Hollywood Racks HR1400 Sport Rider
When you go on a hike, a lot of luggage space can be lost on the bikes. That’s if there is enough room in the car for the bikes, to begin with. As this rack can be mounted to the rear part of the vehicle, it presents a convenient manner to carry your bikes when you leave for your next adventure. Best of all, the asking price is quite reasonable, and the installation process requires no tools or special knowledge, so there are only advantages to reap with this simplistic and convenient bike rack.
Main Specs
With a weight capacity per bike of up to 50 pounds, and able to hold a maximum of 4 bikes, this rack is our top selection for hikers. A distance of 9.5 inches in kept between the bicycles, the rack boasting a total length of 25 inches when used as for 2 bikes, and 43-inch length when used for 4 bikes. When it comes to tire compatibility, the bicycle tires can be up to 5 inches wide and have a maximum 60-inch wheel base. For convenience and to save space, it folds flat against the car when it is not in use. Additionally, it comes pre-assembled, so there isn’t much left for you to do except to install it.
Versatility
The maximum amount of bikes it can store is four, as we have previously stated. However, there is much more to this rack system as it is one of the most versatile entries you will stumble upon. You can convert it from a 2-bike to a 4-bike system in a matter of minutes, so there’s no need for it to take up more space than necessary. You can even modify it to carry a trike and a bike with the help of a trike adapter kit. Additionally, if you make a small additional purchase in the shape of a cargo basket, you can also carry up to 100 pounds of gear in addition to your bikes.
Mention Worthy Details
- Made out from solid material that can support the weight of 4 bikes.
- The system can be converted from a 2 bike to a 4 bike rack.
- The system comes along with a locking pin and a 9-foot security cable.
Warranty
Probably one of the most impressive details about this bike transportation system is the fact that it is covered by a lifetime warranty, so any defects in materials and workmanship will be handled free of charge. However, beware of the fact that the warranty does not cover issues that are a result of normal wear and tear, or unauthorized repair. Another warranty voiding aspect is an improper installation of the rack, so follow the instructions in the manual closely to make sure you don’t lose your rights to free repairs.
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CONS
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- Folds flat against vehicle when not in use
- For an easy use, the system comes already assembled as a 2 bike rack
- The 2 bike add-on kit simply slides onto the main unit, there are no other tools required
- Lifetime warranty
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- Sturdy construction, difficult to carry around
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VERDICT
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This model is made by a reliable brand and comes with many positive reviews. It is more expensive than the other models selected by us but high quality comes at a higher price. This rack is a platform-style and can hold heavy bikes. For more convenience, it comes pre-assembled. Warranted for life against defects.
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Yakima Products RidgeBack 4-Bike
A 4-bike capacity rack which can sustain a maximum weight of 40 pounds per bike, this Yakima Products entry is the one which impressed us the most. It features an ingenious bottle opener which makes it all the more useful, allowing you to open a cold one when you make a stop on the road. It features anti-sway cradles that have the purpose of eliminating bike to bike contact so that no damage is done. Its tool-free SpeedKnob ensures a quick tightening and locking of the rack to the car in the most hassle-free manner. Furthermore, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty by the manufacturing company.
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CONS
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- Bottle opener allows you to conveniently open bottles when you are on the road
- Tool-free tightening and locking of the rack to the car
- There are two other capacity options to choose between – a 2-bile model, and a 5-bike model
- Manufacturing company offers a lifetime warranty on the product
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- It’s one of the more expensive entries on the market
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VERDICT
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Available in other 2 capacity sizes, this rack is sure to serve all of your needs as it not only provides with a safe manner to transport your bikes when you go on a trip, but because it comes with other features that enhance its usefulness, like the bottle opener and the tool-free lock.
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If you and your entire family like to ride your bikes when you go to the mountainside or during any type of trip for that matter, this is your go-to means to conveniently transport the bikes by car. It can fit a maximum of 4 bikes that weigh up to 150 pounds altogether, the heavy duty steel construction ensuring it won’t ever cave during transport. It’s easy to assemble and install, and for convenience in storage, the arms fold down. To allow easy access to the trunk whenever needed, it swings down. Another interesting feature is the built-in reflector that adds safety as other vehicles can see your cargo during nighttime. Furthermore, the padding on its cradle ensures the paint finish of the bikes won’t get scratched during transport, while its own rust-resistant design keeps it looking impeccable throughout the years.
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CONS
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- Padded cradle to protect the bike’s finish
- Swings down to let you access the trunk when needed
- Features a reflector for added security
- Resists rust due to powder coating
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- A few customers complained about the durability of the straps
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VERDICT
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Basting a heavy duty steel construction that enables it to carry up to 4 bikes weighing a total of 150 pounds, it the go-to option for families who like to cycle. There are safety measures in place, which adds to its appeal, while the cheap asking price makes it one of the most affordable options out there.
