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Hoolywoodracks
Hollywood Team Rider
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Submitted by
jlitvak
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, IL. USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Store near Lak | | Strengths: | This bike rack has held up very well over time. No problems other than the rubber strap holding down the tires wearing out. I replaced them with nylon straps which adjust and hold tighter. Several years after I bought the team rider which held two bikes, I bought the extender to hold another two bikes, Very good to travel with on long trips. This rack holds the bikes very steady and all other components are well made and have needed no replacement. I've had this system for 8 or 9 years now. | | Weaknesses: | The only downside is the weight. With the extender on, the rack is cumbersome to put on and take off. If you have a bad back, this is a rack to stay away from. Otherwise, you probably can't find a sturdier product. | | Bike Setup: | Requires hitch. Slots in, then tightens with a few turns. | | Bottom Line: | Especially good for long distance transport. Ease of use moderate with two bikes, awkward with four (using the extender). If you don't mind the weight, it is the only bike rack you'll ever need. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cathederal PInes | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Byron Lake Schwinn | | Strengths: | Holds bikes by the tires and seatpost and is rock solid! | | Weaknesses: | Velcro straps that secure seat clamps, plastic wingnuts on tray mount and pivot pin it a tight fit. | | Similar Products Used: | 1up USA (original) hitch rack and the 1up USA ultra hitch rack. | | Bike Setup: | Giant NRS and AC bikes! | | Bottom Line: | One week ago I purchased a hollywood teamrider hitch rack for $250 from my LBS. Within moments of attaching my bike I knew that this rack blew away the 1up USA ultra rack! The hollywood rack has trays that the tires sit into and are secured with an adjustable tire clamping strap (I have the newer molded straps and not the rubber ones which are prone to breaking).
The seatpost is held by an adjustable support rod that folds down when not in use. The bike is so stable with this carrier! The only flaw I see in the hollywood teamrider is that the seatpost clamp has a velcro holder to secure the latch after it is closed. As a precaution I used a rubber bungee cord to wrap around the seatpost and attach to the adjustable support post(using the extra holes provides in top support bar)
I also replaced the plastic wingnuts on the tray holders with lock nuts and added more carriage bolts to each tire cradle mount (4 bolts per cradle) to make it nice and solid! I did notice that they drilled the pivot bolt holes off center and the rack appears to be at an angle coming out from the hitch. I plan to remove the security pivot bolt they used and install a larger bolt after I drill it out and make sure it is centered.
All in all it is a great rack that just needs a few modifications to make it even better and more reliable! This is a discontinued model! Unfortunately, their newest models do not look to be as strong to handle heavier freeride bikes as this one is. Another good rack to get if you can't find this is the sportsworks freeride/dh hitch mount.
-Mike
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | Horizon | | Strengths: | Solid, steel, relatively easy to use | | Weaknesses: | Design is not well thought-out. Velcro holding clips (that attach to the seat post) is all that prevents a catastrophe. It almost happened to me a couple of times. Parts began to rust after the first season. Wheel trays don't hold MTB tires well. Bikes will not align so one of the bikes may stick out beyond the cars mirrors. Contrary to the pix, it's almost impossible to take this down and open your hitch when bikes are on the rack. I also notice that Hollywood no longer makes this rack | | Bottom Line: | There are better alternatives out there is design and security. Look around first | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte,NC
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Savannah Ga Streets | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$260.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Ease of Use, my girlfriend loads the bikes frequently.
bikw stays put togther, you unclamp the bikes and ride. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy to mount to car, my Sebring sits low to the ground as is. | | Similar Products Used: | Department store strap rack on trunk | | Bike Setup: | Giant Yukon, stock
Giant Bolder, stock | | Bottom Line: | The rack is a little pricy, but is works great.
I travel up and down the east coast and never worry about the bikes on the back of the car at 70mph.
I'm 45 and just ride for fun, it would be nice if it were lighter. If you have a bad back, think again. Getting the rack on the car is the only downside.
I did loose one of the pins that secure the upright posts.
