lphilpot

We've just traded in our 2006 Honda Odyssey minivan for a 2014 Honda CR-V. The Odyssey had a 2" receiver and I have a 3-bike steel Hollywood rack (strong, but HEAVY... now for sale!). Well, I don't want to put a receiver on the CR-V nor on my 2010 Accord. I'd like to find a reasonably priced 2 bike rack that can fit both vehicles, attached only when used (to minimize the chance of paint damage).

Allen's AL02 and MT2 racks appear to fit the bill in all regards, but the AL02 has a few advantages in my mind: - Allen Sports USA

One of the things I like is, the bottom feet appear to rest pretty much on the license plate of both vehicles (one less change for damage). I'll be carrying my Tricross most of the time, maybe also my friend's (smaller) carbon bike. So, nothing tremendously heavy. It'll be 98% local trips of probably 20 miles or less.

Anyone used this, or any other, Allen rack? Maybe a competitive rack that fits my desires better? Advice?

Thanks.

Doohickie

I'd reconsider getting a hitch receiver. The cost will probably be in the same realm as getting a trunk rack, and you don't have to worry about where the feet of the rack sit.

Bikealou

I've had good results with an Allen trunk rack. The rack disappeared about the time one of my kids moved out out of the house. Had as many as four bikes on it. One adult and three kids of various size/ages. As you noted, bottom fit against the rear license plate. Top feet I cushioned with old tee-shirts. As I recall - no dents or scratches. Maybe a couple of marks on the plastic rear bumper cover from pedals.
Since that rack disappeared I've pretty much always had a vehicle I could put my bike inside of. I do have a new never used trunk rack in the basement that replaced the missing Allen. I think they are fine for occasional local use.

Retro Grouch 

How picky are you about your cars?

If you use any strap on rack weekly for a year, by the end of that time you'll be able to tell where the feet went.

Biker395 

+1

He's right.

Too bad you're asking the question a couple of weeks too late. Pricepoint was offering a Yakima trunk rack that might have done as well as any other for only $20, but they're out of business now.

lphilpot

Doohickie, I won't disagree at all that hitch mounts are "better" in a general sense. A platform hitch rack is stronger, more stable, etc., but the total for two vehicles (including installing receivers on both) is way more than just this single trunk rack... probably in the neighborhood of 7x to 10x the cost, all told.

Bikealou, I'm thinking the same thing. If the pedals are an issue, I'll stick a thick sock over them, as well as extra padding under the contact points.

Retro, what you say is definitely correct. I hope to minimize the effects by taking the rack off when it's not in use (another benefit is I can store the Allen rack in the trunk without losing hardly any space). But it'll probably still show traces over time. That's a factor, but it's less for MY older vehicle (where it'll be used more) than for my WIFE's newer vehicle (where it might be for the occasional road trip only).

Biker395, yeah... I'm always a day late and a dollar short.

BTW, I'm not automatically gainsaying all input - Just trying to think through all angles. Much appreciated.