I just installed the few things they require. It is machined unbelievable. Holes were perfectly aligned. And this thing is so sturdy. Glad I spent the extra money on one that I don't have to worry about.
Great video and you made up my mind as to what I want to buy. I have been looking at all the other models you mentioned and this one does seem the best choice.
I've had mine for a few months now. The ramp is a game changer for my 60 pound Specialized ebike. This rack replaced my Hollywood Sport Rider rack. I"ve got the rack on my 2020 Ford Ranger pickup. Previously, it was on a Ford Escape. The few inches in added height made it harder to lift the ebike onto the pickup.
Nice review. It’s easy to load a big heavy bike on your rack by getting up close and parallel to the rack, holding the back brake, rock the bike back into a “wheelie”, swing the front tire on then roll it forward until the back tire rolls on, and cinch her down. All without a ramp. I’m surprised I haven’t seen anyone demonstrate this in all the reviews I’ve seen. I’ll have to make a video myself with my Hollywood TRS rack that’s on my car. I put two heavy e bikes on there no problem, then drive 80 down the highway with them.
I bought this rack (the Destination E) to hopefully carry my 2 Lectric XPremiums. When I got home with it I noticed the wheelbase limit of 50 inches. Hmm. Measured axle to axle in the bikes and they were 51 inches! Tried anyway but it just wouldn't work out. Returned it and got the Hollywood Sport Rack and couldn't be happier. It works with up to a 60 inch wheelbase. Great rack and $200 cheaper! No ramp and I had to buy a couple crossbars but it works great! Good video
Nicely done video! Are you still happy with the rack? What is the clearance between the tailgate and the first back as I have a full size rear spare tire mount?
My girlfriend just got an e-bike. I still ride a road bike. We are in our 60's and are ready (and privileged) to enjoy an active retirement lifestyle. Our old rack (when she had a road bike that was mostly collecting dust) would not have been suitable for the additional weight. We spent about 3 weeks going to various bike shops and looking online for our biggest 'bang for the buck.' There were a few 'must haves.' Hers: It had to have a ramp to make loading/unloading easy for her when she rides without me. It had to be possible for her to lift and install it into the hitch receiver by herself. Mine: It had to have integrated locks for both the bikes and the hitch, not requiring additional purchases, and it had to hold the bikes in a way that gave me confidence that our bikes would arrive damage free on any trip. My road bike is worth more than her e-bike so the latter was critical to me. After looking at racks from Thule, Kuat, 1-Up, and others, we pulled the trigger on this one. It arrived at 8:30 in the morning and I had it put together and installed before she even noticed I was in the garage. It took, at most, 1 hour. Although I had watched Hollywood's installation video prior to receiving it, I may not have even needed it and never looked at the instructions that came with it. This rack should be simple enough for anyone with a modicum of mechanical ability to install. Although we haven't used it yet - we only got it yesterday - I am confident that this rack checks all the boxes. It is sturdy, well thought out, with a much better ramp than most of its competitors (although it has to be carried separately!) and, best of all, affordable within the competitive space it occupies. If I sound like a shill for Hollywood, I'm not. Nobody paid me or offered me anything to write this. I took the time because I'm not easy to impress and, given how expensive these things are to begin with, I'm damn impressed.
Would those clamps work with 2 RadRover 6+ Step-thrus? I can't tell if the arm would reach back to the seat post of the outside bike. I have the older Hollywood rack and this newer version with the ramp would definitely be a better option for me.
It may be worth reaching out to Hollywood Racks directly, but based on what I'm seeing and how similar the RadCity and RadRover Plus models are, I don't think it would be a problem. Looks like the longer arm would get close to the head tube of the inner bike, but still have enough clearance to attach to the outer bike seat post.
This rack is my top choice at the moment. Do you think loading it solo would be difficult as a short person? I was hoping once it was loaded it would hold the wheels to help with the clamp.
Getting the bike up the ramp shouldn't be a problem, but it is sort of awkward logistically from there. The ramp definitely doesn't hold the wheels in place at that point, but I wouldn't say it's difficult to keep it in position while getting the clamp on. I use the brake but only to be extra careful. It should stay put. I'm only 5'9" if that helps, and have never run into any problems - it can just be a bit awkward and takes some getting used to, to balance and secure at the same time.
What made you decide on this rack, vs the 1Up?? Do you know if Hollywood has an add on feature for an additional eBike? Great review, thank you & cheers
Currently, no. Only 2 bikes for this model with no ability to add-on. I do like the 1UPs, we just liked the looks of this one more plus the securing mechanism for the 1UP is a bit more awkward with a rear fenders because it ideally locks down right where the rear fender ends. The last thing was that the 1UP seemed a bit too mechanical in some ways - again a preference thing - but I like the less metal levers and springs and more silicone, softer surfaces of the Destination E.
I just made the same decision. The 1up Super Duty looks great, but is less ideal for fenders and gets pricey if you need to add fat tire adapters, ramp, etc.
Thanks for the thorough review. I was looking at the rack that rad has on their website but just saw this one on Hollywoods site. Do you think this is worth the extra $200 vs the sports riders? Even though the weight capacity is 10lbs less per bike.
