Best Bike Carrier Type for High-End Carbon Fiber Road Bike Transported on 2016 Honda Accord

Question:

Hi I have just purchased a 2016 Honda Accord Sedan. I compete in triathlons and have expensive carbon bikes. What would you recommend in back racks. I will only ever carry 1 bike at a time but im concerned on bike safety and car scratches with straps. I dont want to use the roof option on a new car thus with the back rack i can remove when not been used. I have used Thule for years but would appreciate an expert pick for this.

asked by: Nigel

Expert Reply:

The best solution for you to carry your high-end carbon fiber road bike on your new 2016 Honda Accord is to install a light-duty Class I hitch such as # C11496 from Curt. This will completely avoid your valid concerns about wear on your new car's paint. This hitch will install without drilling using the included hardware. Some trimming of underbody panels will be required and you'll find it easier to get to the mounting points if you lower the exhaust. This is easy to do and the whole process of mounting the hitch is shown in the linked video. Tools required are listed in the linked instructions. The only special tool you'll need is a torque wrench like # ALL944001.

You can then select a Class I-compatible hitch bike carrier. Usually owner's of carbon frame bikes go for a wheel-mount rack to avoid frame contact. The linked page will display all such carriers, such as the Curt # C18085. This rack offers a lot of clearance from the hitch pin hole - over a foot. This will enable your bike to remain clear of the car.

You'll probably want to add a cable lock like # e98891 which you can route through the wheels and frame and then through the hitch's safety chain loops.

expert reply by: Adam R