Customer Service had me on in 3 days from Califonia. good service. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Antioch, IL. USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | B&G Cycle | | Strengths: | Overall design quick simple and easy
Strength of the rack
Solid construction
Worth the price ($256.00 out the door)
No need for touch up paint for your automobile with this rack.
| | Weaknesses: | Instruction manual
Wing nuts for tire tray loosen
Pin used for tilt needs motivation to fit hole | | Similar Products Used: | Trek / Grabber strap racks | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a rack that was quick easy and secure and allowed for future growth. This rack was the only hitch mount system that gave what I wanted.
Strength
Easy Use
Secure (I hated when our $500+ bikes banged each other and the car)
Room for growth
The first weekend we used the rack we put over 600 miles on it. The rack was attached to our Expedition that was used on all different terrains (highway 75+mph, gravel roads, and some offroad) Bikes remained firmly attached at all times. I was a bit neverous for the first few miles given the instuction booklet is poorly written and parts aren't labeled and the pictures suck. But after 1 1/2 hours of assembly the rack worked great. Until I tilted the rack down for tailgate entrance. Then I found the pin hole is slightly smaller than the pin, but a hammer did the trick in fitting the pin.
BESURE to purchase both a hitch pin lock and a pin lock for the tilt pin on the rack. Hollywoods special head bolt and lock nut is a joke for security. Replace the tilt pin with a lock hitch pin for a 1.5 receiver.
This rack is the best one I have seen for we need / wanted from a rack and would recommend it 100% | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Weekend Warrior
from Calabasas
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Strengths: | Solid, fairly easy to use | | Weaknesses: | HEAVY, and cumbersone to setup | | Similar Products Used: | Thule, Yakima | | Bike Setup: | Two Road, Two Mountain | | Bottom Line: | Two years and it is still heavy....... damn thing won't rust and get lighter! Still solid, still has all the parts still holds any bike I put on it and folds neatly and fairly easily. Straps can be a pain but they hold the wheels solidly, are are easy and very quick to get out of so I am on the trail quickly. I'd buy it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hil C
a Weekend Warrior
from Hercules, CA
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | * Great customer service.
* Bike goes on and comes off easily without any bike parts being removed.
* Contruction is solid.
* Made in USA
* only one of a few bike racks at the time of purchase when front wheel removal is not required and can hold any frame shape and sizes. | | Weaknesses: | * No built-in lock (but you can use cable for security).
* cheap quality nylon tire tie down.
* wish the stem holder have some kind of memory height indicator.
* Hinge does was too long to bite on my tow pin and cause a bit of wobble, but calling customer service was easy enough for Hollywood to send me a free replacement within 2-3 business days and problem has been rectified.
* The belt of tire holder looks like it came from my backpack. Hollywood basically need more innovative tire and stem holder even if it needs to come as an option. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized XC Comp with some upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Overall the product is great.
If it is not because of the great customer service, the product would still be wobbling to a point that it will need to be replace. I think Hollywood just need to pay closer attention to some quality control and testing.
Otherwise, I highly recommended this product because it works as advertise along with great value.
I deducted a chili since the product did not come perfect but was corrected. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | cambriabike.com | | Strengths: | Possibly the most overbuilt rack out there. I read the reports of breaking rubber tire ties. Good knews, the new rack ships with straps that should last a long time. Overall it can fit any bike. | | Weaknesses: | It takes aproximately 20-45 minutes per bike to adjust everything (assuming you are not using the included wingnuts). | | Similar Products Used: | Thule and Rhode Gear hitch racks. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Silk Trail; Trek Navigator; Trek Mountain Lion; Specialized Childs Bike | | Bottom Line: | If you have a family and need to move different shape bicycles for the family and have a large vehicle with high ground clearance (this thing is heavy and extends nearly four feet), this might be the perfect rack for you. We have already run 40 miles of interstate and over some bad local roads. The bikes are solidly locked and don't move too much. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Prescott, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chimbley Water Trail to F.S. Trail 347 nr. Granite Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | cambriabike.com | | Strengths: | -Works great for unusual frame geometries.
-Don't have to remove front wheel.
