Today I learned some people trust suction cups to hold their bikes.
Richard Allen didn’t invent the automobile bike rack — his 1967 patent application shows others came before. But after nearly sixty years of selling simple mechanical bike carriers, his company Allen Bikes now offers a line of Bluetooth-monitored suction cups to attach bikes to cars.
If you feel anxious looking at the new $299 Smart Suction Go, you’re not alone! My colleague Andrew Liszewski felt the same, and I agree. Yet some people find suction-cup bike mounts to be convenient and portable — SeaSucker is well-known in this market.
Allen is trying to ease anxiety with smart pressure sensors, alerting users if the suction is failing before a bike might fall. It connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, and the same technology is used for a camera mount.
Many questions arose, and here are some answers:
Has anyone independently tested this?
Allen Bike introduced a $599 version last year, but there aren’t many reviews. BikeRumor and Canadian Cycling Magazine didn’t thoroughly stress-test it, so its effectiveness during a suction failure remains uncertain.
How long to pull over if suction starts failing?
“The redundant design gives users several minutes to pull over and address issues. Suction is checked every 5 seconds,” says Alex Allen, the founder’s son.
How to know if there’s enough suction?
Each cup has a push-button pump with a color-changing indicator to show sufficient vacuum and is detectable in the app. However, it’s recommended for bikes under 35 pounds, mounted straight forward.
How many suction cups are monitored?
In the $299 version, “The front three cups are monitored. They’re strong enough that one can hold the bike, but it’s designed for stability.”
How to know when it’s failing?
Smartphone notifications, app alerts, and connections to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto help monitor it. Exact pressure isn’t shown, just “good suction” or a warning.
How does it perform in hot and cold weather?
“These cups are extremely reliable due to a special rubber blend able to withstand temperatures from -15C to +60C and UV-resistant for long life,” boasts Allen. It has been tested in Dubai’s high temperatures.
Doesn’t rubber degrade over time?
“With typical use, the cups can last 7–10 years. They’re replaceable if needed,” Allen confirms.
What prevents quick theft of a bike?
“Smart Suction Go SB05 doesn’t include the first version’s security tether and is meant for transporting bikes, not storing on vehicles,” according to Allen. Disengaging cups triggers an app notification.
What about battery life?
The mounts use four AA batteries, lasting “6-8 hours of active use.” Allen says it should last for a drive from SF to LA, but spare batteries might be needed coming back.
Did Allen cut corners with the $299 version?
“The back cup isn’t monitored, and some might prefer the original’s aluminum bar for consistent distance between cups,” says Allen. The company is selling its remaining inventory of the original version.
Is there a camera mount?
Yes. $70 for a six-inch suction cup with Bluetooth monitoring and a mount for cameras up to 6.6 pounds, offering stability for capturing footage.