Differences Between the Hollywood Racks Sport Riders, SE, and SE2

Question

Question:

Hi. I’m trying to determine the difference between the Sport Rider, Sport Rider SE, and the Sport Rider SE2. I’m new to bike racks...I have a 2019 Ram 2500 with a backup camera. I need to carry two hybrid bikes using a hitch rack. All three of these models look the same to me. Could you point out the differences or recommend something similar for me under $400? I’d like to be able to open the tailgate once bikes are unloaded, and it will be used mainly on vacations, so I’d want it to fold up when not being used. Thank you.

asked by: Elissa D

0

Expert Reply:

The main differences are the weight capacities, shank sizes, and straps. We have 10 different variations of the Sport Rider on our site and Hollywood Racks is always updating their racks and creating new unique variations like with cargo carriers # HR1450Z-85 or fat bike loops # HR1000Z-FB.

The Sport Rider is usually less weight capacity, can fit 1-1/4 or 2" hitch and is more affordable.
Sport Rider SE usually has massive weight capacity and electric bike capability.
Sport Rider SE2 is the 2019 version of SE and has slightly different locks and straps.

At this point, you just need to know what type of bikes and hitches they have and then find the matching Sport Rider. The Sport Rider # HR1000Z is at a great price point for the weight capacity and fold-up features that it offers. The main downside is that it won't tilt-away far enough to completely lower the tailgate with the bikes loaded as you can see in the attached video.

If you are just looking for tailgate clearance though, I highly recommend the Kuat Transfer V2 # KU84FR. We tried the single bike version on a 2018 Ram 1500, and you can see how it tilts away enough with the bikes loaded to open the tailgate completely. It also has the weight capacity that you need for your hybrid bikes, plus the wheel mount is a great bonus.

expert reply by: Evangeline M

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Glenn M.

5/1/2025

Hi Evangeline, First let me say that I love your videos and value your input...you really seem to know your stuff and you present things in a very clear and thorough manner...great job! I am looking for a hitch rack for 2 step through style commuter ebikes which weigh about 65-70 lbs each. I have a 2" hitch on my 2020 Lexus RX350. I will probably have to take the hitch off every time I use it because the car won't fit in the garage with it attached (even if folded up). So weight and ease of attachment are important to me. Secondly, my garage is packed, so compact storage is a big factor as well. It is not a must to have one with lights and plate holder included but if not, I will end up putting a light kit and license plate holder on it later. A ramp would be nice as I just retired and also have had 2 back surgeries, so again weight is a concern. I am also a bit concerned with some racks like the Epos and the Easy Fold XT and the Destination E, because it looks like when you get the bike up and in place, the bike tires are very close to the ends of the ramp and it looks a bit awkward to keep the bike in place while you are attaching the clamps to the seat post. It looks like if it rolls just a bit forward or back it will roll right off the rail and fall. Is this really a concern? Lastly, due to my back I don't want to have to get down really low when attaching the shank to the hitch so which racks make that process easier? The Epos handle for tightening looks like it is awkward to tighten due to poor design with those wheels getting in the way and having to have a hinged tightening handle. (although I like the idea of wheels on it for easier handling!) Anyway, I know I threw a lot at you, but after watching you in action, I'm sure you can give me some direction and I very much value your input. Thanks in advance!

Reply

Jerred H.

5/12/2025

@GlennM Thanks for all of the detailed information! I'll relay your kind words to Evangeline. She's still around making those wonderful videos you mentioned but hasn't answer questions since covid. The best bike rack which fits as many of your requirements as possible is the Yakima OnRamp LX Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes item # Y88DJ. The OnRamp has a 80 lbs capacity per bike and uses padded clamps with ratcheting straps to hold your bikes by the frame or most likely your seat posts since you have step-thru's. The wheel trays are adjustable down the width of the bike rack but how close they are to the edges will depend on your bike's wheel bases. The OnRamp item # Y88DJ does have the ability to fold up when your bikes are not attached and it also tilts downward, with or without the bikes, which may allow you to access the rear hatch on your Lexus depending on how wide your handle bars are. This bike rack also includes a ramp that can be stored on the rack itself when not in use. This is a nice feature that most bike racks do not include, which means you have to store the ramp inside your SUV. It weighs 53-1/2" lbs which is comparable with other bike racks of this capacity with these features. Installing the bike rack on your hitch's receiver is going to be a comparable issue amongst all of them. Using the etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar item # e98942 is the only thing I have that will make this process go quicker. You install it on your bike rack's shank so the pin holes automatically line up. It eliminates the back and forth process of lining up the hitch pin holes. I have linked one of Evangeline's videos below so you can see her walk through the features of the OnRamp item # Y88DJ. If you have any additional questions feel free to throw them into the comment box below.

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tv-review-yakima-hitch-bike-racks-2024-kia-carnival-y88dj.aspx

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Differences Between the Hollywood Racks Sport Riders, SE, and SE2

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