-Only touches bike at tires and seatpost - so my paint stays new-looking.
-The "no-wobble" system for securing the rack into the hitch receiver works great.
-Since this is a hitch mount, I don't get bugs plastered onto my bike, and I don't have any trouble lifting the bikes on to the rack, which definitely can't be said for a roof rack on a big, full-size SUV.
-MADE IN THE USA!!!
-Great price comparatively speaking (on sale right now at Cambria Bike Outfitters!) | | Weaknesses: | -This rack is big, bulky, and weighs a frickin' ton! For those that leave their racks in the hitch reciever, it's probably no big deal, but I store mine in the garage after each ride, and it's a pain to carry. I'll probably end up hanging it from the ceiling from some hooks to store it, but it will be a groaner just to get it up there each time. I can't imagine how bad it would be with the 2-bike add on kit.
-The assembly instructions are very amateur - lots of typos, hard to follow, iffy pictures, etc. They do not convey a high quality air about the company. This could easily be fixed if they would just sit down and take their time to do it right.
-Bikes do rock back and forth a bit when they are mounted on this rack, due to the play in the mast linkages (the part that goes up to the seatpost). While this does no damage as far as I can tell, the claims that the bikes are rock-solid held in place are not altogether true. Just a minor annoyance while I'm looking in the rear-view mirror going down a bumpy dirt road.
-The tilt feature does not tilt back far enough for me to get my GMC Yukon cargo doors open when there are bikes mounted or the masts are up. (It does, however, allow the full swing-up type of tailgates on the new GMC Yukons to barely clear, so that's good if I ever upgrade the SUV.) | | Similar Products Used: | Since I have full-suspension frame with abnormal geometry (aren't they all?) I wanted a rear hitch-mount rack that I don't "hang" the bike from like most hardtails are held (you have to get one of those "bike beams" that goes from the stem to the seatpost - Nah). This ruled out probably 80%+ of the racks out there. I evaluated the Saris B.A.T. racks, as they claim to work with unusual frames, but there is no Saris dealer here that I could actually go to to try it out. I also looked at the Yakima Rim Roc, which is a pretty good idea, but I worry about rim damage a little, and it got some mixed reviews. Plus, it was considerably more $$ than the Team Rider. Hollywood also makes the fork-mount type of rear rack, but then you have to put the front wheel inside the car... | | Bike Setup: | I've got a Specialized Stumpy FSR. My wife has an older M2 Stumpy HT. My dad (he's still going strong at 60) has one of those new fangled Giant Sedona DS full-suspension rigs, that he loves. It has some funky geometry, check it out, but it fits on this rack like a charm. So the range of fit is excellent with this rack. | | Bottom Line: | Overall, I am happy with this rack so far. We'll see how that feeling holds up. I wish it weren't so dang heavy, but so be it. It definitely serves me well, and the price was right on. This rack has the fastex buckles and 1" webbing to hold the wheels in the trays, rather than the rubber straps that previous reviewers have complained about. These straps should hold up well, especially if they are not sitting out in the sun while not in use.
This may not be the greatest rack ever, but I wouldn't hesitate to take it across the country with bikes attached, and it is definitely durable. The value for this rack is probably untouchable, unless the Saris B.A.T. rack is everything it claims to be. (I still wish I could have seen one in person without having to drive 100 miles to Phoenix.) I'll make a home for it in the garage to help solve the storage problems.
Not having to take the front wheel off and put it back on saves a little time and gets me on the singletrack quicker. I have yet to work out a lock/cable system to keep the bikes from running off with a thief, so I'd like to hear from others as to how you have approached this aspect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eelpie
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | avalon/patapsco | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Follow-up to my previous review below. | | Similar Products Used: | see below | | Bike Setup: | see below | | Bottom Line: | Emailed Hollywood and described the situation with the strap wear. Within 24 hours, Rick from Hollywood emailed me back and said that the new, improved straps are on the way along with instructions....free!
