Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The Allen Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Rack wins for most drivers — $58, no tools needed, and a 70-lb capacity that beats many hitch racks.
The Verdict
Winner
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Rack
Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R vs Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver), side by side
Pros:
- Installs in seconds, no tools required
- 70 lb capacity handles heavy mountain bikes
- Folds flat for easy storage when not in use
- Priced under $60 — lowest risk entry point
Cons (honest weight):
- Blocks trunk access while bikes are mounted
- Straps may scratch paint if not padded correctly
- Only holds 2 bikes — not for large families
Pros:
- Holds 4 bikes — perfect for family outings
- Tilts back for easy trunk and liftgate access
- Folds away when not in use, minimal storage footprint
- Higher rating (4.5 stars) than the trunk rack
Cons (honest weight):
- Requires a 2-inch receiver hitch to install
- Heavier (12.5 lbs) and more expensive than trunk racks
- Lower per-bike weight capacity (48.5 lbs total)
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. Allen Sports takes 4; Allen Sports takes 2.
| Dimension | Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R | Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceThe trunk rack costs half the hitch rack, saving $43.55. | $58 | $101.55 | Allen Sports |
| Mount TypeTrunk mount is universal; hitch mount requires a 2-inch receiver. | Trunk | Hitch | Tie |
| Bike CapacityThe hitch rack carries twice as many bikes. | 2 | 4 | Allen Sports |
| Load CapacityTrunk rack holds heavier bikes overall despite lower bike count. | 70 lbs | 48.5 lbs | Allen Sports |
| Vehicle FitTrunk rack fits more vehicle types; hitch rack requires a receiver. | Sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, SUVs | SUVs, trucks, vehicles with 2-inch receiver | Tie |
| Ease of InstallationTrunk rack is truly tool-free and faster. | No tools, seconds | Minor assembly, minutes | Allen Sports |
| StorageTrunk rack is lighter and folds flat for easy storage. | Folds flat, lightweight | Folds, but heavier (12.5 lbs) | Allen Sports |
| RatingHitch rack has slightly higher rating, but trunk rack has more reviews. | 4.4/5 (37,036 reviews) | 4.5/5 (9,129 reviews) | Allen Sports |
| Overall | 4 wins | 2 wins | Allen Sports |
Price — Trunk rack saves you $43.55
The Allen trunk rack costs $58 while the hitch rack runs $101.55. That $43.55 gap buys you a second pair of bikes or accessories.
For budget-conscious buyers, the trunk rack is the clear winner. You get a fully functional rack for less than half the price of the hitch model.
If you already have a receiver hitch, the hitch rack still offers solid value. Four-bike hitch racks from competitors often exceed $200.
Mount Type — Trunk vs Hitch: Different Tools for Different Cars
The trunk rack uses adjustable straps to attach to your vehicle's trunk or hatch. It fits most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs without any permanent hardware.
The hitch rack requires a 2-inch receiver hitch installed on your vehicle. Many SUVs and trucks come with one, but sedans rarely do — adding a hitch costs extra.
If your car lacks a hitch receiver, the trunk rack is your only option without modification. The hitch rack demands a receiver but offers more stability at highway speeds.
Bike Capacity — Hitch rack carries four bikes
The trunk rack holds two bikes, while the hitch rack holds four. For families with three or more riders, the hitch rack is the practical choice.
Four bikes means you can take the whole family on a weekend ride. The trunk rack limits you to a couple's outing or a solo adventure with a spare.
If you frequently transport more than two bikes, the hitch rack's capacity is worth the price premium. Otherwise, two bikes is plenty for most households.
Load Capacity — Trunk rack handles heavier bikes
The trunk rack has a 70 lb total limit, while the hitch rack is rated for 48.5 lbs. This means the trunk rack can carry two 35 lb bikes, while the hitch rack's 48.5 lbs must be split across four bikes.
Heavy mountain bikes or e-bikes may exceed the per-bike limit on the hitch rack. With four bikes loaded, each bike can average only about 12 lbs — too light for most adult bikes.
If you ride heavy bikes, the trunk rack offers more flexibility. The hitch rack is better suited for lighter road bikes and children's bikes.
Vehicle Fit — Trunk rack is more universal
The trunk rack fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs with no permanent installation. Its adjustable straps and padded arms accommodate a wide range of trunk and hatch designs.
The hitch rack requires a 2-inch receiver, common on trucks and SUVs but rare on sedans. If your vehicle lacks one, you'll need to install a hitch (typically $100–$200).
For most sedans and hatchbacks, the trunk rack is the only hassle-free option. SUV owners can choose either — but the hitch rack is more secure.
Ease of Installation — Trunk rack wins by a mile
The trunk rack comes fully assembled and installs in seconds with no tools. Just position it on your trunk, tighten the straps, and load your bikes.
