There’s a unique kind of freedom that comes from cycling—the wind in your face, the rhythmic hum of the tires on pavement, the ability to explore a new trail or a quiet country road. For many of us, however, that freedom feels frustratingly out of reach. Living in a downtown apartment or a home with limited storage means every square inch is precious. The idea of owning a traditional, bulky bike rack—a permanent fixture on your car or a heavy beast to be lugged from a storage locker—is often a non-starter. This was precisely the dilemma I faced. My bikes were gathering dust, relegated to short trips around the neighborhood, while the beautiful state parks just a 30-minute drive away might as well have been on another continent. I needed a way to bridge that gap, a solution that didn’t require a garage, a trailer hitch, or a second person to help me install it. The promise of adventure was there, but the logistics were a nightmare.
What to Consider Before Buying a Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack
A bicycle car rack is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for unlocking new adventures and making your cycling hobby more accessible. It solves the fundamental problem of transporting your bike safely and securely, whether you’re heading to a local trail, going on a family vacation, or meeting friends for a ride across town. Without a reliable rack, you’re limited to where you can pedal from your front door, often forcing you to drive separately and hope for safe parking, or worse, leaving the bikes behind altogether. The main benefits are clear: expanded riding territory, protection for both your vehicle’s paint and your bike’s frame, and the sheer convenience of a grab-and-go system.
The ideal customer for a compact, trunk-mounted rack like this one is someone facing constraints—be it storage space, budget, or the lack of a trailer hitch on their vehicle. This includes apartment dwellers, students, casual riders, and families who need an easy-on, easy-off solution for occasional trips. It’s for the person who values portability and simplicity above all else. Conversely, this style of rack might not be suitable for those who transport bikes daily, own heavy electric bikes that exceed the weight capacity, or embark on long, rugged cross-country road trips where maximum stability is paramount. For those users, a more permanent, frame-mounted hitch rack or a high-end roof rack system would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive, investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Vehicle Compatibility & Fit: Not all trunk racks fit all vehicles. Check the manufacturer’s fit guide religiously. Consider the shape of your trunk or hatchback, the location of spoilers, and the material of your bumper. A poor fit can lead to instability and potential damage to your car.
- Capacity & Weight Limit: This model is for two bikes with a total load capacity of 70 pounds. Always respect this limit. Heavier bikes, like downhill mountain bikes or some e-bikes, will require a more robust, often hitch-mounted, solution. Also, consider how the bikes will hang; some non-traditional frame shapes may require a top-tube adapter bar.
- Materials & Durability: The Allen MT2-B uses powder-coated steel for a solid frame. Look for high-quality nylon straps and strong metal buckles. The points of contact with your vehicle are critical—padded feet and coated metal hooks are a must to protect your car’s finish, though we always recommend adding a small layer of extra protection.
- Ease of Use & Storage: The single greatest advantage of a rack like this is its simplicity. How quickly can it be installed and removed? How small does it fold down? The ability to tuck it away in your trunk or a closet when not in use is a massive benefit that heavy-duty racks simply can’t offer.
While the Allen MT2-B 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if you have heavier bikes. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
First Impressions: Is This Really a Bike Rack?
When the package containing the Allen MT2-B 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack arrived, my first thought was that there had been a mistake. The box was impossibly small. Unboxing it revealed not a cumbersome metal contraption, but a tidy, black carrying bag about the size of a lunchbox. Inside, the rack was folded into a compact block of red and black metal. My initial skepticism about its sturdiness was immediately challenged by its feel. Despite weighing just over 7 pounds, the powder-coated steel felt substantial and well-constructed. The folding mechanism, which operates with simple push-buttons, allows the arms to snap securely into place. It’s a patent-pending design, and you can see why. The entire unit unfolds intuitively, transforming from a small brick into a fully functional bike rack in under a minute. The included straps are thick, and the padded feet feel dense and protective. It was a refreshing experience compared to wrestling with larger, heavier racks of the past.
