Best Single Bike Rack for 2011 Honda Element

Updated 01/06/2021 | Published 01/04/2021

Products Featured in This Question

RockyMounts MonoRail Solo Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(142)

$419.99

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(18)

$243.85

Inno Tire Hold Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(233)

$472.29

Question:

I drive a 2011 Honda Element and am researching single bike platform hitch racks for my road and mountain bikes. I have narrowed my options to the Kuat Transfer, Inno Tire Hold Hitch and the RockyMounts MonoRail Solo Bike Rack. Are you able to tell me for the Inno and RockyMounts if my tailgate is down, can either of these racks can be in the up position for storage? Also, happy to take advice for the hitch. Prefer 2 inch. Thanks!

asked by: Megan T

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sounds like you did your research! I'm a big fan of the easy wheel mount design of both the Inno Tire Hold # INH110 and the RockyMounts MonoRail Solo Bike Rack # RKY10007. The main differences between the two are carrier weight and bike capacity.

The etrailer Class III # e78KR will work great for your 2011 Honda Element. Congratulations on having such a unique and interesting vehicle by the way. The Draw-Tite is a 2" hitch and is relatively easy to install.

As for lowering your tailgate, neither of the bike racks can be in the folded up position while you do so. I'm also concerned if the racks will fit in the folded down position. I took some measurements for you to figure out if you have clearance. First measure from the bottom of your hitch which will be about 3" below the bottom of your bumper. Then from that point, what is the distance to the bottom of your lowered tailgate?

If you just have mountain bikes under 37.5 lbs, then I recommend going with the RockyMounts # RKY10007. It weighs nearly 20lbs less than the Inno does. The Inno # INH110 can accommodate more wheel bases and wheel sizes though, so if your bike is more varied, then Inno is the way to go.