Honda CR-V Bike Rack

[ithacagirl]

Hello all!

I'm looking for a bike rack for my '02 Honda CR-V that will either fit the trunk or spare tire. There are a few models I found on Amazon, but every so often there is a scary review saying how the rack wasn't very stable. Anyone have good luck with any brands?

Thanks for the help in my search!

[alice]

Is there a reason you're avoiding the roof racks? We use the Thule roof rack (on ou 1999 CRV), and it works great for us. Only issues are that we can't put the bikes up until leaving the garage, and if you're short it might be difficult if your bike is particularly heavy.

I see a lot of CRVs around here with the Thule spare tire connected racks, and they look pretty stable and kick-butt to me. Thule is a good solid brand for connecting stuff to your car; I wouldn't be concerned about failure if it was properly mounted.

I think there's always a point when internet researching that you have to stop reading, stop thinking about the bad reviews (which there are for everything), and just go with something.

[TrekTheKaty]

I recommend a hitch rack. Sturdy, quick to remove and doesn't scuff up your vehicle. I've seen the more expensive ones that tip out so you can open a hatch or trunk.

[Aggie_Ama]

I love my Thule 916 Hitch Rack. It can fold up, fold down, hold different types of bikes. It was a little pricey but after 6 weeks of having it I wonder why I waited so long to go this route.

[margrette]

Thule Revolver....its expensive (like $450 expensive)....but its a hitch rack that literally swings out of the way (folds open like a door) so you don't have to take bikes off to get into the back....even with the ones that tilt you have to take all the bikes off first.

[ithacagirl]

Is there a reason you're avoiding the roof racks?

Unfortunately I am only five feet. My bike isn't very heavy, but I can barely get all the snow off the top of my car in the winter.

As for the hitch rack, I'm afraid I don't have the money right now to add a hitch to my car, but maybe in the future....those do look really safe.

[alice]

My bike isn't very heavy, but I can barely get all the snow off the top of my car in the winter.

Wow! I've never lived somewhere that it snows, so I wouldn't have even thought of this!

[ithacagirl]

So after more research I think I'm going to go with the Surco BT300 spare tire rack. I've read a number of reviews by other CR-V owners that say it fits really well and keeps the bike very secure. It holds up to three bikes, the rack is easily detachable from the installed connector on the tire, and retails for $130 on Amazon. The added bonus of this one over the Thule spare tire model is that it can be locked to the tire AND it comes with a lock that keeps the clamp to the bike closed so it can be left unattended.

Just a warning to RAV-4 owners, I've read many reviews say it's not compatible with their car.