The Honda Civic has been around for decades – always improving their model by incorporating new designs and innovations. Every Civic owner knows how strong and powerful their cars can be. Moreover, the cool design of the Honda Civic never goes out of style. Personally, I know a lot of Civic owners who particularly enjoy an active lifestyle as well, especially cycling.
Contrary to popular belief, the Honda Civic is a highly versatile car capable of bringing elegance to your date nights and keeping up with your outdoor adventures. You guessed it! In this article, we will be talking about the best bike rack for Honda Civic.
You would have a handful of options to choose your desired bike rack for your much loved Honda Civic, and it’s our job to help you out on this part.
If you also own a Honda Accord, you might like to check out: Top 10 Bike Racks for Honda Accord
Things To Consider in Buying Bike Racks for Honda Civic
Value for Money
Obviously, you have to set a budget when buying a bike rack. Bike racks that would best suit a nice car such as the Honda Civic won’t come in as cheap. Actually, all bike racks in general are a bit expensive. So, it’s up to you to decide whether you want a high quality bike rack at a much steeper price, or just a good performing rack at a reasonable price.
The bike racks of the known brands are relatively more expensive than other bike racks you may find online. Most of the time, the price you are paying would also come with warranties and other perks, so make sure you check that out.
Availability Isn’t A Problem
They are everywhere! With just a few types on Google, you will find the best options online. Better yet, you can go directly to the websites of your favorite brands like Thule, Saris, and Yakima, and buy it from there. Make sure to get what you think you need.
If you aren’t too savvy about bike racks, you can drop by the nearest hardware store or mall in your local area. For sure there are countless options there plus you’ll be assisted by a specialist who will know your preferences instantly.
Style That Suits You
As mentioned, different types of bike racks are compatible with the Honda Civic. This car is so versatile that your problem would be deciding for the best one. Trunk racks, hitch-mounted racks, and roof racks are your primary options.
It also depends on your personal preference, actually. Different types of bike racks would have no the same set of pros and cons although they might overlap. You have to consider which features you want to have, and which ones you are willing to lay off.
Roof Racks
Roof bike racks require a roof rack crossbar installed before you can mount it on. They also come in either fork mounted-style wherein you remove the front wheels, or upright style that holds the wheels. Also, there suction cup style roof racks that creates a vacuum seal attachment on the roof and at the rear windshields.
One major concern for roof racks is its location. There can be times that you will forget you have a bike on your roof as you make your way into the garage. Also, make sure strong enough to lift your bike overhead.
Trunk Racks
Trunk bike racks are the least expensive type of mount in general. They are typically used for shorter or side trips since they are very easy to install and remove. Strap hooks are the only primary attachments mechanism of trunk racks which pales in comparison to hitch racks that uses locks and bolts
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s fitting guide before buying a trunk rack because it can be tricky especially for cars with spoilers. Trunk racks Look out for possible scratches on the surface of your car since the pedals and wheels are less stable compared to hitch bike racks.
Hitch Racks
Hitch bike racks are the most common type among others. They are also widely considered the most preferred type of bike rack since they are more versatile and more convenient in loading and unloading of bikes. Hitch bike racks attach directly to the receiving hitch of the car at the back.
Likewise, the newer models of hitch bike racks today are collapsible so you can access your trunk easier. This will also increase your rear and ground clearance for tight parking spaces and uneven roads. In addition, hitch bike racks generally have integrated locks to secure your bikes while on transport.
Specific Preferences
Some preferences may include the bike capacity as well as the type of hold or support the bike rack has. Make sure your bike rack for Honda Civic will satisfy your personal preferences, or else you might regret buying it someday.
It may be that you want a bike rack that doesn’t have or has minimal frame contact. Also, it can also be about how many bikes you want to carry – either single or multiple at a time. Lastly, specific preferences could be the brand itself. You might have a patronage over some known brands. It is never wrong to trust a brand that you liked for years.
Your Honda Civic’s Year Model
This is very important because your bike rack would be useless if you can’t mount it on your Civic. Make sure to do your research. Some bike racks cannot be compatible especially if you have other accessories that may obstruct attachment points. Some bike racks are compatible starting from the 90’s model of the Civic while some are for specific year models only.
These accessories include spoilers and other additional accents to your Honda Civic. Be sure that your choice is cleared to be installed on your car. You can do this by checking with your local dealer or through the manufacturer’s website.
Big On Security
If you’re a person that strongly gives importance to safety and security, then you might want to consider getting a bike rack with a built-in lock system. Some bike racks have anti-theft features while others don’t. You still have to buy a separate lock and cable.
So if you live in a not-so-good neighborhood, then you shouldn’t get a trunk rack since they don’t have built-in locking mechanisms. Also, you have to install your bike rack correctly in the first place to make sure that your security features are working as intended.
Top 10 Bike Racks for Honda Civic
Allen Sports Deluxe Rack
Hands down, the Allen Sports Deluxe 104DB is one of the best trunk bikes rack for Honda Civic as featured by many bike reviews as well. This trunk bike rack holds your bike by the frame securely. It doesn’t matter what type or year model of Honda Civic, the Allen Sports Deluxe is fully compatible with coupe, sedan, and hatchbacks.