The hitch rack requires minor assembly: sliding the shank into the receiver and tightening a bolt. It takes a few minutes and a socket wrench.
If you value speed and simplicity, the trunk rack is unbeatable. You can go from garage to road in under 30 seconds.
Storage — Trunk rack folds flat and is lightweight
The trunk rack folds flat to about 4 inches thick and weighs 7.5 lbs (7.5 lbs). It tucks easily behind a seat or in a closet.
The hitch rack also folds but is bulkier at 12.5 lbs. It takes up more space and is harder to store in a small apartment or garage.
For those with limited storage, the trunk rack is the more practical choice. The hitch rack is best kept on the vehicle most of the time.
Rating — Hitch rack edges ahead with 4.5 stars
The hitch rack scores 4.5 stars from 9,129 reviews, while the trunk rack scores 4.4 from 37,036 reviews. Both are highly rated by thousands of buyers.
The trunk rack's massive review count speaks to its popularity and reliability. It's the #1 best-selling bike rack on Amazon with good reason.
The hitch rack's slightly higher rating may reflect satisfaction with its capacity and convenience. Both are solid picks with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious buyer | Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R | At $58, the trunk rack is half the price and still carries two bikes. |
| Sedan or hatchback owner | Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R | No hitch required — trunk rack installs on any car in seconds. |
| SUV or minivan owner | Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) | Hitch rack takes advantage of your existing receiver and carries four bikes. |
| Family of four | Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver) | Four-bike capacity means everyone rides together. |
| Frequent hauler of heavy mountain bikes | Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R | 70 lb total limit accommodates heavier bikes. |
| Ease and speed priority | Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R | No tools, no assembly, installs in under a minute. |
| Spoiler or hatchback concern | Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R | Trunk rack's rubberized feet and straps protect car finish and spoilers. |
| Truck owner without a hitch | Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R | Trunk rack fits truck tailgates too — no hitch needed. |
At $58, the trunk rack is half the price and still carries two bikes.
No hitch required — trunk rack installs on any car in seconds.
Hitch rack takes advantage of your existing receiver and carries four bikes.
Four-bike capacity means everyone rides together.
70 lb total limit accommodates heavier bikes.
No tools, no assembly, installs in under a minute.
Trunk rack's rubberized feet and straps protect car finish and spoilers.
Trunk rack fits truck tailgates too — no hitch needed.
What if neither is right?
Saris Bones Car Trunk Bicycle Rack Carrier (2-Bike)
$155.11
Premium trunk rack with arc design that separates bikes; $155.
MaxxHaul Platform Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hitch Mounted
$109.99
Hitch platform rack with adjustable cradles; holds 2 bikes up to 40 lbs each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allen Deluxe 2-Bike vs 4-Bike: which is better?
It depends on your vehicle and needs. The 2-bike trunk rack at $58 is best for sedans and hatchbacks on a budget. The 4-bike hitch rack at $101.55 fits SUVs with a 2-inch receiver and carries four bikes. Choose the trunk rack for simplicity and savings; choose the hitch rack for capacity and convenience.
Is the hitch rack worth the extra $43.55?
Yes, if you need to carry more than two bikes regularly. The hitch rack's four-bike capacity and tilt feature for trunk access justify the premium for families. If you only ever carry one or two bikes, the trunk rack is the smarter buy.
Will the trunk rack fit my car?
The Allen trunk rack fits most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs. It uses adjustable straps and padded feet to protect your car's finish. Check the manufacturer's fit guide online for your specific model, but it's one of the most universal racks available.
Can I use the hitch rack without a 2-inch receiver?
No. The Allen hitch rack is designed exclusively for 2-inch receiver hitches. If your vehicle has a 1.25-inch receiver, you'll need an adapter or a different rack. Most trucks and full-size SUVs have the 2-inch receiver; many crossovers have the smaller size.
How secure are the bikes during transport?
Both racks use individual tie-down straps to secure each bike. The trunk rack includes padded lower frame to keep bikes away from the vehicle. The hitch rack includes a no-wobble bolt to eliminate movement inside the hitch. Thousands of positive reviews confirm they hold bikes securely at highway speeds.
Do these racks work with e-bikes or fat tire bikes?
The trunk rack's 70 lb capacity can handle most e-bikes, but the tie-downs may not accommodate fat tires over 3 inches. The hitch rack's 48.5 lb total limit makes it unsuitable for heavy e-bikes. Neither is specifically designed for fat tire bikes, but the trunk rack has more leeway for heavy loads.
How we compared. We analyzed 46,165 Amazon verified buyer reviews and cross-referenced expert evaluations from Wirecutter, RTINGS, and Tom's Guide to build this head-to-head comparison. Prices update weekly from Amazon.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Picks reflect editorial consensus from 3 independent review sources and 46,165+ verified buyer reviews.