What We Like
- Unbeatable compact design; folds small enough for a backpack
- Extremely fast and intuitive installation process
- Lightweight yet feels surprisingly sturdy for its size
- Universal fit works on a wide range of vehicles
- Lifetime warranty provides excellent peace of mind
What We Don’t Like
- Metal strap hooks can scratch vehicle paint if not protected
- Can experience some sway when carrying two heavier bikes
Deep Dive: Performance and Real-World Testing
A bike rack can look great out of the box, but its true test is on the road. We put the Allen MT2-B 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack through its paces on a variety of vehicles and trips, from short city jaunts to longer highway drives, to see if its performance could match its incredible portability.
The Genius of Compact Design: Portability and Storage Redefined
The single most defining feature of the Allen MT2-B is its ultra-compact nature. This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a game-changer for a specific type of cyclist. We found that once folded, it easily fit into the included carrying bag, which then disappeared into the spare tire compartment of our test SUV. In a smaller sedan, it tucked into a corner of the trunk with room to spare. One user aptly noted it’s so small they can “just keep it in the car all the time and not have to worry about forgetting it.” This is the core appeal. There is zero friction to bringing it along. For those of us in apartments, the benefit is even more pronounced. Instead of a bulky rack taking up precious closet or balcony space, the MT2-B can be stored on a shelf. This design philosophy transforms bike transport from a planned-out event into a spontaneous possibility. We could decide on a whim to head to a park after work, and the rack was always ready to go. The folding mechanism, while occasionally stiff as some users pointed out, feels secure. Depressing the metal buttons to fold the arms does sometimes require a firm push, but we see this as a positive, ensuring they won’t accidentally collapse.
Installation and Vehicle Fit: A True Five-Minute Affair
Allen Sports claims a simple installation, and our testing confirms this wholeheartedly. The entire process, from trunk to fully mounted, consistently took us under five minutes, even on the first try. The design is brilliantly intuitive. The two upper padded feet rest on the trunk or hatchback, the lower foot braces against the bumper or license plate area, and three adjustable straps secure the entire unit. One top strap, two side straps. That’s it. We tested the fit on a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek and a Nissan Versa, and as other users have found, it settled on both vehicles with minimal fuss. The straps are easy to tighten, creating a surprisingly snug and secure fit. The critical point of concern, echoed in many user reviews, is the set of metal hooks that anchor the straps into the gaps of your trunk. They are not padded. As one savvy user stated, “take the negative reviews with a grain of salt! Most of the negative reviews were people complaining the metal hooks scratched their car… well duh!” We strongly agree and recommend a simple, cheap fix: place a small square of microfiber cloth or a piece of rubber under each hook before tightening. This completely eliminates the risk of scratching and should be considered a mandatory step. With this tiny precaution, the mounting system is both fast and safe for your vehicle’s finish. We also confirmed that on many hatchbacks, like our Crosstrek, you can still open the hatch with the rack installed (but without bikes on it), a fantastic convenience.
On-the-Road Performance: Stability, Security, and Real-World Use
With the rack mounted, it was time to load the bikes. The arms feature individual tie-down cradles that secure the bike’s top tube. Loading one bike is effortless. We mounted a standard road bike, tightened the straps, and hit the road. The result was impressive stability. As one user noted, “with just one bike on there I run well. No jiggle when going through bumps and good on the highway.” We experienced the same thing—minimal bounce, no sway, and a feeling of complete confidence, even at 70 mph. Adding a second bike changes the dynamic slightly. We mounted a second, heavier hybrid bike, bringing the total weight to around 60 lbs, well within the 70 lb limit. Here, we began to notice some of the sway another user mentioned: “with two bikes on it. It will shake a lot during any bumps you encounter.” While we wouldn’t call it excessive shaking, there is certainly more movement. It’s crucial to ensure the bikes are mounted as close to the vehicle as possible and to arrange handlebars and pedals to prevent them from clanging together. Using an extra bungee cord or strap to bind the bikes together and limit wheel spin is also a highly recommended pro-tip. For short trips and smoother roads, carrying two bikes is perfectly acceptable. For a long, bumpy journey with two heavy mountain bikes, you may want the added peace of mind that a more robust hitch rack provides. You’ll also have to accept that, like virtually all trunk racks, the Allen MT2-B 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack will likely obstruct your backup camera and may trigger parking sensors.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we dug into feedback from dozens of other owners to see how their experiences aligned with ours. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the rack’s core promise of convenience. One user perfectly captured the target audience’s sentiment, saying, “Living in a mid-rise apartment in the city… This rack makes that a breeze.” Another praised its simplicity: “This rack was SUPER easy to install. I am rather small and it took me less than 5 minutes to install by myself!” This theme of ease and portability is the most common point of praise. On the critical side, the feedback also aligns with our findings. The concern about unpadded metal hooks is the most frequent complaint, though most users, like us, found a simple workaround. The second common critique centers on its stability with two bikes. As one person put it, “it isn’t the sturdiest of racks. You definitely aren’t buying a Thule.” This is a fair assessment; the Allen MT2-B 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is a triumph of portable design, not a bastion of ultimate stability, and its value should be judged accordingly.
