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Bell Bike Rack Pros and Cons
The Bell Locking Three Bike Rack offers the following features:
* Rack mounts to rear of closely any vehicle without using a tow hitch
* Safely transport up to three bikes
* Constructed of beautiful and long-lasting powder-coated steel
* Locking key cable is six-feet long and eight-millimeters thick, advancing safe transport
* Unfolds and sets up in one simple step
The Bell Locking Three Bike Rack is a bike rack ready and capable of mounting three bikes in place securely. With the Bell Locking Three Bike Rack you will not have to worry in regards to your bikes hanging just with regards to in the back for this product will make sure that it is well kept and stored properly.
The Bell Locking Three Bike Rack comes with a sturdy 6 inch locking 8 mm key cable which is more proof of this product’s promotion of safe transport. The Bell Locking Three Bike Rack is likewise devised with a hitch free design with 6 lasting straps that offer stability and a fit corresponding almost any car.
This great product folds in one easy step and boasts red reflective end caps To heighten visibility when travelling in night time, for the most part for safety purposes.
The Bell Locking Three Bike Rack is without apparent effort attachable to your car, van, etc. and secures your bike in place all around the rest of the trip. With the Bell Locking Three Bike Rack there will be no need to worry whether your bikes are still in the right place after a bumpy ride because this product is sure to keep your bikes in place no matter of the trip.
Most people might feel uncomfortable purchasing such a cheap bike rack. Most expected values of the Bell Locking Three Bike Rack are rather low because of it is price. But isn’t that an vantage towards your side? As a client you will always opt for what is practical and the Bell Locking Three Bike Rack just screams practicality with it is features and the price that it is more than willing to be sold for.
The Bell Locking Three Bike Rack is a bike rack that will get the occupation done without you having to lift a finger. This unit comes with instructions and easy to install tools that will get you to to the full or entire extent comprehend how to make use of this product to it is best.
For fascinated buyers you may visit www.amazon.com where the Bell Locking Three Bike Rack is being offered for the very lowpriced price of only $ 49.99. more info
Bell Bike Rack Locking Threebike
Deluxe 3 bike carrier for 1 1/4″ or 2″ hitch
Carry your bicycles as securely as possible and keep away from the hassles of piled bikes or high threshold rooftop mounts, with the Allen Deluxe 3-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. Fitting vehicles with a 1.25 or 2-inch trailer hitch, the Allen Deluxe Hitch Mount Rack is both easy to operate and super secure for your bikes. Constructed out of steel with a lasting black powder finish and with Allen’s patented tie downs that keep bikes from bumping, the rack is built to last and is backed by a lifetime warranty from Allen.
The Allen rack boasts a patented tie-down system and on an individual basis cradles up to three bikes in the 16-inch carry arms. A distinguished tie down strap is included with the rack and does away with lower bike motion completely. As easy to install as it is to use, the rack sets up in less than 5 minutes with a no-wobble bolt that holds it still within the hitch. When the rack is not in use, the carry arms speedily drop out of the way and fold down flat with a patented single pin mechanism and the rack tilts up to concede easy access to the lift gate.
Specifications:
- Fits vehicles with a 1.25 or 2-inch trailer hitch
- Holds up to three bikes
- 16-inch carry arms
- Individual bike cradles
- Steel construction
- Black powder coat finish
- Patented single key release system
- Tie down strap
- Minor assemblage required
About Allen Bike Racks:
In 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace engineering for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage sparetime activity into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family’s bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts garage in search of a more effective way to transport bikes. Drafting designs for the duration of the day and formulating them all around the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allen’s tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the original trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns over three-dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick’s son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a little garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has productions sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Most helpful customer reviews
259 of 261 people found the following review helpful.
