2005 Honda CRV Spare Tire Bike Rack Recommendation

Question:

Best tire mount rack for ladies bicycle without installing a trailer hitch Thanks :o

asked by: Lee A

Expert Reply:

There are two main competitors for the best spare tire mounted bike rack that would fit your 2005 Honda CR-V. The # TH963Pro and the # Y02599.

I would be happy to compare the Thule Spare Me, # TH963PRO, and the Yakima SpareTime # Y02599. If you don't want to read the whole thing the Thule is the winner...

First, in terms of the configuration and durability of the mounting plates and bars: these two racks are on par with one another and I cannot give an edge to either one. I have dealt with the Spare Me more than the SpareTime and I can say from experience that it is more than enough to support the rack and bikes. In terms of versatility I give the edge to the SpareTime because it actually comes with 3 bar options for various tire sizes. Either one though fits your vehicle. Winner: Tie

For the anti-sway features of each I give the overall edge to the Thule design. The No-Sway Cage works well and I do speak from experience as my bike rack does have this same feature. The Yakima design is functional but I like the Thule design better. Winner: Thule

For the locks, they are on par with each other. Both feature an integrated cable lock and the knob can be locked on the rack itself. The locks are keyed a like on both and work just as you would expect them to from leaders in the industry. Both racks have replacement keys readily available should you need them. Winner: Tie

For clearances, again there is no clear winner though the moving cradles on the Thule rack give it the slight advantage. But I am still going to call this one even. Winner: Tie

For clearances, again there is no clear winner though the moving cradles on the Thule rack give it the slight advantage. But I am still going to call this one even. Winner: Tie

Since you plan on carrying any womens or alternative framed bikes without horizontal top tubes you may also be interested in purchasing a Kuat Bike Frame Adapter Bar # UB01 to provide a horizontal top tube on your bikes to provide an attachment point. I attached a review video for this product also. This will allow the bikes to be carried more level and will provide more ground clearance.