A roof rack needs crossbars first, and the crossbars can be the larger cost · review
A two-bike trunk rack that needs no hitch and no crossbars, rated for 70 lb, with side straps for stability and padded lower frame arms.
Our conclusion The default answer for a car with no hitch: cheap, simple and light, with the usual trunk-rack compromises.
A trunk rack is the cheapest way to carry a bike, and the Allen Deluxe range shows more than 48,000 ratings on Amazon.com. It is the reference point for the format.
Two bikes, a 70 lb load rating, side straps for lateral stability, individual tie-downs, a padded lower frame that keeps bikes away from the car, and a single-configuration design that ships assembled. The rack weighs 3.4 kg. The maker sends you to its website for vehicle-specific fit.
Six straps press on the paint and the trunk gap. Wipe the pads and the car before each use, because grit is what marks the paint. The bikes can hide your license plate and taillights, and rules vary by state.
Look up your exact vehicle in the Allen fit guide. Spoilers, glass hatches and plastic bumpers are the usual reasons a trunk rack does not suit a car. Pull each strap again after the first few miles, because the load settles.
| Bikes | 2 |
|---|---|
| Load capacity | 70 lb |
| Mount | Trunk, with side straps |
| Fits | Sedans, hatchbacks, minivans and SUVs, per maker fit guide |
| Assembly | Ships fully assembled |
| Rack weight | 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) |
| Dimensions | 23 × 13.6 × 3.9 in |
| Model | 102DN-R |
Allen says it fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans and SUVs but directs you to its site for specific vehicles. Spoilers are the usual problem, so check the fit guide first.
The rack is rated 70 lb in total. A single e-bike may approach that, and lifting it onto trunk arms is awkward. A hitch rack is the better answer.
7.8/ 10
The default answer for a car with no hitch: cheap, simple and light, with the usual trunk-rack compromises.
A car with no hitch and no roof bars, carrying one or two regular bikes.
Specifications: the manufacturer sheet for bike gear and the matching Amazon product page. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure on this page names its source.
Roof mount · no frame contact · carbon-safe · rear wheel strap
A roof carrier that holds the bike by the front wheel with no contact on the frame at all, which is why Thule states it as suitable for carbon frames.
Best for: Carbon-framed road and gravel bikes, where a frame clamp is the thing you are trying to avoid.
≈ $399.95
1 bike · 35 lb · no wheel removal · fits crossbars to 3 in wide · 5 lb
An upright roof rack for one bike that leaves both wheels on, clamps the downtube with a lockable clamp and fits square, round and oval crossbars.
Best for: An alloy or steel bike under 35 lb on a car that already has crossbars.
≈ $74.99
1 bike · folds into a supplied bag · individual frame holders
An ultra-compact trunk rack for one bike that folds into a supplied carry bag small enough for a backpack, with individual quick-install frame holders.
Best for: Travelers and commuters who need a rack that disappears when it is not in use.
≈ $89.99
Prices quoted in these summaries are dated readings. The live price is shown next to each product.