 If you have a 1-1/4″ receiver you’ll want to read this review
By Monomer
I love this bike rack. The price is very reasonable and its build-quality I consider top-notch with all holes and welds being quite precise. The design has clever features that were new to me, such as being able to fold down the bike support arm when not in use so one doesn’t accidentally run into it and also the ability to fold down the whole rack allowing quick and easy access through the rear door. The strap cinching system seemed cheap and goofy at first but after using it a few times I’ve now become quite adept at strapping and unstrapping the bikes to where it only takes a few seconds for me to do so. I now feel its quite clever in that this strapping system will accommodate any size bike tube (unlike some other bike racks I’ve had in the past). Its important to note that the spacing between the supports is quite wide at 14″ and that might limit its use for smaller bikes, as our adult bikes just barely fit (with <2" to spare). I did run into an issue that I've noted that some other Amazon reviewers (reviewing other similar model Allen bike racks) had alluded to. All hitch mounted bike racks will wobble to some extent and that's why most have some sort of anti-wobble system that basically draws the bike rack tight to one side of the receiver to prevent it wobbling. Well, the anti-wobble bolt that is supplied with the bike rack works well for a 2" receiver hitch, however if you have a 1-1/4" receiver it won't fit unless you drill out the hole on one side of your receiver... it will need to be slightly larger than 1/2". If you don't want to do that then you'll need to buy an 'after-market' anti-wobble bolt. That's when I ran into the problem that anti-wobble bolts don't seem to exist for 1-1/4" receivers... oh, there are a huge variety of choices for 2" receivers but not the 1-1/4"... I don't know why. There are brand specific anti-rattle pins for 1-1/4" but none of them will work with these Allen bike racks. Finally, after much searching, I finally found one (the only one on the internet I've got to believe), however it was also a locking pin, which was okay with me. I got it from a site called [ etrailer ]... do this search on [ Anti-Rattle with Lock for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitches ] It's code#63147 and basically costs $25 and with shipping totals out at a hefty $30 but was well worth it for me. It works perfectly and is very high quality. I've read reviews here on Amazon by others with 1-1/4" receivers who couldn't seem to find a 1-1/4" locking pin (evidently even Allen's own won't work!!!)... well this one is both an anti-wobble as well as a locking pin and works on Allen bike racks. So I hope this bit of info helps those with 1-1/4" receivers like myself. And if I've managed to help you please check the YES under helpful checkbox below.
Okay I’ve got to add this edit… I just got through another search of that website ‘etrailer’ and did find Curt makes an anti-rattle pin (no lock) for a 1-1/4″ receiver code#F-315 that appears will work with the Allen bike rack, its $11 less than the locking style. As far as I could find, after extensive web searching, these are the only two anti-rattle (anti-wobble) 1-1/4″ hitch receiver pins I could locate anywhere that will work with Allen bike racks. So if anyone who reads this knows of another please add it in a comment as I believe others might find it helpful to have choices.
Final edit due to the many helpful comments attached to this review… Allen is definitely supplying both pin sizes with these bike racks now so no additional pins are required, however I still stand by my review in that this is a quality and cleverly thought-out bike rack system and represents an excellent price/value bargain.
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful.
Great bike rack, a little high on the price.
By B. Kreinbrink
Great bike rack all around. Easy to assemble, just make sure you have the tools to do so. The locking washers are a pain without the proper wrenches. The “anti-wobble” bolt to make sure the rack doesn’t sway from side to side is a little difficult to install, and it took me a few tries to get it right, but now it is rock solid and won’t move anywhere. The fold down mechanism works like a charm, you just have to make sure you don’t tighten the two bolts at the top too much or it will be really difficult to move.
Positives:
+ Easy to assemble
+ Very sturdy
+ Holds the bikes very well
Negatives:
- Wal-Mart has the same rack for $23 cheaper at the time of this review (which I found out AFTER the fact, come on Amazon!) Edit: 11/19/2010 – Wal-Mart has since removed the 3-bike version of this rack on their website.
- Instructions could be a bit more clear, but they have a great instructional video on the company website.
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful.
Great bike rack
By Steve
Works as advertised! We took a 300 mile trip to the beach with this rack and our two bikes were rock solid as we went down the road. Easy installation, folds down easily, and nice tilt feature for trunk access.
See all 137 customer reviews…
Bell Bike Rack Locking Threebike Picture
Bell Bike Rack Locking Threebike Photo
Bell Bike Rack Locking Threebike Pic
Bell Bike Rack Locking Threebike Photo
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Great for the price!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This bike rack is pretty sturdy and it does bring something to lock the bikes. I have only used it for short distances but it did the job really well.