That's what truly sets a great company apart from the losers...excellent customer service, a great product, and a strong commitment to back up that product. Thanks again to Rick @ Hollywood!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eelpie
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | patapsco/avalon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal-N-Spoke | | Strengths: | STRONG, unbreakable, very secure, made in the US, bikes don't touch, can be loaded up very quickly, very adjustable, tilt-down feature allows hatch access, everlasting, works on every type of frame, doesn't wobble, doesn't block tail lights, won't let you forget your bikes are there as you enter the garage (and even if you do, no problem) | | Weaknesses: | HEAVY (but that's why it's STRONG), prone to surface rust, rubber wheel straps have short lives, a bit pricey but worth it | | Similar Products Used: | Yakima Roc 3 | | Bike Setup: | Aeon Isis, 4" Marzocchi Z4, Fox R, Avid Mech discs w/SD 7 levers, Thomson post, KORE Elite stem, RF Turbine LP cranks/rings, RF BB, XT shifters/derailleurs/cogset/hubs, Azonic WF Riser bar, Mavic 317 disc, Panaracer Fire XC pros, SI Flight Trans AM | | Bottom Line: | Overall, a bombproof rack that survived a slight rear-end collision (rack punched a hole in the perps hood without developing so much as a millimeter of play). You will feel very secure about your bikes staying on this thing. Doesn't wobble at all, even over rough terrain and speedbumps.
I put a small padlock through the hole in the hitch pin to lock it to my truck; that and some Kryptonite cables from the hitch itself through the bike frames and to the rack makes for a very theft resistant set-up: bikes are locke to the rack, rack in locked to the hitch, no fuss, no muss. You can load a single bike on it in about 30 seconds or less (not counting locking it up).
The rack will develop cosmetic rust over time if you don't remove and stow it after use (which, given its weight, is not a realistic option), but you can always touch it up with some spraypaint.
My only (slight) gripe is that the rubber wheel straps are starting to crack and will soon break. I've emailed HW for some replacement straps as an earlier poster did and will comment on HW's customer service as the situation progresses.
Real bottom line: if you want security, durability, longevity, and functionality, buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob (The Notorious R.O.B.)
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill, Md. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$290.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Dynamic design, totally adjustable; able to carry all sorts and shapes and sizes of bikes. No front wheel removal. (Lefty!) Bikes are quick in, quick out. Oh, and you can also jack up the seatpost clamp and use it as an emergency repair stand at the trailhead! | | Weaknesses: | It's EXPENSIVE...I don't like the cheesy little velcro strap that is a "fail safe" for the seatpost clamp. I'll have to think of something cooler; but it DOES work. The rack is heavy, but I leave it folded up on the back of my car all the time. | | Similar Products Used: | I have a museum of crappy racks in my shed. I've tried 'em all! | | Bike Setup: | Bad-A$$ 2001 Cannondale Jekyll 3000 w/ extras; all Ti hardware. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this to alleviate the whole Lefty-fork adapter, takin' the freekin' wheel off every time thing. Plain and simple, it works, and I am VERY confident with 2 expensive bikes on it back there that cost more than the Hyundai they're attached to. So I give it 4 flamin' sphincter twinkies for the price, and a solid 5 for overall-----Buy it! It's Great!-------Rob | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
El Mongo
a
from Lawrenceville, GA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | Fairly quick and easy to load. Customer support. | | Weaknesses: | Overall design. First of all the thing is rusting. It is heavy and bulky. The locking mechanisms on the pins that stabilize the "masts" are breaking. The rubber straps are breaking. | | Similar Products Used: | Performace Export | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR XC Pro | | Bottom Line: | I miss my Performance Export. When I bought my FSR, I had to get a rack that would accomodate the frame. I wish now that I had gone with a less expensive and simpler fork mount model. I spent alot of money on the bulky, heavy, rusting Hollywood rack to avoid having to remove the front wheel. What a mistake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Calabasas
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Chalet | | Strengths: | see below
| | Weaknesses: | see below | | Similar Products Used: | see below
| | Bike Setup: | see below
