Questions about Roof Racks

[Wild Weasel]

What sort of options are there when it comes to the roof rack on the hatches?

I know I want the OEM rack itself, since I want it to connect to the proper attachment points and not put any scratches or anything.

Beyond that, I'm not sure what else I need. I seem to recall something about trim pieces for the rack when looking at the display car at MoT.

I want to be able to put two bikes up on top of the car for now.

Mazda makes a bike attachment. When you buy it, does it hold two bikes or just one? Would I need to buy two?

Can I get an aftermarket bike attachment that's better or cheaper from Thule or someone?

Is there anything else I need? Does the bike carrier have a lock so nobody can walk up and take a bike?

Am I missing anything?

Thanks everyone!

[doughboyr6]

i have a hitch on mine right now...i was debating on getting a bike rack attachement for it.. but have put that on hold for now..., infact, i'm thinking of selling my hitch, since i haven't even ridden in so long, but somehow, i feel like i won't get much interest for it.

the hitch by far was the worst investment into the car...cost me over $400 for the hitch and wiring...etc.

[Wild Weasel]

Let's keep this thread specific to the OEM roof rack. I know that companies like Thule and Yakima makes some really good racks as well, but unless someone knows of any designed to use the stock mounting points, then I don't think there are any other viable options.

[Skarbro]

Hmmm.. I can't find the Mazda bike attachment in the brochure?

http://www.mazda.ca/files/2007_mazda3_accBro_en.pdf

EDIT: nevermind I see it now!

[FLIPDADY]

Unfortunately the bike attachment only holds 1 bike.

[majic]

search for threads on thule and roof rack specific stuff by redraptor

[Wild Weasel]

I searched but only found a post with him selling stuff and with him looking for new roof gutter rails.

I'm just looking for details on what I need.

When you buy the OEM rack, does it come with the end pieces with the Mazda logos on them, or are those somehow separate?

Basically... what do I need to put two bikes on the roof?

I found a post saying the OEM racks were now available and that they're made by Thule. Does Thule make a rack that attaches to the mounting points? Is it cheaper? Better?

[Skarbro]

I just ordered the roof rack through Flippy today. Took a look at the bike rack too. It's a really nice design. No security lock though - although I'm sure you can chain the bike to the rack, which does have security locks. You can certainly fit 2 of them on the rack - although you would have to buy 2 of them.

[Wild Weasel]

Ok, so the rack itself has locks so nobody steals the rack off your car but they can just lift the bikes off?

Hmm...

I suppose I'll have to see what Yakima and Thule have to offer in the way of locking bike attachments.

[majic]

I searched but only found a post with him selling stuff and with him looking for new roof gutter rails.

ah my bad.. i thought there was more detail.. well u can always try PMing him as he's not on as much as he used to be..

[rbart4506]

Not to change the subject, but what kind of bikes are you talking??

The reason I ask, is I'm able to get both my wife's and my road bike in the back of the hatch. The bikes are standing vertical with the front wheels removed and seat posts removed. I didn't want to go the roof rack route because of a number of reasons and putting them in the back is way safer for the bikes. Since we are all about the bikes we opted for that. I bought a couple fork mount brackets and secured them to a piece of wood. I simply put the wood in the back, on top of the folded down seats, I secure the fork to the mounts and then strap it all down using the cargo net brackets.

Here's a quick pic;


I know this option takes up a lot of space in the back, but is a good alternative if you don't need the two rear seats when travelling.

Rich

BTW my bike is a 54 and here's is a 52....probably a 56 would be ok, but a 58 or larger would be pushing it...

[Skarbro]

Well I can say that the reason I'm getting a roof rack is not for bikes. I will need a clamshell for when we go camping and such. Plus it would have come in handy when I brought home patio furniture last night!

[Wild Weasel]

I'm also getting it with camping in mind. The car will be packed up with gear with absolutely no room for the bikes. I'd like to be able to put the bikes on the roof to bring along.

[Skarbro]

I'm also getting it with camping in mind. The car will be packed up with gear with absolutely no room for the bikes. I'd like to be able to put the bikes on the roof to bring along.

In the situation where you are going camping, do you really need to be able to lock the bike to the roof rack? It's basically just driving there and parking. Then you can lock them to a tree if you really wanted to.

But outside of camping, I can see you taking day trips with the bikes where you can just stick them inside the car and wouldn't need the extra space. Then you wouldn't need the bike rack at all.

[Wild Weasel]

Yeah, I'm actually pretty stoked that they fit standing up in the back! That will definitely be useful. Have to make a little stand like rbart did.

For any sort of trip though, I'd prefer they were locked to the rack. I could go places other than camping and even going camping, when stopping places along the way to eat and stuff, I'd rather not come out to find my bike missing.

[rbart4506]

That is the one flaw with our system. It does limit what we can bring with us. Then again, we aren't the camping type so all we really need is the biking gear and our clothing. The first real test of this system will be in mid May when we head to Georgia for a week of spring road riding.

We have to find warmth somewhere, since it seems like spring will never arrive here.

[awhoy]

I am thinkin g ordering the Thule fixpoint roof rack system from the UK. http://www.roofracks-roofboxes.co.uk...k_04__543.html

Anyone have experince with this roof rack?

[Skarbro]

I am thinkin g ordering the Thule fixpoint roof rack system from the UK. http://www.roofracks-roofboxes.co.uk...k_04__543.html

Anyone have experince with this roof rack?

Interesting. Those prices seem pretty low.

[b]

I was at sporting life & priced out a thule system for my 3. Came out to almost 1 g. Damn.

[Wild Weasel]

I am thinkin g ordering the Thule fixpoint roof rack system from the UK. http://www.roofracks-roofboxes.co.uk...k_04__543.html

Anyone have experince with this roof rack?

Is there a domestic distributer for these? Have you looked into what shipping would cost from there?

I have an aunt in England... wonder if I should drop her a note...

[awhoy]

Is there a domestic distributer for these? Have you looked into what shipping would cost from there?

I have an aunt in England... wonder if I should drop her a note...

I tried the check out online, shipping is 38GBP. I am more concern about duty and brokage fee though

[thesober]

I have this on my sedan, can't comment on the shipping from UK as i bought it used second hand from someone from the states.

I like it better than the oem version from mazda. Nice clean look.

I am thinkin g ordering the Thule fixpoint roof rack system from the UK. http://www.roofracks-roofboxes.co.uk...k_04__543.html

Anyone have experince with this roof rack?

[Skarbro]

I have this on my sedan, can't comment on the shipping from UK as i bought it used second hand from someone from the states.

I like it better than the oem version from mazda. Nice clean look.

Do you have pics?

BTW, I priced it out on the website and its £139.50 with shipping to Canada.

[Skarbro]

Just found pics from the MZ3 board.

[Skarbro]

I just found out that if you buy the UK rack, you have to buy 8 locks separately (1 for each mounting point and 1 for each corner of the cross bars) if you want to lock it. That brings the price up to near $450 CDN by my estimates. Better off getting it from Flippy for less.