Yakima SpareRide Trunk Mounted Bike Rack vs Thule Spare Me Bike Rack on 2003 Honda CR-V

Question:

Hello. I am trying to decide between Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Arms and the Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack - Spare Tire Mount - Folding Dual Arms. The car this will go on is a Honda CRV 2003. Any thoughts? Would either be a good choice? Looking for best quality and best fit for my car. Thank you!

asked by: Holly

Expert Reply:

Both the Yakima SpareRide # Y02599 and Thule Spare Me # TH963PRO are quality options for your 2003 Honda CR-V, but of the two I recommend going with the Yakima SpareRide # Y02599 for a number of reasons.

While each rack has anti-sway cradles, the SpareRide also has TPE padding which will absorb some of the vibration the bikes will encounter when being transported. The SpareRide also has a quick-release lever so you can easily fold the arms down when you aren't using it and a mast which gives you extended height so you can be certain there will be plenty of clearance between your bikes and the ground when they're on the rack. Additionally, the SpareRide features tire tread spacers to help cushion the rack against the spare tire.

Also keep in mind that when using a hanging rack like the Yakima SpareRide, it's possible you'll need bike frame adapter bar # 64005 if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack. I've added a link to a video review of the adapter so you can see exactly how it works. I've added links to reviews of the SpareRide for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S