| | Bottom Line: | I sent THIS IS A FOLLOWUP TO MY LAST REVIEW:
I e-mailed Hollywood with my complaint, didn't hear back via e-mail but 3 days later (we're talking 72 hours) I had a package delivered to my door with 8 brand new straps. They are nylon webbing with heavy duty quick release snaps and a metal loop that can be crimped to the wheel trays. A little clumsy to work with at first but strong. There is no doubt that the bike is not going to move, and it's quick to get off so you are on the trail faster. Obviously Hollywood had a problem part and is doing the right thing. Replacing it quickly and with a better design. Kudo's to their customer service. Definitely five chili's. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Calabasas
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Hub, Chesboro, Mammoth Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Chalet | | Strengths: | Accomodates all sizes and shapes of bicycles, can keep the front wheel on, SOLID construction, fairly simple to use once it is set up properly. Hitch tightening mechanism is excellent, very little sway so I feel the bikes are safe on it. Easy to get the bikes on and off. The tilt works very well. | | Weaknesses: | Rubber straps are fairly useless, of 8 (I have the 2 bike plus the extention)one has broken each time I've used the rack. Website said the rack comes with a hitch lock, mine didn't. Two LBS's I've spoken to said Hollywood is aware of the straps situation and if I make a request they will send better straps. I've e-mailed Hollywood to ask, I'll post a followup to comfirm that they did, and rate their customer service. With the 2 bike add on it is VERY heavy and cumbersome. Clamps for the seatpost are a pain to set up. | | Similar Products Used: | Thule, Yakima. | | Bike Setup: | We have road (Masi & Stronglight), beach cruisers, and mountain bikes(Mtn Cycle San Andreas, Specialized FSR)All of them fit on the rack. | | Bottom Line: | The rack works as advertised. I have a 2001 Yukon Denali and the 2" hitch rack fits perfectly with ample clearance for tilting in any direction. Bikes fit on with not a whole lot of effort once it's set up properly. It is solid, read HEAVY and probably over built but that's why I feel that my bikes aren't in danger when I'm on bumpy twisting canyon roads or the freeway and one of the reasons I bought it. Were it not for the straps I would give it a five rating but with straps breaking so quickly I down grade it to a 4. Price is high at a MSRP of close to $500.00 for the four bikes ($299 for the 2 bike basic and $199 for the 2 bike add-on)but it's not too much higher than the competition, and doesn't need adapters like their others so I rate it's price/value as a 5, at least as good as any other rack. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Estep
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay Area, California
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | Hayward Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Solid Construction
Leave Wheel On During Transport
Very Easy On/Off for Bikes
Works With FS & Y Frames | | Weaknesses: | Extensive Fit Problems (w/my Rack/Car)
Questionable Straps & Clamps
Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear Shuttle | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Joshua
Trek 830 | | Bottom Line: | First things first, the fit problem: I mounted this to a Subaru Legacy with an aftermarket hitch from Draw Tite. The receiver is recessed a few inches in relation to the edge of the bumper. When I tried to rotate the rack into the upright (stowed) position, a piece of the rack would interfere with the bumper. This piece is one of the supports that holds the seatpost clamps in the vertical position.
I emailed and phoned Hollywood. It took them almost two weeks to figure out that they could get me an longer tongue, to extend the rack away from the bumper. But it would cost me, plus it wouldn't have the anti-sway wedge as the stock tongue does.
My solution was to go to a welding shop and modify the offending piece, which ended up costing me $45. I'm happy with the end result, and it was cheaper than the new part from Hollywood.
Synopsis: check to make sure that your hitch is no more than 2" recessed from the outside edge of your bumper.
A nice feature is the ability to lower the rack about 30 degrees from vertical to gain access to a liftgate. The process is easy with one bike mounted, a little clumsey with two. But the mounted bikes can be used for leverage, so it is not an impossible task for one person to take on.
Seatpost clamp mechanisim is clumsy, takes some getting used to, is prone to interference from the seatpost clamp, rear chainstay, or cantilever cables, and any tail lights or reflectors clamped to the post. This is not a recurring issue once you've used it a few times.
