Electric Bike Racks Battle: MagRack X1 Max vs Hollywood Cross Track (2025 Review)

As electric bikes surge in popularity, so does the demand for electric bike racks that can handle their extra weight and design. In 2025, riders are looking for more than just a basic carrier- they want stability, security, and easy loading solutions that make travel simpler.

One of the most popular rack designs in recent years is the tire-mount electric bike rack. Unlike traditional hanging racks that support the frame, tire-mount systems hold bikes by their wheels- cradling them securely while keeping pressure off the frame, cables, and battery mounts. This design offers several advantages:

-Superior stability: By anchoring the wheels, it minimizes sway and movement on the road.

-Frame protection: There’s no direct contact with painted or sensitive frame areas.

-Easier loading: You can roll the bike into position rather than lift it, which is especially helpful for heavy e-bikes.

-Versatility: Works well for fat-tire, mountain, cruiser, and step-thru frame styles.

Among many tire-mount bike racks, two standout contenders this year are MagRack X1 Max and Hollywood Cross Track, both engineered for serious e-bike transport. With both racks aiming to redefine what an electric bike rack should offer in 2025, this review compares them side by side- covering key areas such as build quality, capacity, stability, safety, and overall user experience.

When evaluating any electric bike rack, the first step is to look at the key specifications. MagRack X1 Max and Hollywood Cross Track both target e-bike owners who demand strength, stability, and easy handling, but their design philosophies differ in subtle yet significant ways. 

Quick Specs Comparison 

Both racks are designed as hitch bicycle carriers, suitable for electric and standard bikes alike. However, subtle design differences give each model a unique advantage depending on how and where you ride. 

Capacity & Compatibility

Weight capacity is the first thing to check when choosing an electric bike rack, and this is where MagRack X1 Max stands out. Supporting up to 100 lbs per bike, it comfortably handles dual-battery e-bikes, fat-tire models, and heavier mountain setups.

The Hollywood Cross Track caps at around 66 lbs per bike, which is still sufficient for most commuter and hybrid e-bikes but may limit certain high-power models.

Both racks fit 2-inch receivers, making them compatible with various vehicles including SUVs, trucks, and even larger vehicles. For smaller cars, ensure your hitch receiver height exceeds 400mm to maintain adequate ground clearance.

Build & Material

MagRack X1 Max is built for rugged reliability. Its reinforced steel frame, thick powder coating, and wider platform ensure durability even under heavy use. It weighs about 59lbs, but the construction feels noticeably sturdier than most competitors. The materials are indeed reinforced, and has a double-arm bracket base for better support and weight distribution, giving it a professional-grade feel that serious riders will appreciate.

By contrast, Hollywood Cross Track opts for a slightly lighter structure- 42lbs, and only has a single bracket base. It's easier to handle and mount, especially for solo users. While it's not as overbuilt an X1 Max, it strikes a balance between strength and convenience- ideal for those who transport standard or mid-weight e-bikes.

So, if your priority is long-term toughness and less flex during travel, MagRack X1 Max clearly takes the edge here.

Tire & Wheelbase Support

When it comes to bike adaptability, MagRack X1 Max accommodates up to 5-inch tires and a 53-inch wheelbase, making it a versatile bike rack with hitch for various bike types- fat-tire, cruiser, or mountain. Its deep wheel trays and wheel cradles provide stability without the wobble often seen in lighter carriers.

Meanwhile, Hollywood Cross Track, supporting up to 4-inch tires, still performs admirably but may have difficulties with oversized tires. Its wheel trays are slightly narrower -52”, though they hold standard e-bikes securely for highway or road trips. But for riders with non-standard or adventure-style e-bikes, X1 Max offers greater flexibility.

Road Stability & Shock Absorption

When it comes to road stability, MagRack X1 Max's robust frame and reinforced joints, together with the U-shape shock-absorb device, minimize sway during bumpy rides. It performs exceptionally well on uneven roads, thanks to its lower center of gravity and anti-wobble connection.

Hollywood Cross Track remains smooth on highways but can show mild vibration on rougher terrain. Still, its design effectively isolates most of the road shock from your bikes, keeping them secure throughout the journey. 

Security Features

Security matters when transporting high-value e-bikes. MagRack X1 Max prioritizes structural stability over integrated locks, though it offers a receiver pin lock as an accessory. This setup provides excellent resistance against rack movement or theft attempts, but it still requires an extra bike lock to avoid stealing.

Hollywood Cross Track, on the other hand, includes a built-in cable lock to prevent the bike from being stolen, convenient for quick stops or temporary leaving.

Ease of Use & Add-Ons

Speaking of Convenience, Cross Track focuses on straightforward usability- no extra tools, no adjustments needed. It's a plug-and-play option for quick weekend trips. While MagRack X1 Max comes 95% assembled, only a few bolts and adjustments need to be applied.

Free trunk accessing when the bikes are loaded can be physically demanding, but both racks address this with thoughtful engineering. MagRack X1 Max offers a tilt-back function, allowing trunk access without unloading bikes- a feature shared by the Cross Track as well. Moreover, even when not in use, the two models both be both folded upright and neatly behind the vehicle rear for compact storage. 

Besides, both X1 Max and Cross Track provide an optional add-on choice- an extra rack, making them more versatile, especially practical for cyclists who have more than one bike. 

Which One Fits Your Riding Style?

Considering all features and pros listed, choosing the right electric bike rack also depends largely on what, where, and how you ride. Both models excel in specific areas.

 Go with the MagRack X1 Max if:

- You frequently transport heavy electric bikes or fat-tire models with tire widths up to 5”.

- Durability and high load ratings are the top priorities.

- You value the shock-absorbing mechanism provided by the U-Shape Bolt

- Your vehicle is an SUV, pickup, or van with a 2-inch receiver.

 Go with the Hollywood Cross Track if:

- You prefer a lighter, easier-to-handle rack.

- Your e-bikes are under 66 lbs each.

- You want a simple, ready-to-use ebike carrier for weekend rides.

- You prioritize convenience over heavy-duty performance.

- Like its cable lock and have no time to buy one by yourself.

Conclusion

To sum up, it’s obvious that a well-designed hitch bicycle carrier can elevate your riding experience-whether it's daily commuting, cross-country touring, or off-road adventures. Both the MagRack X1 Max and Hollywood Cross Track stand as reliable electric bike racks in 2025- each tailored to different rider profiles.

MagRack X1 Max shines in strength, versatility, and load capacity, making it ideal for enthusiasts who invest in premium e-bikes and look for minimal wobbles during transportation. Cross Track delivers simplicity and ease for everyday cyclists who want a practical, lightweight, and portable transport solution.

Verdict:

If power and performance matter most, go for MagRack X1 Max.

If convenience and quick setup are your priorities, Cross Track remains an excellent choice.