Quietest Roof Rack and Bike Carrier Recommendation for 2018 Honda HR-V

Question:

Hi Etrailer, I am planning take two 20 inch Foldable Bikes Zizzo Campo 2019 to be exact, average28 LBS each from NYC to Burlington, VT for the 10 mikes scenic bike path. What are my options for roof bar and bike mounts, my HRV came with factory Flush Rails preferably super extremely quiet and silver when I am doing 80-90 miles per hour. I noticed some so-called Aero/Quiet types are only quiet when you are below 45 miles per hour. Let say if I opt for hitch mount, do you recommend EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver Item # 306-X7322 2inch receiver as I do not want to have portion of the Heat Shield to be cut off, please recommend a platform based bike carriers. Now the most important thing, the bike carriers cannot obstruct the reversed or rearview camera plus I can tilt them while having the bikes attached so I can open up the rear door without dissecting the bikes and the attachment. You might probably think since I have foldable I could just easily fold and pack them into my trunk area, not to mention I am planning to take my 9months baby with me and my wife so internal are reserved for passengers and luggage/baby bike trailer. Thanks

asked by: Chooggy W

Expert Reply:

Since you do not want to have your backup camera view obstructed and do not want to cut the rear heat shield your best option is a roof rack mounted bike carrier solution.

The most aerodynamic (and silver), roof rack option we have is the Thule Aeroblade Edge Roof Rack part # TH7602-TH7603 and # THKIT4067 which attaches to the flush rails you have on the vehicle roof. This will be the quietest option for two reasons. One being the aerodynamic shape of the crossbars and the other being the fact that the bars do not extend past the feet of the rack which means there's less bar to catch the wind and they sit a bit lower too which gets them out of the wind even more.

Since your interior cargo room is completely occupied you'd want to go with a bike rack that allows the front wheel to be kept on the bikes like the Thule UpRide part # TH599000 which grabs the bike by the front and rear wheel. I attached a review video for this for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C