Wheel straps are velcro (or rubber on some?), and are not confidence inspiring. SOLUTION: get a set of Yakima Rattlers for $22/pr. These are plastic ratcheting straps, similar to straps on ski boots, and they work well on this rack. They require very slight modification to install, namely shaving off a small molded piece of plastic about the size of a match head, which is easily done with an Exacto knife. These will hold your wheels much more securely, especially if you bounce around any dirt roads or do a bunch of highway driving.
Deduct one chili for Hollywood charging me for extension, deduct one chili for crummy clamps and straps. I would recommend the buyer of this rack also look at the SportWorks version, which offers faster setup and removal at a lighter weight. Overall, a very good rack which works well, and should last a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Shelburne, VT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Sturdy design, versatility in the bike it can carry. | | Weaknesses: | The tilt down feature is a joke. The unit, even without bikes, is very difficult to tilt down or up primarily because of the silly little "key ring" they attach to the very tight fitting locking pin.
While this rack will fit virtually any bike, it won't easily fit my kids' 20" bikes (Specialed Hotrocks and Mongoose Mt. Grizzly). The mast extension won't go low enough to grab their seat posts. The answer: raise the seat past the 2" minimum required in the seat tube in order get a grab-hold or drill a hole in the lower mast so the locking pin can go through the outer mast sleeve as well as the inner mast. This should do the trick. | | Similar Products Used: | Graber 5-bike carrier | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | Unique design puts it in a class by itself. Performance makes a similar style rack that's less expensive, but it requires taking off the front wheel.
I'm still waiting for the 2 bike extension to arrive (at a cost of an additional $190) so I'll comment on that later. The whole package is expensive at 250+190=$440 before tax, but as I said, what else was I going to get to carry the mix of bikes I have? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Collin
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, MD
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco state park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The seatpost clamp design accomodates full suspension bikes that won't fit into other kinds of racks. Don't have to remove wheels. Don't have to pick the bike up to the vehicle roof to mount. | | Weaknesses: | Wheel straps are very pliable and weak.
No way to lock the bike to the rack. | | Similar Products Used: | My hatchback trunk | | Bike Setup: | Klein Mantra full suspension. My car is a Ford Probe with a Drawtite hitch. | | Bottom Line: | I didn't want to screw with a roof rack and scratch up my car like a friend did, or mount my expensive forks where they might break. I took a long 2350 mile trip to St. George, Utah. I went through wind, rain and damaged highway without the bike coming loose from the seatpost rack. It's very sturdy. Unfortunately my front tire kept wobbling, turning and popping out of the wheel tray. The cheap rubbery plastic wheel strap twisted and then broke. I had to move the strap to the next hole to tie wrap it back down. I also had to put two additional tie wraps on either side of it to keep it from breaking again (I don't have to use the tie wraps when I travell locally because I'm always biking when the weather is nice, no wind or big bumps). The rack folds up nicely when not in use. It's convenient and your bike isn't going to fall. I just wish the straps were more sturdy for long trips, so I'll have to subtract a chili for that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maniaco
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ. USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Western Express | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Easy to use, very sturdy and man can you say cool design? | | Weaknesses: | None really, Thanks to everyones reviews before mine I was prepared for the holes to be out of alignment. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Mine: y2K Rocky element race with some major tweaks, Wifes: She just scored a brand new diamondback xr-8 for 1,450 dollars, popped some ct-2 monkey lite risers and an XTR cassette, some half pipe shifters and she was out the door for 1,682! bucks can you say deal of a lifetime! She'll review it later in the year after she logs some miles on it. | | Bottom Line: | This rack does have a few quirks with holes being out of alignment. A few minutes with a good dremel tool or a drill bit fixes it all. I love this rack and can only agree with the others on the quality. I myself don't really find it all that heavy, but I havn't tried to drop it with the bikes on it. It folds up very nice behind my toyota truck and seems to be a very solid piece of equipment. I love the "no wheel removal" thing it's so quick to load the bikes and go. If you can deal with reaming a few holes out and like easy racks buy this one. I'm giving it 4 flaming farts on the overall only because I had to drill the holes out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David K
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, CO
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Durable, cost effective, only contact is with seatpost, and STABLE, STABLE, STABLE | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Rhode Gear | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Joshua, Rock Shox XC & Deluxe, Time | | Bottom Line: | I researched many bike racks before I decided on the HR-275. I looked at Thule, Yakima, etc., but you pay so much for the name and not the quality. The biggest attraction was keeping the wheel on and the only contact with the bike is with the seatpost. Taken it on some rough terrain and never had any problems. Highly recommend this rack for anyone looking for a great valued hitch rack that is super stable and want to keep their front wheel on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gus
a Weekend Warrior
from Leawood,KS
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Berryman | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | rock solid welds and construction, easy install on car, innovative hitch tightening mechanism, quick on/off with bikes | | Weaknesses: | holes don't line up and have to be drilled out, heavy, won't fold up. | | Similar Products Used: | trunk mounted racks, first hitch rack | | Bike Setup: | cannondale F900, schwinn peleton | | Bottom Line: | Nice rack, just got it last month and have used it 4 times, one long trip. like it, very secure.
