Hollywood Sport Rider E Bike Rack Build Adventure
We have been enjoying our Step Thru E Bikes just riding around town. We bought folding e bikes because we thought they would fit in our SUV. However, we added cargo baskets to the bikes. Consequently, they do not fold properly. So, we bought a bike rack that would fit on our SUV. We needed it for our RV anyway. This meant that the next senior adventure for us would be a Hollywood Sport Rider E Bike Rack build. Thanks for joining us on this adventure.
Hollywood Sport Rider E Bike Rack Instructions
The first step in this build was to look over the instructions. As we looked through the booklet, we weren’t at all sure that we could build the rack as quickly as we needed it. We were heading out for a family gathering hoping to take the e bikes with us. We had two days for the build. This was going to be an adventure. However, we felt that two senior adults should be able to hand assembling a simple bike rake.
We made sure all the parts and provided tools were there. We laid all the parts out as we found them listed on each page. The logical thing was to go page by page and image by image.
Assembly Should Have Been Easy
Following the instructions, we began by assembling the part of the rack which attached to the receiver of the car. Once we located the right bolts, lock washers and nuts, things went together pretty well. We added the bottom brackets and the center post. They would hold the bikes up straight. After that the stabilizing hooks were added. These kept the bikes from shaking when driving. Of course, there was time for redoing things when the wrong bolt was used or the part put on upside down. As I mentioned, we felt that two senior adults should be able to assemble a simple bike rack.
We put the tire rests on upside down which meant that the locking, hold-down straps were on the wrong side of the rack. So, we took those off and turned them over. Assembly took about an 2 hours. I figure we put every part on at least twice.
Things Not on the Rack
Once the Hollywood Sport Rider E Bike Rack was together, there were two things that needed to be tested. They were not part of the rack. However, the rack could not be used without them.
Bar Adapters
Both of our e bikes were “step through” models. Years ago, they were called “girls bikes.” We bought this model because one of us was used to a step through and the other of us wasn’t confident about climbing onto a regular bike without fall over. The stabilizing hooks of the bike rack could not be used without a center bar adapter to hook onto. We had purchased one of these for each bike so we tried them out.
The bar adapter went between the front fork and the seat post to create a solid place to hook the stabilizing bars. At first, it was a bit difficult to get the bars off and on the bikes, but we got it. With these bars, we were going to be able to carry 2 e bikes on the rack.
Locks
We also needed to make sure that the entire Hollywood Sport Rider E Bike rack was not stolen off our vehicle. This was true whether or not bikes were on the rack. We had ordered a receiver lock with our bikes. We installed that to see how steady the whole assembly seemed. A pin went through the bike rack tongue and then through the vehicle receiver. A lock was attached to that pin. Any pin lock would work, but ours was made for that Hollywood Rack.
In addition, we needed to lock the bikes to the rack. Although the stabilizing hooks locked over the center bar another lock through the wheels seem appropriate. So, we also installed a 10ft. long, steel, cable lock which could wrap around the rack and all 4 bike wheels.
Of course, the stabilizing hooks and the cable lock could be cut if a thief had the right tools and a bit of time. We had decided to have these three locks as a deterrent and for our peace of mind.
Finally Done
Our two hour session of assembling the bike rack was over. We had read the instructions. Then, we assembled the rack piece by piece. Through the process, we disassembled and reassembled the rack piece by piece. As well, we had added the few extras we felt were necessary. We were finally done and could put a bike on the rack.
It was fun to share this little senior adventure. Click here to leave a comment about the adventure. Check us out on YouTube @Our Senior Adventure.
I think you were very brave to take on this little rack build adventure. I would have probably gotten someone else to do it for me, as I don’t have the patience to assemble complicated things that have lots of nuts and bolts to contend with. I am amazed that this project only took you two hours.
You have even thought of the security of your bikes, and added in extra security precautions. I am surprised the manufactures of the racks didn’t think of doing this for their customers.
We thought it would be fun to do together and it was ….Sort of. At least around here, people find ways to cut through locks and steal things that seem completely secure so we added some. Thanks for reading and commenting.
There are bikes out there that can be folded and assembled when you take them out and unfold them?
I am interested in this Hollywood sports rider bike. It folds and is easy to use for adults. I’ve been wanting to get out more and do bike rides because when I was little my dad would always take me to go bike riding and man those were the days, especially the dips in the trails, that was fun going down and going off-speed.
We don’t have an SUV but a rack that we will be able to put on the car would work just fine. I like a bike that’s easy to use and also that folds just in case we can put it in the car so it won’t get as dirty nor a little bit of space left.
I like the cargo baskets it has to offer because If I were to go out and get some snacks and food It will save me a lot of work and also time because sometimes riding with one bike is hard and also keeping an eye that your other hand is carrying your food and snack supplies.
This senior adventure was fun to read, hopefully, you guys had a great day bike riding and that you were having the time of your life and reliving memories you used to do when you are younger. I am going to do this one day and bookmark this website!
We have enjoyed the foldable bikes. The Hollywood rack that we use is easy to load. It keeps the bikes locked and steady. And also carrys up to 150 lbs. which is really important. Most racks will fit into a 2″ receiver on your car. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hello, James!
Thanks for such an entertaining read.
I’m the same myself when it comes to building something using instructions and end up attaching things upside down or using the wrong bolts and having to start over!
How do you like your Hollywood Sport Rider? Has it lived up to your expectations so far? My partner and I have been looking at e-bikes and e-scooters and are unsure where to start as there seem to be so many brands available!
The rack is great. It’s easy to load. It keeps the bikes secure and locked and it carries the weight.. We bought lectric ebikes the step thru model becuseuse they were light and foldable. We really enjoyed them. Plus, they weren’t that expensive. Thanks for reading and commenting.
It looks like you are getting out there and enjoying life. I’ve been looking at the electric bikes myself, but they are still too pricey for me. Where are some places you plan to travel and explore with these bikes? The significant advantage is when you need to get up a hill. They must be great for that.
They are fun in any situation but they do help going uphills. We are riding along the west coast and hoping to visit some national parks this summer. Thanks for reading and commenting.
If you are going to carry and carry a sweatshirt, laptop or go on a trip, the trunk is one of the most important items on a bicycle.
Yes, because of the trunk, the bike becomes “uglier”, but it is very useful. You have great tips on how to make a bicycle basket.
Hello James
This is an excellent suggestion. Many individuals can benefit from your knowledge of how to set up and secure a bike rack while traveling. Saves a significant amount of time. Thank you for this amazing and informative article. I enjoy hiking and going for a nice bike ride.
Rosie
We have always enjoyed biking but the electric bikes have added an incredible amount of fun. Thanks for reading and commenting.
This seems like such a convenient accessory to be able to transport your bikes. Do you bike recreationally or in events? Biking is something I have never tried, I haven’t ridden a bike since I was little. I do think it would be something fun and different to try, though, especially since I live near Mammoth Cave National Park with many trails to choose from!
We just ride recreationally. The electric bikes are fun. You would enjoy it. We haven’t yet been to a national park on ours but we have heard those are the places to use them. Thanks for commenting.
I enjoyed following you on your adventure of building a bike rack for your e-bikes. It sounds as if the assembly was straight-forward enough and that you had fun building it together. What a great tip to get a lock to prevent the rack from being stolen, even if the bikes are not on it.
Is the Hollywood rack specifically for your model of Step Thru e-bikes, or will it be bale to carry other bikes as well? Thank you and happy cycling.
We choose the Hollywood Bike for several reasons. Here is a link to another article with those reasons. https://oursenioradventure.com/hollywoodsportriderebikerackunboxing.