Are you planning to hit the road on your bike and need a way to transport it? Look no further than Allen Bike Racks! These easy-to-use and affordable racks make it simple to take your bike with you wherever you go.

How to install Allen bike rack is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with minimal tools and time. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a casual rider, having a reliable bike rack is essential for transporting your bicycle safely and securely. Allen Sports offers a range of bike racks, designed for different vehicle types and cycling needs, making them a popular choice among biking enthusiasts.

This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to install your Allen bike rack, ensuring it is correctly and securely attached to your vehicle so that you can confidently transport your bike.

What Will You Need?

Before you begin the installation process, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. These may vary depending on the specific Allen bike rack model and your vehicle type, so it’s always best to consult the instruction manual or Allen Sports website for particular requirements. Generally, you will need:

• Your Allen bike rack kit
• Vehicle-specific fit parts (if required)
• A tape measure or ruler
• An adjustable wrench or socket set
• A Phillips head screwdriver

Once you have gathered all the necessary tools, you’re ready to begin the installation process.

10 Easy Steps on How to Install Allen Bike Rack

Step 1: Assemble the Bike Rack

Start unpacking the Allen bike rack from its box, ensuring all components are present. Refer to the assembly manual included with your rack to identify each part. Lay out the bike rack components on a flat, clean surface to ensure they are easily accessible. Familiarize yourself with the mainframe, support arms, and any additional straps or hooks included in the kit. Carefully follow the instructions to assemble the mainframe, securely attaching the support arms to the designated slots or brackets. Ensure all bolts and fasteners are tightened sufficiently, using the adjustable wrench or socket set, to prevent movement during transit.

Step 2: Attach the Rack to Your Vehicle

Begin by determining your vehicle’s most suitable mounting location, typically the trunk or rear hatch. Open the trunk or rear hatch and position the bike rack’s mainframe against the car, aligning it with the designated mounting area. Ensure the support arms extend outward and are ready to hold your bicycle. Attach the top straps of the rack by hooking them to the top edge of the trunk or hatch and tightening the straps until secure.

Move to the side straps, attach them to the sides of the trunk or hatch, and pull them similarly. Lastly, secure the bottom straps to the lower edge of the trunk or hatch, ensuring all straps are evenly tightened, and hold the rack firmly in place. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten any bolts or fasteners, if necessary, providing maximum stability. Double-check the fit by gently tugging the rack to confirm it is firmly attached.

Step 3: Adjust the Support Arms

Once the rack is securely attached to your vehicle, it’s time to adjust the support arms to accommodate your bike. The support arms may have adjustable angles or fixed positions, depending on your model. Carefully adjust them to ensure your motorcycle rests securely against the rack without tilting or swaying. The arms should be parallel to the ground and spaced wide enough to properly support the bike’s frame. Ensure the arms are locked in designated positions using any locking mechanisms provided. Double-check the arm angles and spacing to be suitable for the type and size of your bike. This adjustment helps maintain stability during transport, preventing any scratches or damages to your motorcycle or vehicle.

Step 4: Load Your Bicycle onto the Rack

With the support arms adjusted, loading your bicycle onto the rack is time. Lift your bike and carefully position it onto the support arms, ensuring it is centered and balanced. Most Allen bike racks feature cradles or grooves on the support arms designed to securely hold the bike’s frame. Gently rest the bike’s top tube into these cradles, adjusting to ensure a snug fit. If the rack includes additional straps or securing mechanisms, use them to fasten the bike to the rack. These securing straps should be tightened enough to prevent the bike from moving during transit but not so tight as to damage the bike’s frame.

Step 5: Secure the Wheels

Secure the bike’s wheels from spinning or moving during transit using additional straps or ties. If your bike rack does not have wheel straps, you can use bungee cords or specialized bike wheel straps. Begin by looping the strap through the spokes of each wheel and attaching it to the rack’s support arm or the bike’s frame. The straps should hold the wheels steady without causing any damage to the spokes. Ensuring the wheels are immobile will help maintain the bike’s balance on the rack and reduce the risk of any shifting during your journey.

Step 6: Double-Check All Connections

Before hitting the road, take a moment to inspect the entire setup thoroughly. Ensure all straps, hooks, and connections are properly attached and tightened. Gently shake the rack and the bike to ensure no excessive movement. Confirm that the bike frame rests securely on the cradles and that the support arms are locked. Check that the wheels are secured and won’t spin or sway during transit. This step is crucial for safety, as even a slight oversight can lead to issues while driving.

Step 7: Test Drive

Before embarking on a long journey, taking a short test drive with the bike rack and bicycle attached is wise. Start at a slow speed and gradually increase to normal driving conditions. Listen for any unusual noises or rattling, which may indicate loose straps or connections. Pay attention to how the vehicle handles and whether any visual vibrations are coming from the rear. After this short drive, pull over and re-inspect all rack and bike components, ensuring everything remains tightly fastened and secure. Adjust as necessary before continuing on to more extended travels.

Step 8: Unloading the Bicycle

Once you reach your destination, carefully reverse the loading process to unload your bicycle from the rack. Begin by unfastening any straps or securing mechanisms that hold the bike in place. Gently lift the bike off the support arms, maintaining a firm grip to prevent accidental drops. If any additional wheel straps or ties were used, release these to free the wheels. Take care not to scratch your vehicle during unloading. Place the bike on the ground, securely on its kickstand or resting against a stable structure. Check the rack and support arms for any wear or damage that may have occurred during transit before storing the rack or setting off on your ride.

Step 9: Storing the Bike Rack

After unloading the bicycle, it’s essential to properly store the bike rack when it’s not in use. Begin by detaching the rack from your vehicle and reversing the installation process. Carefully release each strap, starting from the bottom and moving to the top, removing hooks from the trunk or rear hatch while keeping a firm grip on the rack to prevent it from falling. Once detached, inspect the rack for any wear or damage that may have occurred during use. Clean any dirt or debris off the rack to maintain its condition.

If your model is foldable, fold it down for easier storage. Place the rack in a dry, protected area, such as a garage or storage shed, to avoid exposure to the elements, which can cause rust or degradation.

Step 10: Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Conduct regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the longevity and reliable performance of your bike rack. Begin by routinely checking all moving parts and joints for signs of wear and tear, paying special attention to locking mechanisms and adjustment points. Lubricate any moving hinges or joints as the manufacturer recommends to keep them operating smoothly. Examine straps and hooks for any fraying or weakening, replacing them as necessary to maintain secure connections. Periodically clean the rack to remove dirt and road grime, which can promote rust and corrosion.

By following these steps, you can confidently transport your bicycle with a trunk-mounted bike rack and enjoy hassle-free trips to your favorite cycling destinations.

Conclusion

How to install allen bike rack is a straightforward process that, when done correctly, ensures the safe and secure transport of your bicycle.

By following the outlined steps, from initial installation and adjusting support arms to securing the bicycle and taking a precautionary test drive, you can achieve a reliable setup that minimizes risks during transit. Key to this process is diligent attention to fastening all components and making necessary adjustments to fit your specific bike. Regular maintenance and inspections also help maintain the rack’s condition, ensuring it remains a dependable tool for all your cycling adventures.

With your Allen bike rack properly installed, you’re well-equipped for exciting, hassle-free trips to explore new trails and roads with peace of mind.