavy e-bike riders: hanging racks usually aren’t made for e-bike weights. A platform hitch rack like the Saris SuperClamp or Freedom is the better fit.
How to Choose an Allen Bike Rack
Trunk or hitch?
Trunk racks need no hitch and are easy to store. Hitch racks are sturdier for longer trips and keep weight off your trunk lid. Our bike rack for SUV without a hitch guide covers trunk options.
Number of bikes and hitch size
Match the rack to your bike count and hitch size, and check the total weight against your hitch’s tongue weight rating.
Security
Locking models help, but lock the bikes too for stops. See our best hitch bike rack guide for platform-style alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Allen bike racks good?
They’re a popular budget-friendly choice for occasional use. For frequent long trips or e-bikes, a platform rack may suit better.
Will an Allen trunk rack fit my car?
Use Allen’s fit guide for your exact model, especially if you have a spoiler or glass hatch.
Can Allen racks carry e-bikes?
Hanging racks generally aren’t designed for heavy e-bikes. Check the listing’s weight limit, or choose a platform rack.
Which Allen rack fits a Jeep with a spare tire?
The Premier 400QR is listed for 2″ hitches on vehicles with a spare tire. Check clearance for your model.
Do I need an adapter bar?
Bikes with sloped or step-through frames often need a top-tube adapter on hanging racks.
Final Thoughts
For occasional rides without a hitch, the Allen Deluxe 2-bike trunk rack is the classic budget option. With a hitch, the 3-bike or Deluxe 4-bike racks cover most families, the locking 542QR and Premier add security, and the 400QR suits vehicles with a spare tire. Check fit, hitch size and weight limits first.
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