Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
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Compare Platform (Tray) Style Hitch Mount Bike Racks: Swagman XC2 vs. Allen Sports XR200
 Photo Credits: Swagman
If you are looking for a bike rack for your car so you can take your bicycles anywhere you like, you might want to read this article. We will provide you here some basic information about bike racks and compare two top rated models made by two companies that specialize in high quality bike racks.
First note that, though both roof mount and hitch mount bike racks are very much in demand, the hitch mount type presents a number important of advantages over the roof mount type: - They allow loading and unloading bikes at a lower height than roof mount racks. - They do not prevent the vehicle from accessing low clearance areas like garage entrances or certain drive-throughs. - The roof of the vehicle is not occupied and can be used to carry other stuff such as skis. - They do not affect your vehicle's MPG (miles per gallon): roof mount racks can make the vehicle less aerodynamic and decrease the MPG. Of course, a hitch mount rack requires the installation of a hitch, but that can also be seen as an advantage, as the hitch can also be used for towing other stuff like a caravan. Given the above considerations, for many, a hitch mount bike rack is the preferred choice. Now, there are two types of hitch mount bike racks that you can get: hanging bike racks (also known as frame mounted style) or platform style bike racks (also knowns as tray style). These are shown in the following pictures:
Platform racks are quicker and simpler to load than hanging racks and are also more secure. In addition, the bikes can not swing and bang together or against the vehicle like it can be the case with some hanging bike racks, and the wheels don't spin in the wind. Finally, note that if you do not have a straight top tube on your bike, to be able to use it with a hanging style bike rack, you will need to get an adapter installed on your bike.
Given the above reasons, many prefer platform style racks to hanging style ones. This article will compare Swagman XC2 and Allen Sports XR200 platform (tray) style hitch mount bike racks. These were not just the most popular in their category among Amazon customers at the time this article was written, but they have also received excellent reviews from most Amazon buyers (an average of 4.5 stars each out of 5 stars!).
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Comparing the Swagman XC2 and Allen Sport XR200 Hitch Mount Bike Racks
The selected 2-bike platform style hitch mount racks are shown below:
Swagman XC2 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Photo Credits: Swagman
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Photo Credits: Swagman
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Allen Sports XR 200 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Photo Credits: Allen Sports
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Photo Credits: Allen Sports
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The following table compares the features that come with both bike racks (please read the explanations to the table notes that follow for a better understanding of the features offered by each):
Table Notes Explained:
Note 1:
The main central arm of both racks folds down to allow access to the rear of vehicle without removing the rack.
Note 2:
Both racks fold up in compact form when unused.
The following images show the bike racks when they are folded:
Note 1:
The main central arm of both racks folds down to allow access to the rear of vehicle without removing the rack.
Note 2:
Both racks fold up in compact form when unused.
The following images show the bike racks when they are folded:
Photo Credits: Swagman
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Photo Credits: Allen Sports
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Note 3:
Prices can vary at any time. The Amazon prices shown were in effect at the time this article was written and may have changed. For exact prices, please refer to the Amazon products section below. Note that the Amazon price often includes a generous discount to the list price. If a discount exists, both the Amazon price and the list price will be displayed when you click the Amazon product link images below.
So, which hitch mount bike rack is best for you?
As you can see from the above comparison table, the two platform style bike racks considered here have similar charateriritcs except for the way they look when they are being used or when they are folded against the back of the vehicle. Note also that both products had received an amazing 4.5 average rating (out of 5) from Amazon customers who have used them, so it is quite likely that you will be quite happy with either product.
Selected Allen Sport and Swagman Bike Racks on Amazon
Please click the Amazon US link image below for the product of your choice to see exact price information or to purchase.
Please Note: For non-US customers, when you click the links below, you will be provided with the Amazon links for your country (such as Canada or UK), if the product is available in your country.
Please Note: For non-US customers, when you click the links below, you will be provided with the Amazon links for your country (such as Canada or UK), if the product is available in your country.
Swagman XC2 |
Allen Sports XR 200 |
