Latest Review of Best Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Carrier

Best Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Carrier is an economical option for consumers who do not use bike racks on a regular basis.

Buying Guide of Best Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Carrier

TOP PICK
Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Carrier
9.4/10 Our Score

Specifications:

  • EASE OF ASSEMBLY
  • EASE OF EVERYDAY USE
  • EASE OF REMOVAL AND STORAGE
  • ERSATILITY
  • SECURITY
  • DURABILITY
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Pros
  • Low loading height
  • Inexpensive
Cons
  • Limits access to rear vehicle compartments

Our Opinion:

Allen Deluxe 4 is a budget-friendly hitch mount rack with support arms. Because it holds the bike by the top tube of the frame, it is not very versatile. It lacks the security features and vehicle access features of more expensive racks, but it could be a good option for infrequent users.

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Comparison

Comparing the updated Allen 4-Bike rack (left) with the version we tested (right).

It is hard to discern exactly what has changed between the two (it looks like minor tweaks and graphics updates), but I can tell you that the price has dropped on this already inexpensive rack, from $150 to $120.

Hands-on Review of Dexlue’s 4-Bike Hitch Carrier

Using the frame as the primary attachment point, this bike rack is an economical support arm style hitch mount rack.

Ease of use

The model has a low loading height and does not require wheel removal. The loading of bikes with traditional front triangles is relatively easy, but loading small bikes, full suspension bikes, or other bikes with non-traditional front triangles can be frustrating and sometimes impossible. The horizontal supports on the cradles are not adjustable, making spacing bikes difficult.

There is no way to get the straps tight enough to prevent excessive movement of the bikes because they are nylon with plastic buckles. Allen recommends using a strap (not included) to prevent the bikes from moving.

This step reduces ease of use, increases contact points, and increases the likelihood that your bikes could be damaged during transportation.

Easy removal and storage

Upon assembly, the rack fits easily into a 2″ hitch receiver. This model is secured to the vehicle using a No Wobble hitch bolt that requires two 34″ wrenches. No Wobble bolts are of limited use for preventing rack wobble in receivers.

No matter how tight we got the bolt, play still existed in all of our test vehicles. The Editors’ Choice Thule T2 Pro has an anti-sway or no wobble bolt, but this model, the Deluxe 4, does not have one.

Versatility

Deluxe 4’s support arms hold bikes on small cradles that attach to the top tube of the frame, limiting its versatility.

Although the Allen Deluxe is less versatile than platform-style hitch mount racks like the Thule T2 Classic or the Kuat NV, it is difficult to attach many full suspension frames or frames with unique front triangle configurations to it.

Four mounting cradles are attached to the horizontal supports, but we could not find any combination of four bikes that would fit on the rack without causing serious bike-to-bike contact that could damage the vehicle.

Easy assembly

The Deluxe 4 comes in three pieces, which must be assembled using the included bolts and nuts. For assembling the rack, you will need an adjustable wrench and a 14mm wrench.

The directions are clear, but we had difficulty getting some of the bolts to line up because of poor manufacturing tolerances, and a hammer and some manipulation were required.

Security

The bike rack has no security features, no locks for bikes, or a way for it to be secured to a vehicle.

Durability

During testing, the plastic buckles failed when the bikes were loaded. Other than that, there were no structural issues with the rack. Seven out of 90 Amazon reviews mention structural failures, but it’s hard to tell whether this is due to a defect or to misuse by consumers.

The best application

If you use a bicycle rack a few times a year or very rarely, then this rack is for you. It is not ideal for high-end bikes, since scratches and frame damage are likely to occur.

Its value

At $120, the Allen Deluxe 4 is the cheapest hitch mount rack we tested, and it’s sometimes priced even lower.

It is a good value for those who use racks rarely and are not concerned with security or frame damage. If you plan to use your rack every day, consider another option such as the Best Buy Rocky Mounts MonoRail.

Final Verdict on Best Allen Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Carrier

Allen Deluxe 4 is the cheapest hitch mount rack and is anything but deluxe. Its lack of security features and its design limit its ability to carry most modern full suspension bikes make it of limited utility.

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