Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Recommendation for 2009 Honda Element

Question:

I have been sifting through your website and my question is: if I have a Honda Element 2009 without a hitch and without a spoiler, is the Thule TH45JV the best bike rack option for my vehicle? I will never tow anything so I do not want to get a hitch, and it is really only for one bike, maybe 2. Or do you have other recommendations as well? Its for a gift, so I am not looking to spend for the top of the line...just something decent... Thanks for your help.

asked by: George G

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Thule OutWay # TH45JV is indeed a fit for a 2009 Element. The OutWay is not an inexpensive choice, but in my opinion it's probably the best choice for the Honda Element you're referring to.

ThOutWay uses only 2 retractable rubber coated straps to attach to the vehicle, instead of 6 straps and buckles typically used by a trunk mounted bike rack. The retraceable cables allow the OutWay to be installed or removed in seconds, because there's no buckles or straps to adjust. When you consider that the rack should be removed before opening or closing the back hatch, having a rack that's quickly and easily removed is crucial if there will be gear in the cargo area that needs to be accessed.

The rack needs to be removed because the gas struts that hold the rear hatch open are rated for the weight of the hatch door and not much more. The weight of the bike rack could cause the hatch door to close unexpectedly, catching you by surprise, or by the head, neck and shoulders. Which would be very bad.

The OutWay's ratcheting cables are lockable, which helps secure the rack to the vehicle, and the rack provides an integrated cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack.

If easy install and removal isn't an important feature for you, the Thule Passage # TH910XT would be a good secondary choice. It's less expensive, it would mount to the vehicle using the traditional 6 straps and buckles and includes a security strap that would be closed in the hatch to help secure the rack to the vehicle plus a built-in cable lock.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance. I'll link you to a video showing how the adapter bar works.