Why Is The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE HLY74FR Not Recommended For Carbon Fiber Bikes?
Updated 02/17/2026 | Published 06/10/2024
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Question:
Regarding Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4 and 2 Hitches Item HLY74FR: My husband has a XXL Santa Cruz Heckler step through mid drive mountain e-bike. This rack looks like it would meet almost everything we were looking for 53+” wheelbase, weight capacity, after adding a center bar adapter which we already have. However it is a carbon fiber bike and the video review of the rack said at the very end that the rack would not be for carbon fiber bikes but didn’t say why exactly. Can you explain? Is it something that can be worked around or do we need to keep looking for a rack?
asked by: Nancy
Expert Reply:
Hello Nancy, great question. The reason the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack # HLY74FR is not recommended for carbon fiber bikes is because it is a frame mount rack. Carbon fiber frames are delicate, and using the frame as the anchor point for the rack could potentially damage the carbon fiber frame. A worst-case scenario would be dents or cracks in the frame, so we definitely want to avoid this possibility.
We do have one other rack that I suggest you take a look at. The Thule Epos Bike Rack # TH99XE is a great option. It can hold two bikes weighing up to 75 lbs apiece and it will accommodate a 53-1/8" max wheelbase. The clamps can be attached to the frame or the wheels, making it safe to use with carbon fiber bikes. You will find our video review for this rack linked below. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Heavy Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Hollywood Racks
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Jesse M.
2/17/2026
Hi Nancy, did you get a chance to try the Thule Epos rack with your Santa Cruz Heckler e-bike? It’d be great to hear if the wheel-mount option worked well for your carbon frame. Your feedback could help others with similar bikes decide what to use.