Is There Enough Room to Carry Two Mountain Bikes with a Hitch Bike Rack on a 1997 Honda Civic

Question:

Ive only used one rack other than the roof rack I had in the past and remember the 2 bike rack really couldnt fit 2 mtn bikes on without them rubbing against each other, therefore messing up the paint job on the bikes. Is there really enough room for 2 mtn bikes? Thanks in advance. :

asked by: Davede

Expert Reply:

Many of the hitch bike racks I have available are able to carry two mountain bikes and not have a problem with them rubbing against each other.

The Kuat Folding 2 Bike Aluminum Bike Rack, part # B202-114 will have anti-sway cradles that will accept bike frames up to 3 inches in diameter. The top strap on the anti-sway cradles will hold the top tube of the bike frame to the bike rack and the bottom strap will attach to the down tube of the bike frame and keep the bike from swaying and hitting the other bike on the rack.

Another option I would recommend is the SportRack 2 Bike Wheel Mount Hitch Rack, part # A30901. This bike rack will carry 2 mountain bikes by a wheel mount on each wheel and a padded ratcheting hook on the bike frame. Since the bikes are secured in three places it will keep the bikes from contacting each other. The wheel mounts are designed for tires that are up to 2-1/2 inches wide.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on hitch bike racks and a link to a video review of the SportRack wheel mount bike rack.

expert reply by: Jeff D