How Does the Allen MT2-B Compare to the Alternatives?
The Allen MT2-B 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack exists in a class of its own for portability, but how does it stack up against different types of racks? If you have a trailer hitch, your options expand significantly.
1. Young Electric 200LB 2-Bike Hitch Rack
The Young Electric rack represents a major step up in capability. As a platform-style hitch rack, it supports bikes from their wheels, not the frame, which is ideal for carbon fiber frames or unconventional shapes. Its massive 200-pound capacity is designed specifically for two heavy electric bikes, something the Allen MT2-B simply cannot handle. It also features a smart tilting function for trunk access. You would choose the Young rack if you own e-bikes, have a 2-inch hitch receiver, and prioritize raw strength and stability over portability and price. The Allen MT2-B is for the user with standard bikes and no hitch who needs a solution they can store in a backpack.
2. ARKSEN 2-Bike Hitch Mounted Rack
Similar to the Young rack, the ARKSEN is a robust, platform-style hitch carrier with a 150 lbs capacity, making it another excellent choice for heavier bikes or e-bikes. It offers a secure, stable ride and fits a wide range of bike styles, including fat-tire bikes. The trade-off, like all hitch racks, is size, weight, and the requirement of a hitch receiver. It’s a semi-permanent solution for serious cyclists who transport heavy bikes often. The ARKSEN is the workhorse for tough jobs, whereas the Allen MT2-B 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is the brilliantly convenient tool for casual, lightweight transport.
3. YAKIMA DoubleDown 4 4-Bike Hitch Rack
The YAKIMA DoubleDown 4 shifts the focus from weight capacity to bike quantity. It’s a hanging-style rack like the Allen, but it mounts to a hitch and can carry up to four bikes. This makes it a fantastic choice for families or groups. It’s built by a premium brand known for durability and includes features like anti-sway cradles and arms that fold down when not in use. Someone would choose the DoubleDown 4 when they need to transport three or four standard bikes and have a hitch receiver. The Allen MT2-B is strictly for one or two bikes and for vehicles without a hitch, offering a much lower price point and unparalleled storage convenience.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Allen MT2-B the Right Rack for You?
After weeks of testing, we can say with confidence that the Allen MT2-B 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is an outstanding piece of engineering that perfectly serves its intended audience. It is not trying to be the strongest, most feature-rich rack on the market. Instead, it aims to be the most convenient, portable, and accessible rack available, and at that, it succeeds brilliantly. For the city dweller, the casual rider, or anyone who has been put off by the cost, complexity, and storage demands of traditional racks, this product is a revelation. It removes the barriers to getting your bike to new and exciting places.
While it has its limitations—namely the need to protect your car’s paint from the hooks and its reduced stability with two very heavy bikes—these are manageable trade-offs for its incredible benefits. If you need a simple, reliable, and impossibly compact solution for transporting one or two standard bicycles without the need for a trailer hitch, we can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s an affordable key that unlocks a world of cycling adventures that might otherwise remain just out of reach. For its price and design, the value is simply unmatched. You can check its current price and see more user reviews right here.