This trunk rack is built to carry wider and larger bikes thanks to its 12-inch long arms. In addition, there are 2, 3, and 4-bike versions available. With this, it wouldn’t be a problem how many bikes you own! Also, keep in mind that the carrying capacity of this Honda Civic trunk rack is capped at 70 lbs.
Overall, the Allen Sports Deluxe gives your Honda Civic a very “sporty” look and function. It’s a very sturdy and easy-to-use bike rack as well. The only catch is that this trunk rack has no integrated locks nor tilting feature.
Swagman XC2 Rack
The Swagman XC2 hitch bike rack that’s both a great value and highly affordable bike rack for Honda Civic. It’s unique compact design makes it very easy to fold the carrying arms which are rubber-coated for protection. This way you will minimize the space you occupy and have better trunk access as well.
This particular model can mount on two bikes by adjusting the arms to fit perfectly. Likewise, you can also fit different sizes of bikes. At the same time, different tire sizes from 20-29 inches wouldn’t be an issue too. The racket arms, additionally, can hold larger bike frames, easy as a breeze. You can also carry up to 70 lbs of weight, 35 lbs per bike. What’s more is that 1 and ¼ and 2-inch receiving hitches are both compatible for the Swagman XC2.
Equipped with an anti-wobbling mechanism, you can ensure that your bikes are safely fastened and protected on your hitch rack. Not to mention, it takes as little as a few minutes to install this bike racks for the Honda Civic. On the flip side, please do purchase a third-party locking pin and cables since this rack doesn’t have one.
SeaSucker Talon Rack
Showcasing a suction cup-style roof rack, the SeaSucker Talon rack is an excellent best bike rack for Honda Civic. It could also fit any vehicle easily since the three vacuum cups can latch to your chassis, rear, windshield and even the trunk.
Given this, it’s very lightweight weighing at just around 6 lbs. What’s even mindblowing is that it can carry up to 210 lbs which is incredibly impressive for such a small rack. Because of its design, you can easily bring it anywhere by just shooting it inside your luggage. Storing it is a no-brainer as well since it’s relatively small.
The SeaSucker Talon is a nice bike rack for Honda Civic. However, this roof suction bike rack does not come with any integrated security system. You have to alot extra budget in buying locks and cables to secure your bikes and your rack as well.
Thule Gateway Pro
This list wouldn’t be complete without an entry from Thule, hence the Thule Gateway Pro. It’s easy-to-use hanging style design is what makes this trunk bike rack for Honda Civic stand out among other racks. What’s more is it has integrated locks and does not get in the way of your rear view. This way, you still have trunk access.
A 6-strap mechanism tightens your bikes securely in the rack without having to worry about it while traveling. In addition, the anti-sway cradles also do the job by ensuring your bikes don’t move at all. Furthermore, the cradles can fit any bike size and frame size that you have – it’s very versatile. The best part is, you can fold down the arms when not in use, and it’s perfectly adjustable!
The ergonomic design of this bike rack can carry up to 3 bikes weighing 35 lbs each. Also, don’t worry about installation because you can do this within 20 minutes with your hands. The Thule Gateway Pro, based on performance, is truly one of the best bike racks for Honda Civic we have.
Swagman CHINOOK Rack
The Swagman CHINOOK is another excellent hitch mounted bike rack for Honda Civic. This affordable bike rack is suited for the Honda Civic since it’s perfect for lighter bikes. Moreover, the trays and arms are adjustable to fit a wide selection of bikes.
If you’re looking for security, then the Swagman CHINOOK has integrated locking hitch pins and clamps to ensure everything is safe, even the rack itself. In addition to security, the bike loading and access were also very convenient. Consequently, one possible issue might be the lack of stability. The bikes tend to wobble and move around especially on tough terrains and rough roads.
Other than that, the Swagman CHINOOK rack is one of the best bike racks for Honda Civic. You can easily mount to regular bikes on the daily, but should not exceed a total weight of 45 lbs. To top it off, the tilting feature adds some benefit and ease of access for your trunk.
Saris Bones Car Bike Rack
Ofcourse, this list will not be complete without an item from Saris – the Saris Bones Car Trunk Bike Rack. This bike rack for Honda Civic is capable of carrying 2 bikes without some trouble. If your Civic has a spoiler, don’t worry because its unique dog leg design can fit over it.
The Saris Bones trunk bike rack weighs around 11 lbs only! It can carry up to 70 lbs worth of bikes easily, 35 lbs each bike. The hold-downs are user-friendly since they are easy to operate. Meanwhile, the arcs make sure the bikes are separated by different levels to ensure no damages and scratches. Add in the rubber feet to avoid paint chippings.
Indeed, the Saris Bones trunk rack is one of the most versatile bike racks for Honda Civic – fully compatible with almost any hatchback as well. On the other hand, one major concern this rack has is rear visibility. When fully loaded, this bike rack blocks your rear view substantially.
