Innovative Bike Rack Company Launches Bluetooth Suction Cups for Securely Attaching Bikes to Cars

Richard Allen may not have been the first to create a bike rack for cars, as his 1967 patent application indicates that others had similar ideas before him. However, after nearly six decades of producing popular and straightforward mechanical bike carriers, his company, Allen Bikes, has now introduced a new line of Bluetooth-enabled suction cups designed to securely attach bikes to vehicles.

If the sight of the new $299 Smart Suction Go makes you feel uneasy, you’re not alone! My colleague Andrew Liszewski expressed the same concern, and I completely agree. Yet, some users are already praising the convenience and portability of suction-cup bike mounts, with SeaSucker being a notable player in this market.

To alleviate some of that anxiety, Allen has incorporated smart pressure sensors that aim to alert you if the suction is failing before your bike takes a tumble. The system connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, and the same technology is also being used for a mount that can secure your DSLR or mirrorless camera to vehicles.

We had a lot of questions about this new product, and here are some answers:

Has anyone independently tested this?
Allen Bikes did release a more expensive $599 version last year, but reviews seem sparse. Some outlets have mentioned it, but it appears that none have conducted thorough stress tests, leaving us uncertain about its performance during a suction failure.

How long do you have to pull over once suction starts failing?
According to Alex Allen, the founder’s son and current owner, users have several minutes to pull over and address any issues due to the redundant design. The suction is actively monitored every five seconds.

How do you know you’ve got enough suction to begin with?
Each suction cup features a push-button pump with a color-changing indicator that signals when there’s sufficient vacuum, which is also reflected in the app. However, the product is only recommended for bikes weighing 35 pounds or less and should be mounted facing straight forward.

How many suction cups are monitored?
In the new $299 model, the front three cups are actively monitored. While only one cup is strong enough to hold the bike in place, the design emphasizes redundancy and stability.

How do you know when it’s failing?
You’ll receive a notification on your smartphone, an alert in the app, and you can connect it to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for monitoring on your vehicle’s dashboard. However, it seems you can only see indicators for “good suction” or warnings, not exact pressure readings.

What about extreme temperatures? Can suction cups fail in hot or cold weather?
Allen claims the cups are highly reliable due to a special rubber blend designed to withstand a wide temperature range and include UV-resistant additives for durability. The Smart Suction Go has been tested in extreme conditions, including temperatures exceeding 40°C in Dubai, with an operational range of -15°C to +60°C.

Doesn’t rubber break down over time?
With typical consumer use, the cups are expected to last about 7–10 years. Additionally, they are fully replaceable if needed due to wear or damage.

What prevents a bike from being stolen quickly? I noticed the original version had a security strap…
The Smart Suction Go SB05 does not include the security tether found in the first version. It’s primarily intended for transporting bikes, not for long-term storage on the vehicle. Allen also mentioned that disengaging the suction cups will trigger a notification in the app.

What about battery life?
Both mounts require four standard AA batteries, providing “6-8 hours of total active usage.” Allen suggests that you could drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but if you hit traffic on the return trip, you might need to swap in fresh batteries. Fortunately, most gas stations still carry AA batteries, so you won’t need anything special.

Did Allen cut any features in the $299 version compared to the $599 original?
For starters, the back suction cup isn’t monitored in the new model. Additionally, some users may prefer the original’s aluminum bar, which keeps the cups consistently spaced. Allen also noted that they still have remaining inventory of the original model that needs to be sold.

You mentioned a camera mount?
Yes! There’s a $70 option for a single six-inch suction cup with Bluetooth monitoring, featuring a standard threaded screw mount and a double ball-head for angling. It’s rated to hold up to 6.6 pounds of camera gear, which could help ease your mind while capturing that perfect shot for your next project.