The Bell Cantilever 200 is a trunk strap bike rack designed for quick and convenient transport of bicycles on vehicles. This product is ideal for users who prefer a cost-effective and tool-free solution for occasional bike transportation. Based on the available information from the source material, this article provides a detailed overview of the installation process, key features, and considerations for potential users.
Overview of the Bell Cantilever 200
The Bell Cantilever 200 is part of Bell’s lineup of bike racks, which includes trunk strap, platform style hitch, and traditional hitch models. The Cantilever 200 is specifically a double trunk strap rack, designed for users who do not have a trailer hitch and require a compact and portable solution for transporting one or two bicycles.
According to the source, the Cantilever 200 offers a powder-coated steel construction and padded cradles to hold the bikes securely. It includes four long straps that are used to secure the rack to the trunk of a vehicle. The rack is designed to fold in one step, making it easy to store in a trunk or garage when not in use.
Installation Process
One of the most notable features of the Bell Cantilever 200 is the ease of installation. The rack requires no assembly, making it an attractive option for users who are not inclined to deal with complex instruction manuals or tools. The installation process involves securing the rack to the vehicle using the provided straps.
The rack is attached by wrapping the four long straps around the vehicle’s trunk and tightening them. Once the rack is in place, bicycles can be loaded and secured using the padded cradles. A locking cable is necessary to secure the bikes to the rack, but the rack itself cannot be locked to the vehicle. As a result, the rack must be removed and stored when not in use or during periods of non-transport.
A video is available to demonstrate the installation process, which provides a visual guide for users who may prefer a step-by-step visual demonstration over written instructions.
Key Features and Considerations
No Assembly Required
The Cantilever 200 is marketed as a ready-to-use product right out of the box. This is a significant advantage for users who want to minimize setup time and avoid dealing with assembly instructions.
Cost-Effective and Compact
Compared to other types of bike racks, the trunk strap model is the most cost-effective and compact. It is ideal for occasional use and does not require a trailer hitch, making it suitable for a wide range of vehicles.
One-Step Fold for Storage
The rack folds down in a single motion, making it easy to store in a trunk or garage. This feature ensures that the rack does not take up excessive space when not in use.
Padded Cradles and Straps
The rack includes padded cradles and straps to help secure the bikes in place during transport. The powder-coated steel construction adds to the durability and stability of the product.
Limitations
While the Cantilever 200 offers ease of use and portability, it has some limitations that users should be aware of. Notably, it does not provide a way to secure the bottom of the bikes, which may affect stability compared to platform style hitch racks. Additionally, the rack cannot be locked to the vehicle, so it must be removed and stored when not in use. This also means that a locking cable is required to secure the bikes to the rack.
User Experiences
Some users have reported issues with bikes banging against their vehicles during transport, which can result in chipped paint. This is a common concern with trunk strap racks, as the bikes are not fully supported from below and may shift during movement. Users are advised to ensure that the bikes are properly secured and positioned to minimize contact with the vehicle.
Compatibility and Dimensions
The Bell Cantilever 200 is compatible with most vehicles that have a trunk or trunk-like space. The rack’s dimensions are 7 inches in width, 18.5 inches in depth, and 28 inches in height. These compact dimensions make it suitable for storage in a trunk or garage without taking up excessive space.
The rack is suitable for transporting one or two bicycles, depending on the size of the bikes and the space available on the vehicle. Users should ensure that their vehicles have enough space to accommodate the rack and the bikes without interfering with the vehicle’s operation or safety.
Warranty and Support
Bell has been in the bike accessory business for over sixty years and is known for producing durable and reliable products. The company offers a warranty on its products, which users can review on its official website. This provides additional assurance for users who want to ensure their investment is protected.
Conclusion
The Bell Cantilever 200 is a practical and affordable solution for users who need to transport one or two bicycles on a vehicle without the use of a trailer hitch. Its key advantages include no assembly required, easy installation, and a compact design that allows for convenient storage. The rack is also cost-effective, making it an accessible option for occasional users.
However, users should be aware of the limitations, including the lack of a mechanism to secure the bottom of the bikes and the need for a locking cable to secure the bikes to the rack. Additionally, the rack must be removed and stored when not in use, and it cannot be locked to the vehicle.
Despite these limitations, the Bell Cantilever 200 is a well-designed product that offers a balance of functionality, ease of use, and affordability. For users who prioritize convenience and portability, this rack is a solid choice for transporting bicycles on a vehicle.