Sea Sucker popularized suction-cup-mounted bike racks years ago, and they’ve proven to stay attached reliably when mounted properly. Despite their track record, many would-be roof bike rack buyers remain wary of using suction cups to attach an expensive bike to the roof of their vehicle, for obvious reasons. Trusting suction, it seems, is not quite as easy as other forms of mechanical attachment.
This is exactly why Allen created its Smart Suction system, which was introduced on the original Smart Suction Bike Rack last year. With integrated sensors built into the rack’s suction cups that send pressure-monitoring info to your smartphone, Allen’s system aims to remove the guesswork and anxiety from the equation. Which is great, because beyond trusting the suction attachment method, racks like this are impressively versatile and an incredibly convenient way to transport your bike(s).
Smart Suction for Peace of Mind
Now, Allen builds off of its experience with the original Smart Suction Bike Rack and introduces the new Smart Suction Go. It boasts similar ease of installation, a versatile bike fit, and real-time suction pressure monitoring, but is more affordable and even more compact for portability and storage. In fact, its one of the least expensive roof-mount bike racks around, with flexible mounting that works with most vehicles and virtually any bike weighing 35 pounds or less.
“Suction-based products have already proven their reliability,” says Alex Allen, CEO of Allen. “But drivers want absolute confirmation that the cups are fully secured. Our Smart Suction monitoring delivers that peace of mind. And with Smart Suction Go, we’ve taken the next step, making the system not only more affordable but significantly more compact, more adaptable to different vehicles, and easier to take anywhere or store when not in use.”
More Compact for Easier Portability and Storage
While the original Smart Suction Rack had a tray connecting the front and rear ends, the Smart Suction Go consists of two pieces. The front portion of the rack has the fork mount and three large suction cups with integrated pressure monitors. The rear portion of the rack secures the rear wheel and attaches to the vehicle with a single suction cup.
This two-piece design means that when the Smart Suction Go is not in use, its footprint is just the size of the front three suction cups. The rear wheel mount attaches to it, it has a convenient carry handle, and it only takes up a bit more space than a cycling helmet. This means you can potentially fit it in your luggage for travel, it will barely take up any room in your Porsche’s trunk between uses, and it will essentially go unnoticed in your storage space. Put it on when you need it, take it off when you don’t.
Fits Most Vehicles
The suction cup design allows tool-free mounting and removal on virtually all vehicles (excluding most pickup trucks and convertibles), including roofs, rear glass, and even the rear doors of vans. Installing the rack is quick with the suction cup mounting system, and connecting to the app is easy once it’s installed on your phone. The rack’s Bluetooth sensors continuously monitor suction pressure, providing peace of mind and alerts if the rack’s suction integrity is compromised. It also connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you happen to use them.
Bike Compatibility
The Smart Suction Go uses a fork-mount bike attachment system. According to Allen, the fork mount is compatible with all of the typical sizes, including 9 x 100mm quick-releases, 12 x 100mm, 15 x 110mm, and 15 x 100mm thru axles. With a separate rear wheel attachment, wheelbase length is highly variable, as is tire width compatibility, meaning it should work with just about any bike that’s at or below the rack’s 35-pound (16kg) weight limit.
Allen Smart Suction Go: Pricing and Availability
If you’re looking for an affordable bike rack that’s impressively compact for easy portability and storage, the Allen Smart Suction Go looks like a good option to consider. It barely takes up any space when not in use, and it quickly and easily adds bike-carrying capability to just about any vehicle. Add in the peace of mind of the Smart Suction pressure monitoring system, and you can rest easy knowing your bike(s) aren’t going to fly off your roof.
The Smart Suction Go is priced at $299 USD / £179 (ex. VAT) / €199 (ex. VAT) and is available now. Head to the Allen website to learn more, buy one, or explore the rest of the brand’s product lineup.