If you're concerned about exceeding the weight limit per bike, then definitely stick with the Sport Rider, but I wouldn't say that means it's better. I've only seen reviews of it, but we went with this because it doesn't require an adapter for our step-thru bike, doesn't have such a minimal look to it, and is made to be easier to load bikes with. The Sport Rider has the bar in the middle, closer bike spacing, and no ramp so I'd imagine it's pretty tedious to get both bikes on and secured. For us I think it was worth the extra cost, but both seem like fine racks.
Agree Kevin, there is also a weight difference (Destination is a much lighter rack), not sure if it’s Aluminum vs Steel or what, but I love the overall features of the Destination model. I just ordered one today.
100% as long as the seat is up high enough for the clamp to grab. This is how I do it now. It can be a little finicky, but not bad. You can see it in my updated review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-I1_c603vVNc.htmlm28s Just remember to take off the battery to stay within the 70lb. limit (RadRover 6 is 72.5 lbs)
yes i did on the standard Hollywood rack. I bought 2 slim led lites off Amazon screw them in on either side and wired them in to a 4 flat trailer plug. Works fantastic on my Jeep TJ.
I recently added these from Curt. They aren't the brightest, but they work well if you already have a 4-pin connector next to the hitch. a.co/d/3NVCq2I
I was very nervous putting my brand new beach cruiser on this rack. ru-vid.comUgkxG6JIgwJhur8_Rg8UeQ3EmePzi_wSncL8 But after reading many reviews I decided to get this one and take a chance. When arrived it was very simple to adjust and put together. I also added spike tape over the metal hooks before securing and tightening the straps, and no scratches. I also purchased the top bar made by the same company so that my cruiser sits straight on the rack without having to turn upside down. Extra bungee cords are used to secure the front wheel from flapping and even piece of mind knowing your bike is secure. Definitely recommend...
Wow Kyle I'm so very sorry to hear about your neurological stuff you have going on right now and I will be keeping you and your wife as well as your employees in my thoughts and prayers .as I wish you a a full recovery God speed . I've been watching you for a few years now and have purchased the upgrade motor controller and display for my rad from you a couple of years back and all are doing great. And thank you for providing such a stellar bikes , products etc , but great costumer service to match . I love and appreciate you all for that. I know you all as being a top notch embassador for the E bike world and industries as a whole , and I have learned so much about these type of e bikes from you and not only that , but you also inspire me to want to join in my area here and be part of it . So I'm looking forward to making that happen . So congrats on your over 100,000 viewers and receiving your very much deserved award and recognition for your hard work and innovation podcast and all you guys are doing there in grass valley .
Not to be used on front hitches Not to be used with any 1-1/4" - 2" Adapter Not to be used with any Hitch Extension longer than 8" Not to be used on any trailer, fifth wheel or towed vehicle CLASS B RV APPROVED ONLY (NOT APPROVED FOR CLASS A OR CLASS C RV'S)
Would have been super valuable to me if your wife was the one loading the bikes - we are in our 60’s, and I am currently recovering from an L-1 compression fracture from lifting my Mini Folding Step Thru out of the plastic tote that was recommended by so many. Now we need a rack with a ramp (!) that a woman can load 2 bikes onto. This one seems to fit the bill, but can’t find a video anywhere of a woman putting it on the vehicle and then loading 2 bikes on. Great video otherwise :) …
Thanks Jayne. For what it's worth, my wife is in her 30s, a bit over 5 feet tall, and 110 lbs and didn't have any issues loading the bike. The only tedious part for her is slightly tilting the bike toward her to make sure the pedals don't hit the bar/other bike on the way up. Also worth noting that I'm only 130 lbs. Haha
This thing is overpriced... at $700, nothing is quick release or easy to do like on most other bike racks (the high end ones, which start at around that $600-700 mark.
In my research, this still seems to be the most user-friendly rack from reputable companies (Hollywood Racks, 1UP, Thule) as of mid-2023 for bikes with fenders and step-thrus such as the RadCity 5 Plus. Remember that these bikes are heavy at 65 lbs. (58 without battery) and there aren't many racks that can safely accommodate that. For those that do: - $500 The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider - Easy installation, but no ramp and needs adapter for step-thrus; overall feels less sturdy/secure in my opinion (which makes sense given its lower price-point) - $680 1UP Super Duty - No ramp, needs security wrench to install, adjustment bars/levers are a little finicky from what I've heard, not ideal for bikes with fenders due to clamping method used. - $800 Thule T2 Pro XTR - Only 60 lb. limit per bike, no ramp, easy installation, but not ideal for bikes with fenders due to clamping method used. - $1000 Thule EasyFold XT - Shorter ramp than Destination E, similar installation style, but "cheaper" overall feel from what I've heard (and for $300 more!). Overall, I have no regrets going with Destination E. The ease of use, the locking mechanisms on the hitch and individual bikes, the aesthetics, the attaching/setup mechanisms and customization of where you can place the clamps, and what honestly feels like very fast loading/unloading once you get the hang of it makes it well worth the cost in my opinion.