I have the same problem as others here with poor quality in construction and holes that don't line up and have to be drilled out, shouldn't happen for this kind of money. Major heavy duty construction, really solid and quality, should be long lasting. Weighs more than I thought, but manageable for me, tough for the wife.
Also it won't fold up for traveling, my car is a '96 volvo wagon and the hitch is so far under the bumper that there's not enough room for it to fold up, no big deal really, but they ought to tell you that before you buy it.
Rack itself is really easy and quick to use, real quick easy on/off the car. Noticed bikes wobble as mentioned in other reviews but agree that it probably just keeps the bikes from shaking so much, they're certainly not going anywhere.
Grip on seatpost is kinda weird but seems to work. Rock solid grip to receiver hitch.
This seemed to be the best hitch mount that doesn't hold the bike from the tubes, it's pricy and heavy but really rock solid and should last a long time.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Whit
a Cross-Country Rider
from Denver,CO
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
easy to load all types of bikes, I have a hard tail and a full susp. and it easily adjusts to both. Large and small frames are easily accepted. Very simple to attach to the car. It is a heavy rack to take on and off but once on it is the easiest and most secure I have seen. | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Yakima | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this over any other trailer hitch mount rack currently available. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pooter
a Cross-Country Rider
from san antonio
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
- great design
- solid construction
- easy, quick bike installation | | Weaknesses: |
- more industrial looking (welds, finish) than thule or yakima racks, but who cares? it works!
- mine did not have the weird allen wrench key, but a phone call quickly fixed that dilema | | Similar Products Used: |
- yakima spare tire rack
- thule roof rack | | Bike Setup: |
c-dale sv1000 | | Bottom Line: | as you may have seen, cannondale f/s bikes are not of the conventional frame. the hollywood is perfect for mine. bonus: any other kind of bike can be easily and securely carried on this rack, plus you don't have to remove any wheels!
