Trunk and Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Options for a 2012 Kia Optima  

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Expert Reply:

The Thule OutWay bike racks, # TH45JV, # TH56BV, and # TH65JV are excellent bike racks with many great features, but they are a little pricey.

Another bike rack that you may be interested in from Thule is the Archway 3 Bike Carrier, # TH9010XT. This bike rack uses 4 rubber pads that rest on your vehicle to prevent scratching or damage to your vehicle. This bike rack will fit on your 2012 Kia Optima and gives extra room underneath to accommodate for a factory spoiler. You may also want to use the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, # TH982XT, for women's, children's and alternative bike frames that lack a top horizontal frame tube.

If paint damage is one of your primary concerns, then you may find a hitch mounted bike rack more appealing. I would recommend the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 24965 and the Kuat Beta 2 Bike Carrier, # B202-114. The Kuat Beta is a great lightweight bike rack with anti-sway cradles and a tilting mast.

At this time we do not have pictures available of the Thule Gateway Pro bike rack mounted on the trunk of a vehicle. I have included installation instructions for the Hitch and Swagman bike rack for you to check out. To avoid as much paint damage as possible, be sure the rubber pads are clean of any debris before you mount on your trunk.

expert reply by: John H

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