Recumbent Bike Rack Recommendation for Bike that Weighs 51 lb

Updated 10/05/2026 | Published 10/01/2026

Question:

I purchased your Swagman XC extended rack for recumbents. I will only be transporting one long wheelbase recumbent with a small hub motor and front wheel removed Thule fork mount. Picture available upon request. Total weight 51 pounds. Your XC rack is rated for two 35 pound bikes. Will my recumbent be a problem for this rack? Swagman support contacted and they say they supply the parts, but you make the rack and questions about the rack should be directed to etrailer.

asked by: Rolf B

Expert Reply:

Hey Rolf, the weight capacity of the bike rack you have is 35 lbs per bike as the capacity is limited by the wheel hoops of the rack.

Whats the wheelbase of your recumbent bike? We have the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider part # HLY84FR which can fit a bike with a wheelbase of up to 60 inches and has a weight capacity of 80 lb per bike and comes with adapters to allow it to work with smaller wheels/tire like what recumbents have.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Rolf B.

10/1/2026

My wheelbase is 60 inches. Your Swagman XC Extended works with the recumbent hoops, my only concern is the weight. I am still about 20 pounds under maximum total for the rack, but rack seems flexy with recumbent on the rack. I purchased the Swagman knowing that I will ONLY have ONE recumbent on the rack. I can send you a picture of my setup if that would help. Looks like something is wrong with the webpage for the Swagman XC Extended. Shows up in a search, but clicking on the link, the page cannot be found.

Jameson C.

10/1/2026

@RolfB the problem is the weight rating of the wheel hoops. The bike rack would have enough capacity but the wheel hoops aren't rated the same.

Michele

10/2/2026

I have two e-bikes on the rack and one of them is a heavy duty trail bike. They fit well on the frame and we have had no problems with the rack with flexing. It fits well on our RV and is secure.

Jameson C.

10/5/2026

@Michele that's really great to hear!

Tom P.

10/2/2026

I have the Sport Rider and use it with two 70 lb RAD ebikes. The rack is rather heavy but easy to install. Rock solid with the two bikes on it. I have used it on multiple 200 mile trips on expressway and back roads. Had to add a light bar as the bikes cover the car's taillights. I have been quite happy with the setup.