Great, affordable, EZ
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This rack works great, I use it on my Cadillac sedan at highway speeds so I can vouch for it’s safety/rigidity . The install was pretty straight forward with the straps being labeled, and each dock that touches the vehicle is wrapped in non-abrasive foam so that you wont scratch your car or truck. Also the holsters for each bike uses heavy duty velcro so that it fits a variety of frame styles. For example my bike is a Mongoose Snare ([...]) with a pretty ‘original’ skeleton which I managed to secure with a bit of convincing. I’d definitely recommend this to a friend or family member 5stars!!
Sadly Dissapointed
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
First of all, I will say that my review is kind of unfair because we never got to use it. I bought this rack for a trip, but it wouldn’t fit on either of our cars (we both have spoilers). We didn’t get to mount our bikes to really test it, but it didn’t seem that it was that sturdy. Also, when I went to return it, it was going to be a $13.00 charge for shipping ($17 to ship it to me in the first place). My advice, is buy it from Target.com directly (sorry amazon, I still love you!) so you can return it to the store to avoid the extra shipping charges if it doesn’t work out. I’m still looking for a bike rack (I have a hatchback with a spoiler)…anyone know of any good ones?
Bell Bike Carrier
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I bought this rack because it didn’t require a hitch but it was somewhat unstable – I had to keep stopping to re-tighten the bikes.
I stopped using the carrier completely when one of the plastic braces broke in transit causing bike to get dragged behind the car until I could pull over.
This is probably only good for hauling children’s bikes.
More like 2
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
Mounts to the car fine. Did not cause any dents as other reviews have noted; however, if you plan to carry three bikes I would not buy this carrier. If you have heavy mtn bikes (over 40lbs) you can carry only two bikes.
Works fine for everyday small bikes.
Bonus cable is very useful.
Great for the price!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I’ve had this bike rack since last summer and have had no problems with it. It states clearly in the directions to make sure the area where you place the padded bars is clean. If there is any debris between the pad and car, it will scratch your paint. This has nothing to do with the rack itself. I have driven my car 300 miles in each direction with 2 bikes on the rack. I have no complaints. I found it easy to use and it gets the job done.
Works but will dent cars
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
Both my friend and I bought the rack and was planning on hauling 6 bikes about 200 miles. When we got to our destination, we noticed that there were several major dents on both our cars. This rack will get you to the place you want, but will also leave noticeable dents in your car.
Just what I expected
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
For the amount I paid for this, I wasn’t expecting a perfectly crafted high-end bike rack. I have a Toyota Matrix, fitting to the back hatch is a little tricky, but it is perfect for what I need/expected. I would be nervous putting more than 2 bikes on it, the straps seem to loosen up pretty easily (again, not high end), and I find myself tightening them every day (whether we’ve had bikes on the rack or not). I have had it on my car continuously for 3 weeks now, and it has made toting around my teenager’s BMX bike much more pleasant (and the dog appreciates having the back seat to himself!)
Do not buy this product!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I live in a major summer vacation area and was extermely excited when I noticed these convienient bike carriers everywhere last year. I asked a woman where she found hers and she said that she loved it for transporting her one bicycle around the area. This Christmas I added this to my list thinking it would be great to take our three children riding more often. I followed the instructions implicitly and was not at all put off by the difficulty I had getting the bikes fitted and tightly secured. Come on- I wasn’t expecting cheap, convient, and easy to all come together perfectly, but I was extremely infuriated when the day after our first trip, my husband noticed a 4 inch pressure dent in the rear of our vehicle. I will be contacting BELL when they open on Monday.
It does the job
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
This is the first bike rack I own, so I can’t compare to others, but the design of the straps is not exactly the best design to secure and adjust to support the weight of 3 adult mountain bikes. It is easy to mount and I like the security lock. I purchased an additional cargo strap to ensure it secures the rack properly to the vehicle and can handle the weight on bumpy roads. It probably won’t need that with lighter race bikes or children bikes.
