Bell 2-Bike Fold Hitch Rack

We were torn between two bike racks. One being the Allen 3 Bike Rack and this Bell 2 Bike Rack. We compared both racks, so others who might be in our same position could make an easier decision. The Allen bike rack will hold 3 bikes, where the Bell will hold 2. We only have 2 bikes to haul, but considered the Allen 3 Bike Rack simply to try and space our bikes further apart, so they didn't rub each other. The Allen Bike Rack is a much taller rack which places the bikes further up into the back window of our SUV. We found it harder to load the bike at the higher level (due to our height and weight). The Bell allows the bikes to be a lower level, not affecting the view out the back window as much, plus easier loading. Its true what other reviewers are saying about their concern on the receiver of the Allen 3 Bike Rack. The Allen Rack receiver has rounded corners instead of being squared off. Both the Allen and Bell Bike Rack will fit a 2" or 1 1/4" hitch. Both racks have spacer parts to leave on for the 2" hitches or remove the spacer for them to fit the smaller hitch. There tends to be some play in the connection of the Allen Receiver, due to rounded corners (where the Bell receiver is square and leaves no play). The Allen Receiver has to be installed and removed with 2 tools. Plus, the Allen uses a bolt that only slides into the side of its receiver with a nut screwed onto it. The No Wobble Bolt that Allen provides does take almost all of the play out of the rounded corner receiver. However, you have to be careful putting their bolt in the correct hole. There is a larger hole in the receiver for a larger bolt intended for the 2" hitch. The smaller hole intended for a smaller bolt is meant for the 1 1/4" hitch. We mistakenly slid the smaller bolt into the larger hole and the play was horrible. Trial and error, we found the problem. The Bell Receiver isn't as confusing, it has a threaded hole in the receiver and a bolt that screws into it and then a nut that screws onto that. Bell includes 2 factory made tools in their packaging. But, it only takes ONE tool to install the nut, but they provide you an extra tool for another vehicle in case you switch the rack back and forth between vehicles. Takes a little more fumbling to install the Allen Bike Rack with the two tools, but overall its almost the same amount of time to remove either rack. The Allen Bike Rack has straps that feed back through a latch (much like a motorcycle helmet) to strap down the bikes, where the Allen 2 Bike Rack uses latches with velcro straps. Both racks pivot and both racks lay down the bike holder arms when you aren't transporting. While the Allen Bike Rack has used heavier steel (maybe because its meant to hold more weight), the Bell Bike Rack looked overall better to us. The Allen Bike rack will hold up to 100 pounds and it suggested you put the heaviest bike closest to the vehicle. The Bell Bike Rack will hold up to 70 pounds. The width of the arms that you feed the bikes onto varies on both units also. With my husband's bike, it was almost a tight fit on the Allen Bike Rack. The arms on the Allen are 16" wide to feed the bike up and onto. The Bell Bike Rack arms were 14" wide. For the Approx. $21 difference between the prices of the Bike Racks (with the Allen 3 bike rack being lower) AND with us only needing a rack to hold 2 bikes....we decided after comparing both units side by side, we were more impressed with Bell 2 Bike Rack and it fit our needs much better. Hope this review helps!