What is an Appropriate Trunk-Mount Bike Rack for a 2004 Hyundai Elantra 4-Door Sedan  

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Your 2004 Hyundai Elantra 4-Door Sedan can be fitted with any of the hanging-style 2-bike trunk-mount carriers shown on the link provided. (Please note that manufacturers do not offer single-bike carriers; the 2-bike size is the smallest available.)

Bike carriers will vary considerably in their materials, features and prices. Many are made of steel but some offer aluminum construction to minimize their weight. Some are great basic models while others will include features such as the capability to fold up when not in use; and some will offer built-in locks for the rack itself, for the bikes, or both.

A great cost-effective basic carrier is the Hollywood Racks Expedition 2 trunk mount, part # HRF6-2. This carrier uses 6 adjustable cam buckle straps to mount to your Elantra trunk. Foam pads protect the vehicle finish while soft rubber cradles and straps secure your bike to the carrier. I have linked a video showing installation of this rack on a 2013 Elantra. This carrier is a fairly lightweight 16 lbs, worth noting if you expect to install and remove if often.

In a more advanced carrier Thule offers their OutWay, part # TH45JV, which includes locks for both the bike and the carrier. This rack offers a simpler 2 rubber coated strap attachment system using rather than the 4-6 nylon straps of other carriers.

If your bike has a frame design without a horizontal top tube, or if you will ever need to transport kids bikes, you might consider an adapter bar such as the Thule # TH982XT. This adapter connects between the seat and handlebar posts to provide a level horizontal mounting surface to mate with the carrier arms. This can help to keep such bikes level on the carrier and maintain safe ground clearance.

expert reply by: Adam R

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