until snug and secure
. Be sure that the teeth of the black hubs are interlocked evenly, so that the support
arms are perfectly parallel. Do not over-tighten the knobs. See
Fig. 2
.
4
.
Attaching the straps
: Begin attaching straps with the upper (farthest forward) pair, placing the hooks in
the most forward trunk lid opening, and then pulling on the end of the strap until the proper length is
reached. Once the upper straps have been attached, the side and bottom straps can be attached in any order.
If your vehicle has a “soft” plastic bumper, the lower straps may be attached to the lower edge of the trunk
lid, or rear door opening instead of the bumper.
5
. When all six straps are attached, pull firmly on each strap to make sure that the hooks are properly seated,
and that all straps are tight. After mounting the bikes,
recheck and retighten
all straps since the weight of
the bike(s) often adds tension to the upper straps, and removes and equal amount of tension and therefore
loosens the lower straps.
Mounting bike(s) to your Hollywood
Express
rack:
6
.
Attach the rubber straps (total 6) to the rubber cradles. Start with the round (end) hole of the strap
stretched over the diamond shaped “nub” on the cradle. Which hole you choose for the other “nub” will
depend on the diameter of the bicycle’s specific tube placed in the cradle. Each strap should snuggle firmly
and completely over the “nub.” Check to make certain that all straps are attached correctly before
proceeding. Be sure
not
to route straps over any cables (see
Fig. 3
.), but rather under them (see
Fig. 4
).
This will protect the finish on the bicycle frame and provide a more solid mounting on the
Express
rack.
7
. Place the heaviest bike onto the rack first (closest to the vehicle), putting the bike’s top tube (usually) into
the rubber cradles on the support arms. It generally works out best to put the first bike’s handlebars on the
driver’s side of the car. Be sure to note the location of the pedal, as you may have to rotate the crank in
order to keep the pedal from hitting the vehicle. Pull the rubber strap across the bike’s frame tube and
attach it to the “nub” on the opposite side of the cradle for both right and left cradles. Straps should be snug,
but
do not over-tighten
the straps since this may shorten the useful life of the strap.
8
. Once all the bikes are mounted on the
Express
Rack, and all the
rubber straps are pulled snug (but not over-stretched!) over their
respective “nubs,” use the attached nylon strap (fig 5). Wrap the loose
end of the strap around all the bikes (may be necessary to go through the
wheels), then insert into buckle, then tighten strap in buckle.
Remember to re-check all straps after the bicycles
have been mounted. Re-tighten straps as necessary.
Fig. 4
Like this!
Fig. 3
Not Like This!
2
Fig. 5
