Spare-Tire Bike Rack Recommendation for 2004 Honda CR-V

Question:

I was looking to carry 2 bikes at the most. I do not have a hitch, dont want to use a roof rack and Im not wild about the one that hook over the back door or the spare tire. I was looking at the spare tire mount bike carriers.....Yakima spareride and the Thule 963. There are several model numbers with the Thule, so Im not sure which one would fit a 04 crv. I have a regular spare tire. Any suggestions would be appriciated.

asked by: Steve

Helpful Expert Reply:

Based on the criteria you have provided, I recommend the Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Carrier Spare-Tire Mounted Bike Rack # Y02599. It mounts to most wheel lug bolt patterns and has a weight capacity of 35 lbs per bike. It will not fit a spare tire mount with an 8-holt bolt pattern or hole-pattern diameter greater than 5-1/2 inches.

It also features anti-sway cradles that prevent bike-to-bike contact during transport and secures the bikes in place with rubber straps. I have provided links to a video review of this product as well as a video showing the installation of this item on a 2009 Toyota RAV4. While it is not the same vehicle as yours, the installation techniques are similar.

The Thule Spare Me 2-Bike Carrier # TH963PRO is also a good option as a spare-tire mounted bike rack. It has a weight capacity of 75 lbs, features anti-sway cradles that prevent bike-to-bike contact and an integrated cable lock that secures bikes to the rack.

If you intend to carry womens or alternatively-framed bikes, you might be interested in the Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar # Y02531. It acts as a horizontal bar for bikes that do not have one and provides level transportation and increased ground clearance for the bikes. I have included links to the installation instructions for this item as well as a video review.

expert reply by: Brandon M