Compact SUVs can be a way of life for people who are into the outdoor lifestyle but still want a vehicle worthy of traversing them around. For years the Honda CR-V has made a name for itself as a premier option. Initially manufactured back in 1995, the CR-V has seen four generations of releases leading up to our current date and time. Cycling enthusiasts can look to a car like this as the perfect companion to haul their bikes around. The big question you have to ask yourself is this: What bike rack do I need?
Top 6 Best Bike Racks for Honda CR-V Reviewed
1. Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
2. Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack Carrier
3. Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
4. FIERYRED Trunk Mounted Bike Rack for SUVs (Sedans/Hatchbacks/Minivans) 3-Bike
5. Allen Sports in. 3-Bike Carrier Quick Hitch Model Transport Rack
6. Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack Model 102DB
The Honda CR-V is a popular spacious compact SUV that can accommodate a variety of bike carriers. Several options are available for those who want to carry their bikes in the Honda CR-V.
One option is a hitch bike rack that attaches to the rear of the vehicle and holds the bike by the frame. This type of bike rack is easy to install and can hold four bikes at a time. Popular brands of hitch bike racks include Thule, Yakima, and Saris.
If you don’t have a hitch on your Honda CR-V, a trunk-mounted bike rack is another option. These racks secure the bike to the trunk or tailgate of the car with straps. Trunk-mounted bike racks are usually more affordable than hitch-mounted ones, but they can be more difficult to install and less stable.
Roof-mounted bike carriers are another option for the Honda CR-V. These racks are a good option for holding bikes above the vehicle and protecting them from the elements. However, roof-mounted bike racks can be difficult to install and may require additional equipment such as roof rails or cross bars.
What to Look For in a Rack
If you’re still unsure which rack is for you, ask yourself the following questions and then move back to the different rack styles above to make your decision.
1) How many bikes am I planning to haul?
You may only have one bike today, but how many will you have in a year? Will you plan on hauling your friend’s bicycles as well?
2) Am I able to maneuver my bike alone?
Some of the racks listed below will require you to put the bicycle above your head. Others will only require you to lift your bike less than a couple of feet high.
3) What is my price range?
As with anything in life, you will have to set your expectations in line with your price range. Certain styles of racks are more than others. Hitch bike racks are usually more than hatch mount models. Fortunately, there is quality at every price level. Unfortunately, you’ll have to dig to find it.
4) What size is my bike?
Bikes come in different shapes and sizes, and they’ll fit in different ways with these racks. You’ll want to take stock of your bike size before committing to a particular rack type — especially if you plan on hauling more than one bicycle around.
Selecting a Bike Rack
If you wander on over to the sports store or even click around on some cycling websites, you’ll undoubtedly see that the world is filled with rack options. These bicycle racks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and prices. How do you narrow down your search? Well, you can start by looking for what will fit your car right. Listed below are the different types of racks that work excellently with most Honda CR-V models.
Hitch Rack
The hitch rack is uber common and a cheap way to haul bikes around. If your CR-V has a hitch receiver already installed, then finding a rack will be simple. Hitch racks are typically reserved for cars that fit in Class 2 through Class 4 hitch racks, meaning they are made for heavyweights. The CR-V is an all-around vehicle, so this should be an option for you. If you don’t have a hitch, you can also have one installed. These racks typically hold anywhere from 2 to 5 bikes at maximum, and they are placed on the rear end of your car.
Roof Rack
The roof rack is almost self-explanatory, but we’ll give you some details anyway. If your CR-V is equipped with the appropriate mounting points on your roof, then this sort of rack will be safe and straightforward to utilize. A roof rack is typically affordable, and they are prized for their versatility. You can adapt your roof rack for all-season usage, and its placement on top of your car keeps it out of the way. Bicycles locked into roof racks typically are much more stable when installed. You DO have to deal with getting them up and down every time, and that could be an issue for solo riders or cyclists who are not tall enough to manipulate the rack.
Trunk Rack
The trunk rack is probably the lightest and most versatile rack on this list, and it is also the perfect option for CR-V owners. These racks fasten down to the rear of your vehicle with ergonomic and easy-to-use straps and hooks. Bikes are strapped down and stabilized against rack cradles. If you opt to go this route, then you need to know that you’ll only be able to pack away a maximum of two or three bikes, depending on their size. The convenience of these racks makes them a popular piece of equipment though there are some issues. Trunk racks are not as stable as the other racks on this list, resulting in swaying and bike movement. It would help if you also changed how you drive when hauling bikes around as your car’s extended back end can create new issues.
Spare Tire
If you have a spare tire mount on the back of your Honda CR-V, you are ahead of the pack when it comes to versatile bike rack options. Spare tire racks are light, ergonomic, and easy to install due to how compact they are. The downside to this sort of rack is that it lacks flexibility and can only carry up to two total bikes. You’ll also have to remove the cover on your tire. You also want to pay attention so that your bike does not cover up your license plate or taillights, as that could lead to some issues with law enforcement.
FAQ’s
Can you put a bike rack on a Honda CRV?
Yes, you put a bike rack on a Honda CRV. If you have a trailer hitch, a hitch-mounted bike rack is a good choice. Otherwise, you can also go with a “trunk” mount rack made for SUVs. Most fit a variety of vehicles, including the Honda CRV, simply by adjusting the straps.
What bike rack fits a Honda CRV?
- Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack Carrier
- Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
- FIERYRED Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
- Allen Sports in. 3-Bike Carrier Quick Hitch Model Transport Rack
- Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack Model 102DB
- KAC Overdrive Sports K2 Hitch Mounted Rack
- Swagman XTC4 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
- YAKIMA RidgeBack Tilt-Away Hitch Bike Rack
Which bike rack is best for my SUV?
If you have a trailer hitch, a hitch-mounted bike rack is best for your SUV.
How do you put a bike rack on an SUV?
To put a bike rack on an SUV, it’s easy. If it is a rear hatch-mounted bike rack, hook the brackets on the straps’ ends to the hatch door’s edges and then tighten the straps. If it is hitch-mounted, slide it into your trailer hitch. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.