Sports USA Ultra Compact 1-Bike Carrier for Automobile

Looking for a temporary bike carrier not to be used that often I came across this on by Allen Sports, I have a hatchback car and it needed to be light, folds up small enough when not in use and easy to fit...this Allen Compact Carrier is my choice. I need to carry one MTB, so I open up the main supports place the two top straps over the hatchback lid, then you can adjust the length you need the bike to sit, when it's right then raise the bike to it's two support receptors secure them then I find it is best the to tighten the straps up to the roof first then the lower one that grabs the under neath of the boot, if that is a plastic or carbon fiber bumper make it fit the lower strap into the boot and pull it until it grips on the inside. I tried both methods and they both worked carrying a standard MTB there was no movement whilst being carried, it comes at a good price and does the job properly.

Sorry about the long review but I took some time picking a rack out for us and I read plenty of reviews and I really wanted to add some of my thoughts. I bought the Allen bike rack for our 2 childrens bikes to go on our Peugeot 2008. Although it wasn’t listed as fitting our car for what it cost it was worth a punt. It arrived the next day as it was prime delivery. It comes in a small but weighty box. The rack is super simple to get ready. I would say assembly as it’s fully assembled in the box and just has to be erected if you like. It has 5 nylon straps with metal hooks on the ends which 2 hook over the top of the boot, 2 to the sides and 1 under the bottom of the boot lid. The whole operation took about 10 mins maximum. So the bikes we were using were 2 fairly small child’s bikes and they posed some trouble. This was because 1 was just too small, we got it on to a certain extent but not as I would of preferred. The second slightly bigger bike was a jiggle (again because of its size) but it went on. Apart from that and not wanting to strap the rack tighter to the boot in case of damage the rack served it’s purpose. We had a 15min drive to a promenade for a little ride and besides a nerve racking first drive, the drive back was less nail biting as I tightened the rack to the boot a little. After getting back the bikes come off super easy and the rack comes with a small bag to keep it in after unlatching and folding up. So all in all the rack flat out works, it isn’t exactly the sturdiest on the market but it is certainly one of the cheapest, the build quality is more than enough for what we need, 2 small child’s bikes. Personally I wouldn’t start hanging heavy or large expensive bikes off it for the obvious reasons and I wouldn’t want to drive for a couple of hundred miles with it in the boot. It is fairly forgiving in the fit on cars and I imagine it will fit most hatchbacks etc. Anyways hopefully this lengthy review is of some help to anyone who is in the market for a cheap bike rack.

Great value for money. Compact solo bike rack. Folds away nice and small, comes with a bag. Easy to operate. Fits easy onto the smallest of cars. Secure. Only downside is 1) the lower rests may need to lean on your numberplate which blocks your number plate, may get you in trouble on long journeys. 2) if your bumper is plastic, and using the boot is out of the question, you have to rig it up to metal parts under the car.

I was worried to buy a bike rack as I have never used one before. Seeing as I have quite a small car I was thinking it might not be compatible, but it is perfect. It’s SO easy to put together, (you don’t even have to put it together you just open and close it). One of the pins to open it did get stuck but all I needed to do was get a little pocket knife and jam it back out. It holds the bike very well, and is really sturdy. (please ignore that it’s slightly wonky in the first photo I was still figuring out where I wanted it) The extra long straps are used to attach to the bike to hold it better.

Arrived broken, the pop rivet that holds one if the stabilising arms is misaligned

Can’t go wrong with the price and i’m sure it would be perfect for a bike with a frame more horizontal but with most modern mountain bikes having a slanted frame that this attaches to, the weight is not evenly distributed and feels unstable. I wouldn’t risk it with an expensive bike personally

I have had a number of bike carriers over the years but this is by far the best. It's simple design means mounting on the vehicle is easy and quick. It cleverly folds into a small size and is supplied with a handy bag for transport and storage. The carrier holds the bike firmly and keeps it well away from the car body. I have found that the press studs on the folding mechanism benefit from a touch of WD 40 which makes them easier to operate. An excellent product well made and thoroughly recommended.

Early days but seems to be a well made, well thought out design. Fits to the car quickly, easily and securely. Holds bike securely and easily adapts to different frames. Don't forget straps to secure wheels & cranks from turning. Folds down very small for storage. Edit after 4 weeks. Still a decent item but manufacturer doesn't answer queries. Also holds bikes very close to car so be careful. Reducing to 4 stars for no answer.