Upgrading a Wheel Hoop on a Unknown Platform Bike Rack to Carry Cruiser Bike with Electric Motor

Question:

Ive got a schwinn 26inch cruiser bicycle with a first generation Phoenix Brute electric hub motor wheel on the front of the bicycle. The carrier is a used, unbranded, looks like a hollywood rack 2 bicycle carrier with hoop type tire cradles with the adjustable slider in the center of the hoop. The problem I am having is the motor is quite heavy, causing the sheet metal bracket to bend as a result of bumps etc. Your Replacement Wheel Loop - SportRack Wheel-Mounted Bike Racks - Left Side - Gray Item # 05019700000 looks like it is a more robust build. The shaft the sliders/hoops mount on is 1 and 1/4 x 1 and 1/4. Will this work for me as a replacement? Thank you!

asked by: David H

Expert Reply:

Wheel hoop # 05019700000 does not have a weight capacity but the racks it works with have a 45 pound per bike capacity meaning that at most the hoop can hold 22-1/2 pounds. If the front of the bike weighs more than that then I would not recommend using this wheel hoop.

Wheel hoop # HRSPRWHL-HD is a better option. The matching right side is # HRSPRWHR-HD. You can get a left and a right using # HRSPRWH-HD. The bike racks that it fits have an 80 pound per bike capacity so you could say that each wheel hoops can support 40 pounds. It will fit your rack but how well it fits is unknown since we don't know the brand of your rack.

How much does your bike weigh total? Most basic platform bike racks have a capacity of 35 pounds per bike. I bring this up because once you fix one problem, this time it is a wheel holder, the rack may start to fail somewhere else because it is likely not rated high enough. You may want to consider just replacing the rack. We have numerous options if you are interested. I have included a link to them for you.

expert reply by: Michael H