Hollywood Express Rack
Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B rack
The Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B rack is another trunk-mounted style bike rack for Honda Civic. Right off the bat, if your Civic has a rear spoiler, then you should go look for another alternative. This trunk bike rack is equipped with safety leashes for the bikes not to wobble around and get scratched.
When it comes to installation, it is also pretty straightforward. In addition to that, you can effortlessly load your bikes tightly without having too much wobbling. This is because the design of the rack is very robust and high quality finished with an e-coating which is resistant to rust. Versatility wise, you can load regular, mountain, and women’s bikes easily with each weighing as much as 33 lbs.
Moreover, you can secure the bikes with the use of the safety straps. One downside, there are no locks included in the set, so you have to buy one if you want additional security. You won’t have any problems accessing your trunk as well. Lastly, the carrying arms are foldable so your car maintains a low-profile design.
Hollywood Sport Rider SE2 rack
The Hollywood Sport Rider is hitch mount bike rack that features a well-designed and sturdy frame. This bike rack is perfect for Honda Civic owners who own heavier bikes like electric bikes and adult bikes. It can carry up to a maximum of 160 lbs of load, 80 lbs each bike.
Furthermore, the Sport Rider is very convenient to assemble. You can mount it without using any additional tools. It also features hooks for locking the bike frames to prevent theft. Additionally, loading and unloading is relatively easy. Don’t forget the integrated anti-sway features making sure you have a safe and secure transport of your bikes.
On top of this, the Sport Rider has added reflectors for smaller cars which is why it’s a perfect bike rack for Honda Civic. It’s important to know that this hitch bike rack is not compatible with 1 1/4 and 2 inch hitch receivers. Likewise, you can’t use this if you haven’t remove the batteries of your e-bike.
Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier
The Yakima FrontLoader is a great roof bike rack which can hold almost any bike size. You can also attach it to any type of roof rack without needing an adapter. Compared to fork-mounted roof bike racks, you don’t have to remove the front wheels in order to load your bikes. This will save you some time.
The front tire is cradled firmly by a pair of adjustable arms or hoops. Moreover, the outer arm features a sliding wheel grip that will adjust perfectly to fit your tires. You can do so by using the adjustment knob, and releases with a simple red button. By supporting the bikes by the tires, it greatly reduces frame contact, so your expensive bikes will have no paint chippings and scratches.
A built-in locking cable is compatible with 1 same key system of Yakima (SKS) although the lock core is sold separately. Also, the cable can lock this roof bike to the roof of your Honda Civic. Moreover, you can fold the FrontLoader flat down when not in use for easy storage and minimal wind resistance.
Sample Installation
Here’s a quick demonstration on how to install a Yakima Fronloader on a 6th Gen Honda Civic (2012-205). Don’t mind the year model, as this video would be helpful still. This way, you would at least have an idea on how to install a bike rack especially if you own the same one.
Final Thoughts On Bike Racks for Honda Civic
As you can see, there are a lot of excellent options for choosing the best bike racks Honda Civic. We would say that these bike racks would definitely meet most of the requirements for avid bikers who want to stay on the go. In addition, it’s also advisable to start your search on the household brands when it comes to bike racks.
You will find that the majority featured on this list are trunk bike racks. This is because trunk bike racks provide you with a strong hold between your Civic and your bike holding rack. Likewise, trunk bike racks are incredibly lightweight and stable. Another thing is, you won’t have to worry about hitch sizes and having a crossbar for roof bike racks.
Our verdict, we would recommend the Allen Sports Deluxe 104DB if you just own a single bike. On the other hand, our top choice for carrying at most 3 bikes on the Honda Civic is the Thule Gateway Pro.
Well, if you still need some extra help, you can always drop by to see an expert on bike racks if you would still require additional assistance. They might provide you with more information based on their personal experience.
FAQs On Bike Racks For Honda Civic
Are all Honda Civics able to carry a bike rack?
In general, you can mount a bike rack on all models of Honda Civics. The catch is you must limit the bike capacity at most 3 on the newer, more powerful models while maximum of 2 bikes for the older Civics. Keep in mind that for roof bike racks and hitch racks, you have to have a preinstalled roof rack and hitch receiver, respectively.
Can you mount a bike rack on a 2017 Honda Civic Type R sedan since this car has an exhaust at the center?
You can, but you could either choose a roof bike rack or a trunk bike rack. Hitch racks will not work anymore since installing a receiving hitch will be difficult or very unlikely.
Will my bike rack affect the fuel economy my Honda Civic?
No, the fuel efficiency and consumption of the Honda Civic will not be affected at all. In fact, it’s very negligible especially if you carry only one bike. Your real concern might be drag and wind resistance.
Are there specialized bike racks made exclusively for Honda Civic?
There are no custom-built bike racks particularly for the Honda Civic, or anything produced by Honda. However, there are some brands the claim that their bike racks will perfectly fit like it’s especially designed.
What’s the best type of bike rack for Honda Civic?
Typically, the best and most recommended type of bike rack for the Honda Civic would be trunk bike racks. They are very convenient to mount and use. You can easily carry up to 2 bikes. Roof racks work best for bigger cars, and this also goes for hitch bike racks.
