Can I Load My Bikes Before Raising the Center Mast on the # HR1450Z?  

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Expert Reply:

When loading bikes onto the cradles before raising the center mast on the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Bike Rack for 2 Electric Cargo Bikes # HR1450Z or the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Cargo Bikes - 2" Hitches # HR1450Z-W, it truly depends on the height of the bike's downtube and the front derailleur/pedals. This is because the only way to raise the mast with a bike loaded is if the ratcheting hooks are all the way in the down-most position on the rack, and even then, it may not be low enough to pass under those components. This is because the hooks on the rack cannot be turned toward the back of the rack while loading.

As far as the differences between the two racks, the main difference is the construction. The weight capacity of the Sport Rider SE for 2 Electric Cargo Bikes # HLY84FR comes with an 80-pound per-bike weight capacity compared to the 50 pound per-bike capacity of the # HR1450Z. You also need to purchase a bike frame adapter bar like # 64005 if you have women's-style bikes or a step-thru bike frame.

For an all-in-one solution to all of your non-negotiables, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches # HLY64FR. Even though it has "RV" in the title, this rack is also constructed for non-RV vehicles. Not only does the RV rider come with independently cradle that allow you to load bikes before raising the center mast, it also comes with an 80-pound per-bike weight capacity. If you have fat-bike tires up to 5 inches wide, you also do not need to purchase additional fat-bike adapters. You also do not need to purchase a bike frame adapter bar. Since you already have a hitch installed, I recommend measuring from the center of your hitch pinhole to the outside face of your rear bumper. If that length is less than 7-1/2 inches, you will not have any bumper clearance issues.

expert reply by: Bob C

0

Bart N.

1/1/0001

most of the boxes and readies me for the potential upgrade to a E-bike. Until the upgrade point will the 5" tire cradle make everything less stable (Our tire widths range in the 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 range).Does this model allow for the an added 2-bike extension, or flat storage to be added like the HR-1450Z? (Not for the Acura RDX due to 150lb. tongue weight max but for our Honda Pilot which has a 350lb max).

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Bob C.

2/10/2022

If you are using considerable thinner tires than the maximum 5-inch width of the cradles of the RV Rider # HLY64FR, it will be completely fine. This is because the adjustable tire straps will securely keep the tires in place. They will be very tight. I attached a video that shows a thin road bike used on the RV Rider to give you perspective. As far as the 2-bike extension or cargo carrier option like the # HR1450Z for the RV Rider unfortunately does not have any of these compatible accessories. However, if you plan on mounting more bikes or a cargo carrier, you can still use the RV Rider on your hitch while having roof-mounted bike racks or a cargo box on a crossbar system. If you want to go the route of a crossbar system, feel free to respond to this answer with the year/roof style of your Acura RDX and/or Honda Pilot.

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