Since more people are getting a Honda CRV to help them travel, many bike racks have been manufactured to be mountable on this specific car model (as well as other similar ones).
We have collected a detailed review list of reliable brands so you can pick out the best bike racks for Honda CRV installation.
My priority out of all would be the SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack. This carrier has a vacuum design with strong suction to secure your bikes. It can be stored inside backpacks and the overall material of this rack is durable over time.
Read More:
After evaluating a series of different Honda CRV bike racks, I believe that my final selections here are worthy of your consideration to be your upcoming bike carrier on the road.
Trunk mount bike rack
Saris Bones Car Bike Rack
Best Bike Rack for Trunk Mounting
My primary choice on the list for trunk mounting bike racks would be the Saris Bones Car Bike Rack as it is compatible with the largest arrays of most popular vehicles, including a Honda CRV. It is equipped with a unique dog leg that works with a majority of car spoilers.
Although this carrier is made lightweight of 11 lbs, the number of bikes it can handle is up to 4 units. Thanks to the smart arc-based design of this rack, loaded bikes will be separated on different levels to avoid blocking each other.
Moreover, its articulated rubber feet are really useful in protecting your Honda CRV external paint from abrasion. You needn’t be anxious whether this bike rack scratches your car when mounting it on the trunk like other carriers.
Both of the arms and legs of this rack have been injection-molded to become stronger and also rust-free, so the unit can last much longer in the years to come.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Compatible with large arrays.
– Dog leg fits most spoilers. – Splits bikes on different levels. – Rubber feet protect the paint. – Rust-free arms and legs. |
– High price.
– Sway bar snaps off easily. – Not suitable for highway travel. |
Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mount Rack
Best for Those on a Budget
Beyond the low price of this Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mount Rack, its patented quick snap design makes it easier to set up straight out of the box. It means fresh users are fully capable of mounting it on the car, without the need for professional help.
The 12-inch long arms can accommodate up to 2 bikes at the same time, which equals 70 lbs of maximum capacity for this bike rack. Plus, having extra-large car pads is certainly a bonus because they will even the bicycle load and preserve the car finish better.
There are 2 compound tie-down cradles that secure carried bikes in place while you drive. Its lower straps are responsible for stopping the bottom hooks from shifting. All in all, I consider this a bargain for its amazing feature list.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Simple to set up out of the box.
– Long arms carry 2 bikes at once. – Large car pads protect the paint. – Dual cradles keep bikes in place. – Lower straps secure the bottom hooks. |
– Rubber straps are risky to use.
– Needs to be checked with car models first. |
Thule Raceway Pro Trunk Bike Rack
Best for Sturdiness
The Thule Raceway Pro Trunk Bike Rack offers a patented design to make sure it fits well with your vehicle, especially a Honda CRV. However, you might want to check the Thule Fit Guide in advance to guarantee its compatibility with the car trunk.
In general, there is no tool required to install or remove this bike carrier so the whole process is easier for amateurs. If you plan to go on a family trip, this rack includes narrow cradle arms that hold smaller children’s bike frames. These arms can be folded down when not in use as well.
During transit, the rack will secure 2 bikes without shifting and absorb external impacts for better protection. Since this rack is made with the hanging-style for trunk mounting, it has a lockable cable to lock it safely with the vehicle.
Overall, I think this bike rack is quite sturdy for long-term use, along with all the components you need to make your bikes and the carrier itself fully attached to the Honda CRV.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Patented design works with most vehicles.
– Tool-free installation. – Handles small children’s bikes. – Absorbs shock from the outside. – Cable can be safely locked. |
– Cradle arms bend.
– Vaunted steel cables get jammed. |
Hitch mount bike rack
Saris Freedom Bike Rack
Best Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Different from mounting on a trunk, this Saris Freedom Bike Rack is manufactured for you to install on the car hitch. In case you own a bike with fat tires, all you need to do is add some extra wheel holders to the rack.
Besides the engineered ratcheting straps, this Honda CRV bike carrier offers a universal hitch fit with 1 ¼” and 2” car hitches. It works like a dream straight out of the box with a 48” wheelbase. For a longer one, it will require a longer wheelbase bar from this brand.
Nonetheless, I still think that the general price of Saris is higher than average, concerning all of the key features that this trailer hitch bike rack provides.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Allows loading of fat-tire bikes.
– Offers a universal fit with 1 ¼” and 2” hitches. – Most suitable with a 48” wheelbase. |
– High price.
– Bolts get loose. |
Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks
Best for Those on a Budget
Similar to the previous product, this Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks offers a universal hitch insert to be compatible with 2” receiver hitches (which are for 4-bike carriage). Its lock system does not need professional tools for it to be installed into a car hitch.
You will find that the foldable carry arms of this bike rack are highly convenient for storage and whenever the unit is not in use. It can also tilt back to a certain extent to allow you to have easier lift-gate access.
Furthermore, its tie-down component is able to engage a variety of bike frames and styles, making this rack ideal for family adventures. The total weight capacity it is supposed to deal with is up to 140 lbs for 4-5 bikes.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Simple lock system for simple mounting.
– Folding carry arms are convenient. – Easily tilts back for lift-gate access. – Compatible with versatile bike frames and styles. |
– The locking version is not effective. |
Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
Best Swing Away Bike Rack
As the Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack is able to handle up to 5 bikes at once, you can load it up with different bike types and styles. The bike stability level it possesses is quite amazing and it also works with anti-sway cradles.
On the unit’s cradle, a strap is available for you to quickly attach and secure carried bikes to guarantee safety on the way. Additionally, there is a locking knob to seal the entire rack to your Honda CRV.