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Yakima DoubleDown Mount Rack
Yakima DoubleDown can support the weight of 4 bikes and comes with an anti-sway cradle system “SwitchBlade” that excludes any type of contact between the bikes during transportation. In addition, the rack comes with an integrated system which you can use to easily open any kind of bottles. Its TriggerFingers technology is able of folding down its arms when not in use, by simply pressing a button. It has a strong and reliable construction and a durable powder coat finish that look great and can last for years.
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CONS
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- The unit can hold the weight of 4 bikes
- Comes with SwitchBlade anti-sway cradle that removes any possible contact between the bikes
- There are two other capacity options to choose between – a 2-bile model, and a 5-bike model
- Its TriggerFingers technology can fold arms down by simply pressing a button
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VERDICT
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This model is more affordable yet very well made. It features a hanging hitch-style. We particularly like the SwitchBlade feature that eliminates the possibility of contact between bikes. Additional, it is warranted for life, this being a proof that it will last for many years.
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Allen Sports Premier Hitch Mounted Carrier
The rack has a sturdy construction and is capable of holding the weight of 4 bikes. It comes with straps an dual compound tie-down cradles that can be easily set and provide full protection during transportation. After mounting the rack, you can easily get access at rear of the vehicle due to its tilt down system. It is a high quality, easy to use as a carrier that can securely hold the bikes along with its large padded Spine Shield that protects them from getting scratched.
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CONS
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- Has dual compound tie-down cradles
- The straps are easy to set up and individually secured providing great protection of the bikes
- The unit can hold the weight of 4 bikes
- Designed with tilt-down system
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- Not suitable for heavy bikes
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VERDICT
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Lightweight and compact design. Worth to consider if you’re looking for a hanging hitch-style. It is cheaper than the other models reviewed by us but it can’t hold bikes that are heavier than 35 pounds. Comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Hollywood Racks HR1000 Sport Rider
The Hollywood HR1000 is a platform type carrier, highly secured built up with quality material including high strength steel. The system can transport a maximum of 2 bikes and has padded top clamps and adjustable wheel holders for a good protection. The bike rack can fold against the car when it is not in use and tilts down when bikes are mounted to give you full access to the back of the car. In addition, the platform comes along with a limited warranty available in case of various defects.
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CONS
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- Is a heavy-duty well secured platform
- Made from high quality materials including high-strength steel
- Has padded universal top clamps and adjustable wheel holders
- The rack carries a limited warranty against defects
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- The system is capable of holding maximum 2 bikes
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VERDICT
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Another great model made by Hollywood Racks. It features a platform-style design that can hold 2 bikes . It is not the most expensive option but it is more expensive than most models on the market. We like the fact that is made of durable materials and that it comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Curt 18084 is a tray style rack that can hold and carry a maximum of 2 bikes. It has an easy to use design and keeps the bikes fully secured during the ride. It has a three-point support system that adds more stability to the transport and an anti-wobble shank that prevents the bikes swaying while driving. Its tray-style arms give a raised comfort when the bikes are loaded, by setting each bike in its tray and securing the vertical arm over the top. Each of the arms are padded with rubber, so the bikes’ paint cannot be scratched when they are locked down.
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CONS
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- Comes with padded arms that protect bikes from hits and scratches
- Threaded anti-wobble shank preventing bikes from swaying during transportation
- Has a three-point support system for a totally secured carriage
- Highly adjustable arms that can easily accommodate to different bike sizes
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- The system is capable of holding maximum 2 bikes
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VERDICT
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Great option if you’re looking for a system that can hold 2 bikes. It was specially designed to keep your bikes secure and protected at all times. It features a tray-style hitch-mount. For this model, the manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty.
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Allen Sports Deluxe 102DN
This 2 bike carrier will fit on sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUV’s. One of the greatest things about it is the fact that it’s very easy to set up. Therefore, if you’re a beginner, you will know exactly what to do. The two side straps will deliver exceptional lateral stability so you never worry about safety. In addition to this, the innovative tie-down system will individually secure and protect the bicycles. They fix it into position on the carrier arm but also rotate so it can engage a wide range of bicycle frame sizes and styles. Thus, eliminating the possibility of losing them. In addition to this, the middle frame will keep the bicycle away from hitting your vehicle during transportation. Therefore, you will never have to deal with the consequences of a scratched car.
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CONS
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- Patent design will fit most vehicles
- It arrives fully assembled
- Wide feet to distribute heavy load
- Lifetime warranty
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- Not suitable for more than two bikes
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VERDICT
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The reason why this is a popular choice is due to its narrow set carry arms that will ensure easy bike loading. In addition to this, it also accomodates a wide range of bicycle frame styles and sizes. Whatever bike you have, you will be able to handle it easily with the help of this product.
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With this type of rack, you will be able to travel around the world along with your beloved bike which you can ride on different types of terrain. They are the
most simple solution to load and unload heavier bikes. These systems were created in order to provide you with safety on the road and protection for your precious bike, preventing it from scratches and other damages. They have can
provide an ease of mounting, some of them don’t even require tools and give you a full access to your car’s trunk. The systems come in various shapes and with different features, depending on your interests. Generally, they are made of steel, providing a resistant and sturdy construction, strong enough to fully secure your bikes on long distances.