the rack folds up nicely when not in use. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toad-Hopper
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rancho Santa Margarita
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the next new one | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
keep your wheels on, materials of good quality,room for 4 bikes | | Weaknesses: |
Had to drill base mast and pivot brackets after attached for snapper pins to penetrate, some welding uneven causing cross bars to be out of plane a bit, too heavy to remove lock pin and not risk back injury when folding rack down or up with 2-bike add on(gas or spring support would help),can't open rear SUV window without lowering rack,ouch! | | Similar Products Used: |
1st receiver hitch, have used other types, including rear-strap Hollywood and roof fork-lock. | | Bike Setup: |
Spec. FSR XC/Manitou | | Bottom Line: | For holding bikes it does quite well. Took it up to mountainous Big Bear City, no worries. With 2 bike add-on be sure to invite all your friends, your back will thank you. Don't expect to be able to access a rear gate vehicle. Have a drill handy. Enjoy the secure, wheels-on transport. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Willamette
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Ramon, California
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Sturdy
Well designed
Allows both wheels to remain attached to bike
Wobble free
Clamps to the seatpost not the frame | | Weaknesses: |
Had to clean up the holes on the seat post uprightsto insert the lock pinsSeatpost clamp bracket does not extend outward to fit my XL sized bike frame better | | Similar Products Used: |
Compared Yakima, Thule, Performance, and Draft Master | | Bike Setup: |
Bike: Cannondale F700, Fatty D Headshox, XL size
Vehicle: 1995 Plymouth Neon 4-dr Sedan with a Class 1Draw-Tite 1-1/4 hitch receiver | | Bottom Line: | This rack works very well for my needs. It's most convenient that I do not need to remove wheels to mount the bike to the rack. I especially like the fact the clamp attaches to the seatpost rather than the frametop tube. The rack materials are strong and the quality is excellent. I highly recommend this rack to anyone considering a hitch style bike carrier. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
booty
a Weekend Warrior
from morgan city, LA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hooper | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Ease of assembly, easy bike loading with no tire removal, no wable hitch, fold-up capability, fold-down capability for access to rear hatches. | | Weaknesses: |
pivot play at the fold-up/fold down junction | | Similar Products Used: |
Performance roof rack, truck bed racks | | Bike Setup: |
97 Trek Y5, XT, Kore, Spins, RS Judy | | Bottom Line: | I ordered this rack at Bayou City Cycles in Houma, Louisiana for $175 + tax. Paid right around $190. I was thrilled when they gave me a deal of such proportions. The rack is ideal for the person who is tired of pulling off the front wheels just to load the bike. The rack is infinitely adjustable to fit damn near any frame size (BMX on up). Don't expect to load up the little tyke bikes. The post won't adjust that low. Simply put the entire bike on the rack, strap in the wheels and clamp the seat post. Load 2 bikes in less than a minute. You can also fold the rack up when not in use and fold it down to access the rear haoth on sport-utes. Time for gripes. Smaller front wheels don't fit snugly in the wheel trays. They make them wide to fit larger downhilling tires. Kahoots to Hollywood for thinking in advanced for the gravity guys. As far as cross country, the thinner tires will allow a small amount of wiggling for the front tire. This is really not a big deal because the wheels are straped down. I'm just accustomed to taking off the front wheel and fork mount racks allow no movement at all. Another problem is that the fit is not exactly perfect. When you fold one of the seat post arms down the trey that it rests on is not welded perfectly straight. So there is a but of mettle to mettle rub. Not at big deal. One last thing is that there is a small amount of play in the seat post mast pivot and the fold-up/fold-down junction. But, as someone else has stated, this probably does take some shock off of the bikes. Beyond these very small problems, this truly is a convenient hitch rack. You may also want to look into the SportWorks racks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Whit
a Racer
from Denver
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Ease of use, quality and stability, easy to assemble | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Yakima roof and hitch mount | | Bottom Line: | Very stable, worry free bike transport, no worrying about rough terrain, the bikes are on rock solid. The best design I have seen or used. Highly recommended. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Anderson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Upright mounting, no wheel removal, snug as a bug, nice design and construction | | Weaknesses: |
to be determined... | | Similar Products Used: |
just pick-up bed mount racks and trunk mounted racks | | Bike Setup: |
Used on pick-up with 2 receiver hitch. | | Bottom Line: | For $250 you get an upright mounting style that holds the bike by the seatpost and wheels and attaches to the receiver hitch. No wheel removal, holds a WIDE variety of bikes - weird frame designs are no problem as long as there is 1-1/2 of seatpost to grab. This thing is well built and SIMPLE. There is a tensioning device that takes any slack out of the hitch/rack mating. It folds down for tailgate access (even loaded with bikes) and folds up when you are not using it. You can lock it to the vehicle and you can lock the bikes to the rack.The hitch/receiver connection is rock solid, no movement at all (not the case for MOST other hitch mounts). When the bikes are mounted there is a little movement in the mast that holds the bike, but I think this is intended so that the bike doesn't get rattled constantly, i.e, the mast takes some of the bumps and vibration off of the bike.
Anyway, it's a great rack so far, I'll post another comment after I get back from a long road trip. | | Overall Rating: |
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