Hyundai Tucson first generation (JM) with Menabo Steel Bike 3 tailgate bike rack

On a first-generation Hyundai Tucson (JM) we fitted the Menabo Steel Bike 3, a tailgate-mounted bike rack for 3 bikes. The fitting was done in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom, which you can now find at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Hyundai Tucson first generation (JM), 2004-2009

The first-generation Hyundai Tucson, internal code JM, was built from 2004 to 2009, for the 2005-2009 model years. It was launched as a smaller alternative to the Santa Fe, on a platform derived from the Elantra and shared with the second-generation Kia Sportage. In 2009 it received a facelift and changes to the equipment. In Europe, its successor was no longer called the Tucson, but the ix35.

The car in the photos has raised roof rails, so it could take roof bars too, but here we chose a tailgate rack. It matters that on this Tucson JM the spare wheel is not mounted on the tailgate. The Steel Bike 3 rests on the tailgate through its rubber pads and is fixed with straps attached to its edges, so you need neither a towbar nor roof bars.

What we fitted on this Tucson JM

Menabo Steel Bike 3 is a steel rack for 3 bikes, which attaches to the car at 6 points with dedicated straps. The rubber clamps and pads protect the bodywork and the bikes, and the bikes do not touch each other on the rack. It is fitted without special tools, and the manufacturer designed it so that it does not block visibility through the rear window.

The rack weighs 13.5 kg and carries a maximum of 45 kg, which means 3 standard bikes, with no e-bikes or fat bikes. It folds, so it is easy to store when you are not using it. On the product page you will find the fitting instructions, the specifications and the list of compatible cars.

Technical details and what to watch for

• Maximum load: 45 kg for 3 bikes; the rack weighs 13.5 kg.
• Attached to the body at 6 points, with dedicated straps, clamps and rubber pads.
• Not suitable for e-bikes or fat bikes.
• The rack has no anti-theft lock, and a lock for the bikes is not included.
• Before fitting, clean the tailgate so the pads do not pick up dust or grit that could scratch the paintwork, and after fitting check that the rack does not move from side to side.
• Bikes on the tailgate can partly cover the rear lights and the number plate of the Tucson. Before you set off, check that the lights and the plate remain visible.
• The package measures 120 x 13 x 10.5 cm, so the rack takes up little space when stored.

Instructions and documents

• Menabo compatibility list for bike racks (PDF)
• Menabo Steel Bike fitting instructions (PDF)
• Menabo Steel Bike specifications (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Which bike rack fits the first-generation Hyundai Tucson?

On a first-generation Hyundai Tucson (JM, 2004-2009) with no spare wheel on the tailgate, we fitted the Menabo Steel Bike 3 tailgate rack, for 3 bikes. You can check the exact compatibility for your car in the fit list on the Menabo Steel Bike 3 product page.

How many kilograms does the Menabo Steel Bike 3 carry?

The Menabo Steel Bike 3 carries a maximum of 45 kg, which means 3 standard bikes, and weighs 13.5 kg itself. The Menabo Steel Bike 3 is not suitable for e-bikes or fat bikes.

How do you fit a tailgate bike rack?

A tailgate rack like the Menabo Steel Bike 3 sits centred on the clean tailgate, on the rubber pads, and is fixed with the straps attached to the edges of the tailgate, at 6 points. The detailed steps are in our guide Fitting steps for tailgate bike racks.

Tailgate rack or roof bars for the Hyundai Tucson JM?

The Hyundai Tucson JM has raised roof rails, so it can also take roof bars with roof bike racks, but a tailgate rack like the Menabo Steel Bike 3 is easier to fit and stores folded. You will find the full comparison in the guide Bike rack on roof bars vs. tailgate bike rack.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

If you have an older Tucson or another SUV and want to carry your bikes without a towbar, drop by our showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania. We will show you the tailgate bike racks and the rest of our range of bike racks, and we will check compatibility on your car. You can also contact us through our contact page or at [email protected]. contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

You can also message us on WhatsApp.

Sources: Wikipedia, Hyundai Tucson · SuportBicicleta.ro guide: fitting steps for tailgate bike racks · SuportBicicleta.ro guide: roof bar bike rack vs tailgate bike rack · product pages on suportbicicleta.ro