It works!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
It does the job it’s supposed to do, so I’m happy to have a way to bring my kids’ bikes with us on our KIA Sedona minivan. We used it for 2 bikes, I don’t think I’ll try it with 3. Boy style bikes are much easier to put on it than girl style bicycles.
Defective Rack
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I’m using this rack because its not worth the hassle of trying to return it to Target. Perhaps the rack would be worth 5 stars if didn’t come with a manufacturer’s defect. I had to bend the metal plates open so that they could receieve and lock the arms in place. I still don’t have a perfect fit and worry about the arms giving out. So far it is holding one bike up very well but with my next purchase I’ll go inspect the rack before purchasing.
Great Rack – Unnecessary Locking Mechanism
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This bike rack gets it done. I strapped it onto the back of a minivan for a winter cross country drive, and it worked GREAT! It was simple to attach to the back of the van, and was very secure throughout the trip.
NOTE: the bike locking mechanism that is spoken of, is a simple cable lock that locks the bike to the bike rack. If you already have a cable lock, this locking “mechanism” is unnecessary. It is also redundent, because the mechanism may “lock” the bike to the bike rack, but the bike rack is only secured to the car via canvas straps (and metal hooks). If someone really wanted to steal your bike, they would slice the straps, and walk off with both the bike and bike rack (even though they would be locked together). Afterwhich, it would only be a matter of time until they got the lock off your bike.
I found the description misleading, but its still a great bike rack.
BTW – although this rack is supposedly made for both SUVs/minivans and regular cars, the directions do not provide clear directions for attaching this to a regular four-door car.
Seems like a good quality rack, but does not work on a Prius
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
This seems like a very heavy-duty bike rack, but the clips for the side straps do not fit a Prius. Actually I bought a Saris rack after buying this one, Saris claims that the rack does work on a Prius, but the side clips only work if you put them on when the hatch is open. This might be a problem with most racks due to the unique hatch on the Prius. The quest continues.
Beginner Bike Rack – Fits SUVs
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is my first bike rack. It was easy to install and holds the bike securely. I was specifically looking for an SUV bike rack, but have no hitch or roof rack. Most of what I looked at cost 2-3 times as much. The only real drawback to the rack is security. Even if the bike is “locked” to the rack, the rack can be easily removed by cutting the canvas straps that hold it to the SUV, allowing the thief to then remove the bike from the rack at his leisure. So if you need to have your bike SECURE, this isn’t a good rack. If it’s strictly to get from point A to point B, and you can lock it once you’re there, this provides good value for the price.
good value
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I was hesitant to get such a cheap rack to haul around my expensive bicycle but it looked worth a try, and, though I have no point of reference since this is my first rack, I think it is great especially for the money. It took me about 7 minutes to get this out of the box and on my vehicle, and then another 3 minutes or so to firmly attach the bike and lock it. As we started down the highway my wife could not believe I had not tried the rack out before starting a long trip, but I have now driven over 800 miles with it without a single problem.
Terrific find, at an affordable price
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This works great. And it’s so much cheaper than other products out there.
Holds the bikes
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
No problem with this. It holds up the bikes. But the funny thing is that it comes with a lock and cable so that you can lock the bike to it. But it easily removes from the back of the car (I keep it in the trunk until I need it) so the lock is kind of useless.
Great Rack.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this rack and have been very satisfied with it. It’s been great for transporting my bicycle, easy to use, and a great value for the price.
Bell Locking Three-Bike Rack
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Bell Locking Three-Bike Rack
I have owned and used lots of bike racks and have always viewed the Bell brand as the department store brand. I made a trip from Florida to Michigan and back using this Bell bike-rack. It worked like a charm and did not leave any dents, smudges or damage to the van. The only thing I would like to see different in the rack is for the arms to be adjustable. On this rack the arms lock into one position. The slope of the rear window will dictate the angle of the arms. My van ‘s window is almost vertical which laves the arms horizontal. You would like to see the arms slightly angled. Nevertheless it worked find. I only carried two bikes a mountain bike and a beach cruiser. Very good quality and for the price it cannot be beat. The cable lock also is a very nice feature.