What do you do when you have one of the best Minivans on the market, like the Honda Odyssey, but have no place to put your bike? You get a bike rack, of course!
Yet, with so many options on the market, how do you find the perfect one? Because I know how much of a difference a good bike rack can make, I decided to lend you a hand.
Scroll down for my list of the best bike racks for Honda Odyssey. I also added a buying guide with what to look for before you buy.
Let’s get started.
The 3 Best Bike Racks for Honda Odyssey
From a long list of great picks, I chose these three for your Minivan. They’re reliable, functional, and easy to use.
Take a look.
1. Trimax Road-MAX Hitch-Mount Tray: Top Pick
A hitch-mount tray is designed to latch onto the hitch of your car and carry several bikes at once. This model, made by the innovative manufacturers at Trimax, is one of the best tray bike racks on the market.
It can carry up to four bikes. Yet, the best feature is that it can also act as a single bike carrier because the carriers aren’t dependent on each other. You can simply unbolt the ones you don’t need and remove the unnecessary space and weight.
I also appreciate its foldable design. So, anytime I’m not using the rack, whether on the road or parked somewhere, I just fold it up to save space.
Pros
- Carriers can be unbolted if not needed
- Features a reliable locking mechanism with an anti-rattle threaded bolt
- The tray folds up when not in use
- Has enough ground clearance to prevent sagging
Cons
- The strapping process is more time-consuming and challenging than other models
2. KAC S4 Tilt-Away Hitch-Mount Rack
With the KAC S4, you know your bike and car are in safe hands. From the durable powder-coated finish and alloy steel frame to the easy installation and rubber straps, this rack is high-quality.
One feature that makes it stand out is its tilt-away design. It allows easy access to the vehicle’s trunk via the quick release lever that tilts the rack back. In other words, you don’t have to dismount the entire rack from the hitch to get to your trunk. Then, when it’s not in use, simply fold up the arms to save space.
I was also impressed with its patented Anti-Wobble System. Even on uneven terrain, the rack kept the bike as steady as a rock.
Pros
- Tilt-away feature is convenient and time-saving
- Features a patented Anti-Wobble System
- Uses locking hitch pin technology
- It comes with ultra-stretchable rubber straps
Cons
- Some users complained that the straps aren’t as reliable as other models
3. Tyger Auto TG-RK3B203S Deluxe Trunk Mount Rack
A trunk-mounted bike rack sits on the trunk of your car, secured in place with several heavy-duty straps, and you’re good to go. It’s a perfect choice if your Honda Odyssey doesn’t have a hitch receiver.
Despite the different setup, I found it to be just as effective as a hitch-mounted rack. In most cases, it’s even lighter and easier to use because all the weight is distributed across the straps rather than on the vehicle’s hitch receiver.
I also like that it comes pre-assembled. So, that cuts down your installation time drastically, which means more time to enjoy the outdoors on your bike.
Pros
- Pre-assembled for easy installation
- Can carry up to 3 bikes at a time
- It comes with rubber pads that help protect your car from scratches
- Bike cradles are durable and made of soft, stretchable rubber
Cons
- The lack of a locking mechanism makes it susceptible to theft
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bike Rack for Honda Odyssey
Honda Odyssey is a well-designed vehicle that accommodates a wide range of bike rack makes and models. So, picking the ‘one’ is simply a matter of personal taste and convenience.
Here are some important features to remember when buying your next bike rack.
Durability
Let’s start with the basics. A bike rack has one job to do: to carry your bikes. So, it has to be sturdy and durable enough to carry heavy loads without a hitch, as well as handle most weather conditions.
The most durable bike racks are made of solid steel. Make sure it has an anti-rust coating to keep it safe from the elements. It should also be covered in a black powder finish.
For extra added durability, opt for racks that come with super stretchy UV-protected rubber strips. They’re more durable and will hold out longer than ordinary strips.
Compatibility
In most cars, the hitch receiver is usually two inches, but others can have varying sizes ranging from 3 to 1.5 inches. So, first, find out the size of your hitch receiver.
You can either look in your user manual or check the manufacturer’s website. Then, look for racks made specifically for that size.
Also, make sure it’s compatible with your bike’s make and model.
Weight
Are you getting a bike rack made for one bike? Then, it should handle the weight of that bike, which is about 30 pounds, plus a little bit extra.
How about a bike rack designed to carry four bikes? It should be capable of carrying up to 132 pounds.
Either way, the rack should be designed in a way to distribute the total weight equally across the cradles.
Ease of Access
Buying a bike rack that’s hard to use defeats the whole purpose of buying a rack in the first place. So, always look for models with multiple features and functions that help make your life easier.
For example, get a rack with a quick installation feature rather than one that takes time to put together each time you use it. It should have things like knob controllers and foldable arms for a more user-friendly experience.
Also, hitch mount racks are easier to access than their roof-mounted counterparts. Another factor to consider is the strips. Most users say that having zip strips saves time and effort and are more comfortable on your hands than ultra-stretchable strips.
The Verdict
Choosing the best bike rack for your Honda Odyssey means finding one that’s a good fit for both your car and your bike. It should be user-friendly and accessible, yet still look appealing.
Moreover, whether you go for a hitch or trunk-mounted rack, make sure it’s durable and weather-resistant. Also, make sure it can keep your bikes in place while you’re on the road.