Recommended Two Bike Rack for Carrying Womens Bikes in 2 Inch Receiver on 2012 Honda CR-V

Question:

2012 honda crv w/ 2inch draw tite hitch. what bike rack for transporting womens bikes?

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Titan rack you mentioned, part # S63400 works pretty well for most women's bikes, but the bikes would need to be carried at an angle due to their lack of a top tube. In some cases this will compromise ground clearance or place the tire of one of the bikes in close enough proximity to the exhaust pipe of the vehicle that the tire could possibly be damaged. This is why we recommend a frame adapter bar like part # 64005 for many womens bikes.

You might also consider a platform-type rack like the Swagman XTC-2, part # S64670. A platform rack will hold the bike by the wheels and the frame using a ratcheting padded hooks. The bikes will be level for plenty of ground clearance and the fact that the frame does not have a top tube will usually not present a problem because the hooks can be lowered far enough so that the hooks can hold the frame. However, some step-through type frames might still need a frame adapter bar (see photo). A platform-type rack is usually easier to load, as well.

I have linked you to some product demonstration videos that you might find helpful, as well as some FAQ articles about bike racks.

expert reply by: Mike L