Just like most other bike racks in this article, you needn’t apply any complex tools in order to assemble this unit onto a car hitch. Also, if you want to have the rear of vehicle access, this rack would tilt down easily.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Performs well with up to 5-bike carriage.
– Suitable for anti-sway cradles. – Cradle strap allows quick attachment. – Use the locking knob to secure it with the vehicle. – Tilts down at ease for rear of car access. |
– Bike strapping locations are not good.
– Poorly made strap hardware. |
Roof mount bike rack
Yakima FrontLoader Upright Bike Mount
Best Roof Mount Bike Rack
After 2 popular bike rack types of trunk and hitch mount, I would like to introduce the last model which can be your next Honda CRV bike roof rack. The Yakima FrontLoader Upright Bike Mount has a large wheel tray to hold up to 3 inches wide of bike tires.
I enjoy how it doesn’t make contact with the painted surfaces of loaded bikes, therefore, nothing will be scratched. There’s no need to use adapters since this bike rack fits directly to all round, square and factory bars.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Carries up to 3-inch bike tire width.
– Doesn’t scratch painted surfaces. – Functions well with multiple bars, no need for adapters. |
– Red knob to tighten the bikes is flawed. |
SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack
Best for Suction Power
The SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack is a valuable roof mount bike carrier thanks to its powerful suction ability to keep your bicycles in safe hands. Within a few seconds, it can be installed on the Honda CRV roof with pull strength at over 210 lbs.
Plus, this rack is manufactured to be as travel-friendly as possible, weighing only 6 lbs to fit perfectly into your backpack. The unit will not rust because of its 316 stainless hardware and UV-resistant rubber materials to last much longer.
Its hand-made craftsmanship is worth complimenting and this bike rack has been tested to exceed USA manufacturing standards.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Develops great suction power.
– Travel-friendly to be stored inside backpacks. – Rust-free, UV-resistant hardware. – Hand-made craftsmanship quality. |
– Missing hardware in the package. |
Thule OutRide Fork Mount Bike Carrier
Low-Profile But Powerful
Roof mount bike racks are famous for their minimal, low-profile but powerful design and so does this Thule OutRide Fork Mount Bike Carrier. This design is quite versatile to work with standard 9mm axles and most available disc brakes.
Its skewer is lockable with support from a same-side adjustment lever to enable quick bike loading. The rear wheel of your bike can be secured firmly with a wheel strap that is quick-release.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Delivers a minimal but robust design.
– Compatible with standard axles and disc brakes. – Allows quick bike loading. – Wheel strap ensures security for the rear wheel. |
– Too long and might hit the spoilers. |
How To Pick the Best Bike Rack For Honda CRV?
In spite of the differences in modeling and key features, there are many details in common that you can consider when choosing a bike rack for Honda CRV. Below is a comprehensive list of what you need to pay attention to while going shopping for a bike carrier.
Type of bike rack
-
Trunk mount
A trunk mount bike rack is placed on the back of your vehicle, kept in place by the straps that connect to this trunk position. You should choose this type of rack if you own standard bicycles and you do not use the carrier often (as it is simple to be assembled and removed).
-
Hitch mount
Regarding the installation, a hitch mount bike rack slides into the receiver of the car hitch. Its average bike capacity is ideal for family trips and you can load/unload these bikes from the rack easily. This type of carrier is aerodynamic to work with multiple vehicle models.
-
Roof mount
If you want to open the car trunk, hatch or rear door without removing the bike rack, getting a roof mount carrier would be most ideal.
To sum up, the trunk mount bike rack is good for an economical budget with no issue related to overhead clearance. Whereas a hitch mount one is more secure and offers the largest bike capacity. The roof mount bike carrier doesn’t need to be removed and convenient for opening the vehicle rear.
Bike capacity
I believe that you should prefer a bike rack that separates carried bikes on different levels to avoid scratching each other. It needs to accommodate diverse bike frames, including small children’s ones. The most ideal bike capacity would be around 2-3 units on one carrier.
Fact: Handling more bikes at the same time does not make a rack stronger than others with smaller capacity.
Weight
On average, a bike rack can process 35 lbs per bike, which means its total load will be 70 for 2 units. Regarding the most popular bike styles, road bikes are around 20 lbs, while mountain bikes are 30 lbs and downhill bikes/cruisers will normally have a 40-lb weight.
Installation
A bike rack assembly process should be straightforward without the need for complex tools and skills. You need to choose the rack model as guided earlier, and also remember to check for compatibility to ensure the rack fits your bikes and attached vehicle.
Security
Your loaded bikes on the rack might fall apart or run into unwanted problems on the road, especially during highway travel. That’s why the rack requires security straps along with a cable lock for maximum security on the way, both for this carrier and the bikes.
Conclusion
The finest trunk mount bike rack is certainly the Saris Bones Car Bike Rack as it raises loaded bikes on different levels with powerful injection-molded components. Its special dog leg works well with most available spoilers.
Or in case you are planning on a lower budget, you should check out the Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks. Its carry arms are foldable for easier storage. This rack accommodates up to 140 lbs in total, which is ideal for family trips of 3-4 bikes.
Lastly, the Yakima FrontLoader Upright Bike Mount for roof mounting offers a large wheel tray to handle 3-inch wide fat-tire backs. It will not scratch any painted surfaces of the bikes.
I expect that you would be able to find the most suitable unit of bike rack based on what I’ve provided in this article. The bike racks reviewed here are on the top of our recommended list for you to experience a wonderful car drive with your favorite bikes attached.
Hopefully, you can select a fine bike rack according to your preferences. Decide whether you want to mount it on the Honda CRV’s trunk, hitch or roof before buying.
Read More:
