Hollywood vs. Rhode Gear
Written: Feb 01 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
| Ease of Use: |
|
|
|
Pros: Cheapest alternative
Cons: Cumbersome to mount, paint damage
|
|
|
| ashi_the_cat's Full Review: Hollywood Racks The Original |
I have owned both the Hollywood rack and Rhode Gear rack and regret to say that I cannot recommend either one. Both racks have the same shortcomings that are inherent to all trunk mounted racks and as such, one must think twice if they really want a trunk mounted rack (especially if they have a nice car).
I will, however, compare and contrast the two racks and give a subjective assessment of the two. Both racks fit on a car’s trunk with touch pads that make contact with the car on top of the truck (or hatchback) and on the back of the trunk or bumper. The racks are held tight by numerous straps that clip to the top, back and side (Rhode Gear only) lip of the trunk.
Fit – Both racks fit well with the Rhode Gear offering a slightly better fit. The Rhode Gear has additional lateral straps, which make for a tighter fit. Although a tight fit appears essential, I have driven with only the top straps of the Hollywood rack on (the bottom straps worked themselves loose) and the bikes (and rack) stayed on the car. This happened when I was driving through the winding roads up to Yosemite National Park. The weight of the bikes keeps them firmly on the car. Advantage: Rhode Gear
Ease of use and storage – The Hollywood rack is easier to put on and take off. It is also easier to store in your trunk. It opens similar to a lawn chair and folds up like one. The Rhode Gear (with the blocks) cannot be folded up as easily and is awkward. Mounting the bikes on both racks is about the same. A common mistake that people make in mounting the bikes is that they hang the horizontal part of the bike frame on the arms of the rack. This is incorrect. The V part of the bike frame should be cradled on the arms. This prevents the bike from moving because it is wedged in there. Putting on the bikes can be cumbersome and if you’re not careful, you can get chain grease all over yourself. Advantage: Hollywood
Bike protection – The Rhode Gear will definitely offer more protection for your bike(s) as it has the “blocks” on the arms which you can strap you bike frame to. This also helps space out two bikes so that they will not rub against each other. The Hollywood is great for one bike but when you have to carry two, there is no way to mount the bikes without them touching each other. Advantage: Rhode Gear
So, if I really, really had to pick one, I guess I would pick the Rhode Gear. This is only if I had to have a trunk mounted rack. It is the cheapest alternative out there.
The problem I had with both racks was that they damaged my car. The touch pads that I mentioned earlier are made of foam and appear to be okay but after miles of driving, they will definitely leave an impression on your trunk. Also, when you mount the rack, you must be clean the area where the pads will touch. Otherwise, if there is any dirt on the contact surface, the pads will grind the dirt into the paint. If you have a hatchback, however, these racks are okay.
So what do I use now? I use neither. I use a BDI rack that mounts to your license plate frame. It is triple the price of these racks but nothing comes in contact with the car. It also only takes a minute to mount on the car and strap on the bike.
Happy biking!
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 50
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
ashi_the_cat
|
|
Location: San Carlos, CA
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.