Maximum Bike Top Tube Diameter for Hollywood Racks Express 3 Trunk Rack HRE3

Question:

Hello, do you know what the max. top frame width this rack will hold? I have a Raleigh mountain bike with a WeeRide Kangeroo bike seat, and the attachment for the WeeRide seat makes my top frame bar wider. This outfit would be for my bike and my wifes Scott womens bike on a 2002 Subaru Forester. The forester has a factory spoiler but for this year, it is not a solid spoiler like on the newer vehicles.

asked by: Roger

Helpful Expert Reply:

My contact at Hollywood Racks advised that their Express 3 trunk rack # HRE3 has cradles that will accommodate frame top tubes up to 1-1/2-inches in diameter. But he did note that the cradle on this rack has been successfully modified by customers whose bikes have larger diameter top tubes. The fix was to cut a slice into the center of the cradle to allow the two halves to separate slightly; this allows the larger top tube to fit inside the split cradle. Since the straps are long enough to reach across the cradle even when it has been widened in this manner you do not need to replace the straps.

But please do note that the Express rack is NOT intended for vehicles with spoilers. The best rack option for the 2002 Forester's spoiler is the Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms # TH45JV which features a unique frame design that attaches with only 2 rubber straps instead of the 4-6 of other bike racks and it works well with rear spoilers. This rack would work just fine with your wider bike tubes as long as your bike is 33 pounds or lower.

expert reply by: Adam R