Best 1-1/4 Platform and Hanging Style Bike Rack Options for a 2009 Honda Fit

Question:

What bike rack is best for a 2009 Honda Fit with a 1/1/4 hitch

asked by: Joe H

Expert Reply:

Since "best" is relative, I will give you some options with a number of different features to compare. Bike racks can be divided into 2 categories; platform and hanging styles. Here are my recommendations for your 2009 Honda Fit with a 1-1/4" receiver for both categories.

For the platform style we have the Kuat NV 2.0 which comes in Gunmetal Gray # NV12G and Metallic Black # NV12B. The tilting and folding features are activated by a convenient foot lever (as opposed to most that have to be activated by hand) and it comes with integrated bike rack and bike locks. The frame is aluminum which makes it durable yet more corrosion resistant than steel bike racks. One of the most unique features is the included bike repair stand that allows you to fix or fine-tune your bike right from the back of your Fit.

The Kuat Transfer # KU74FR has an integrated foot lever for activating the tilting and folding features, plus it has a unique "U" shape design that makes loading and unloading your bikes much easier than traditional platform styles. It has a steel frame with a corrosion resistant gunmetal gray powder coat.

Moving on to the hanging style we have the Thule Helium Pro # TH9042PRO as our premium option. Not only does it have the standard tilting and folding features, but it also includes integrated locks. The construction is a corrosion resistant aluminum which also keeps the bike rack weighing in at a mere 19 lbs!

The Kuat Beta # B202-114 is one of our more cost-effective bike racks for the features that you get. This is a Kuat original that has the tilting and folding features but they are activated by pull pins as opposed to a lever system like what the Helium Aero has. My favorite 2 features are that the bike rack comes fully assembled out of the box, and the arms are only 8" apart on center which greatly reduces the need for an adapter bar like part # UB01 for alternative framed bikes. This rack weighs a mere 12.6 lbs and locks can be added with part # HL1 and # e98891.

I have linked review videos for each bike rack so that you can do a little more comparison.