Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Recommendations for 2008 BMW 335Xi Carrying Womens Mountain Bikes
Question:
Hello, I just purchased the HRE2 and am wondering if this will be a good fit for me and my automobile?? I currently use a womens mountain bike and have read on other posts that purchasing the HRE3 was the best choice for them because it secured two mountain bikes better than the HRE2? Can you share your observations or advice on this?? Also, I am just beginning to ride so I dont want to buy anything too bulky until I know that this is going to be a sport that I take on full time. Additionally, what separates a mountain bike size from the standard bike? I am just curious? As a novice rider I want to be sure I am describing my bike correctly. Lastly, I have attached pictures of the two bikes in question. I appreciate your advice. Thanks,
asked by: Ronnee B
Helpful Expert Reply:
The only difference between the Hollywood Racks Express Bike rack part # HRE2 and the Hollywood Racks Express Bike rack part # HRE3 is the length of the arms of the rack and amount of bikes that the rack is designed to carry. Other than that the racks are identical. Sometimes people will buy a 3 bike rack to only carry 2 bikes just because the additional room allows for easier loading.
Both racks have been confirmed to fit your 2008 BMW 335Xi.
You should have no problem installing 2 mountain bikes on a # HRE2, but we also recommend that once you get both bikes on the rack snap a picture with a camera phone to help you remember how you loaded the bikes to make loading easier in the future. When you load the bikes be sure to load the heavier bike closest to the vehicle, and then have the next bike face the opposite direction.
Mountain bikes are pretty standard in their size when compared to other bikes. They will usually have larger tires than a road bike, can be a little heavier due to suspension components and sturdier frames to handle the shock of trails. However, we do not recommend different bike racks for mountain bikes than most other bikes. The only bikes we fit differently would be trikes, recumbents or tandems.
On bikes without horizontal top tubes, like the womens bikes you have, typically we recommend going with a bike adapter bar like the Hollywood Racks Bike Frame Adapter Bar # HRBA-PRO. This attaches to the seat post and steering stem to provide a horizontal attachment point to allow the bikes to be carried level.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hollywood Racks Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 15 - 29 Inch Long
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hollywood Racks Express 3 Bike Carrier - Fixed Arms - Trunk Mount
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- Does Not Fit Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Non-Adjustable
- Hanging Rack
- Hollywood Racks
more information >
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