Car bike racks get smart: Bluetooth sensors reduce crash anxiety

Richard Allen's company, Allen Bikes, known for its mechanical bike carriers for nearly six decades, has launched a technologically advanced bike rack system. The new $299 Smart Suction Go utilizes Bluetooth-monitored suction cups, a departure from traditional racks. These cups are equipped with smart pressure sensors that actively check suction every five seconds. Should the vacuum begin to fail, users receive smartphone notifications, alerts within the app, or even on their car's dash via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, providing several minutes to address the issue.

The system is designed for bikes weighing 35 pounds or less, mounted facing forward, with the front three cups being actively monitored for optimal stability and redundancy. Allen claims the specialized rubber blend material used for the cups ensures reliability across a wide temperature range, from -15C to +60C, with a tested operational range including hot conditions in Dubai. The cups are expected to last 7-10 years and are replaceable if damaged.

Allen also offers a $70 camera mount with a single monitored suction cup, capable of holding up to 6.6 pounds for DSLR or mirrorless cameras. The Smart Suction Go, however, does not include a security tether for storage and is intended solely for transport. The mounts run on four AA batteries, providing 6-8 hours of active usage.