Hollywood Racks CrossTrack 1-Bike Hitch Rack
Hot
- Quick and easy assembly
- It fits both 1 ¼” and 2” receivers
- Lightweight for easy maneuverability on and off a vehicle
- Well-constructed for years of use
- Smaller footprint for minimum storage area
- Secure and transport a bike without frame contact
- Rack tilts down for access to the vehicle’s cargo area
- Accommodates up to 4” wide tires
- Maximum bike weight 66 lbs, perfect for most eBikes
- Affordably priced
Not
- Requires tools for mounting rack to vehicle’s receiver
- Won’t work for bikes with fenders
- Two-handed operation to open wheel arms
- The cable lock is not integrated with the rack
- Need tools (5mm Allen wrench and 13mm socket wrench) to adjust spindle for different wheel sizes
Price: $399.99
Receiver size: 1 ¼” or 2” (remove collar)
# of bikes: 1 (other CrossTrack models carry more bikes)
Rack weight: 42 lbs
Max bike weight: 66 lbs
Max tire size: 4”
Max wheelbase: Up to 52”
Wheel size capacity: 20” to 29”
Optional accessories: Light bar (brake light and turn signals), bike ramp, and wheel locks
Availability: Online and retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
If you’re a solo cyclist or often find yourself transporting just one bike, the Hollywood Racks CrossTrack single bike rack is definitely worth considering. While there are two and three bike models, why pay more if you don’t need the extra hauling capacity? Priced at $399.99, the single bike version offers excellent value, particularly if you need to transport an eBike. The CrossTrack can handle a bike weighing up to 66 pounds, with a maximum wheelbase of 52” and tires up to 4” wide.
Rack Assembly: Quick and Easy
The family-owned and operated company from California has been making quality, affordable racks for over 50 years. I met a rep from Hollywood Racks at CABDA Midwest in February, and he shipped the CrossTrack single bike rack to my home. I was pleasantly surprised that the rack arrived mostly assembled, and the few pieces that needed assembly were quick and easy to put together. From unpacking to assembly, the entire process took me only 30 minutes.
All the assembly tools were included in the shipment, but having a quality socket set can help speed things along. The instruction manual supplied in the box was easy to follow and is also available online.
The CrossTrack 1 ¼” rack also fits a 2” receiver. There’s a spacer sleeve you remove to fit a 1 ¼” receiver. I have an SUV with a 2” receiver, so I did need to remove the sleeve. To begin assembling the rack, you slide the receiver tube into the receiver. Next, screw in the threaded hitch pin and attach the lock. Using a lock deters thieves from stealing the whole rack when left unattended.
In the picture above, you’ll see a U-bolt. According to the company, it’s there as a backup (for those with rougher roads and the like); however, it isn’t necessary to use it as long as you ensure the bolts are tight. [The 2” version of the CrossTrack does not require the U-bolt as it uses a new anti-wobble design.] Next, the wheel tray is attached to the base, followed by the front wheel block. It’s that simple!
If you transport various bike sizes or models (e.g., road, MTB, children’s, fat tire), the location of the spindle on the wheel arm may need to be adjusted using a 5mm Allen wrench and a 13mm socket wrench. There are optional spindles with thumb screws available for purchase to avoid using tools.
Lastly, the shipment includes six extra reflective strips to affix to the handle, wheel tray arms, and the underside of the tray. The strips help to increase the rack’s visibility in the upright and down positions.
Rack Functionality
The release handle on the CrossTrack is one of the best designs for easy access and use I’ve ever tested or used. There are four rack positions to select from:
- Below level to access the vehicle’s cargo area
- Level for transporting a bike
- Slightly upright if the vehicle doesn’t have room to stow the rack in the full upright position (i.e., spare tire on the vehicle’s back door)
- Fully upright to stow while not in use
When it’s time to load a bike, opening the wheel arms requires two hands – one to hold down the red button and the other to swing the arm out. Note that the rack will not work with fenders because arms are designed to come in contact with the wheel, not the frame.
The wheel arms and block combination keep the bike secure and solidly attached to the rack. Personally, no matter which brand rack, I use a Velcro strap around each tire and the platform as one more point of securing the bike.
A few optional accessories are available, including wheel locks ($39.99), a light bar (brake light and turn signals – $179.99), and a bike ramp ($99.99). The wheel locks slide through the open spindle holes in the arm and act more as a theft grab-and-go deterrent than proper security. Always use a quality cable or chain lock to secure bikes when unattended. If your bicycle interferes with the car’s brake lights, the optional light bar provides additional turn signals and brake lights. Lastly, the optional bike ramp is perfect for easier loading and unloading heavier eBikes.
Bottom Line
The Hollywood Racks CrossTrack 1-Bike Hitch Rack is reasonably lightweight and is compatible with 1 ¼” and 2” receivers. It offers a secure way to transport a bike weighing up to 66 pounds without frame contact. The rack’s tilting feature provides easy access to the vehicle’s cargo area, and its compact design makes it easy to store. The CrossTrack is a quality rack, especially for solo cyclists or those who frequently transport only one bike. Need to haul more than one bike? Check out the other models of the CrossTrack.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
