Mazda CX-5 Forums

Technical Section => Accessories => Topic started by: BigAl on September 16, 2015, 09:12:21 pm

Title: Bike rack
Post by: BigAl on September 16, 2015, 09:12:21 pm
Never got round to this on the old CX5, but I'd finally tried to fit my old Hollywood 4 bike rack to the new one. When I did, there was no way it would work (and I hated the damn thing anyway, it never felt stable). Then my son passed on a Thule one he'd picked up for his Corsa which he didn't need. At first try I wasn't hopeful, but then realised that the real problem was the top straps pulling down on the spoiler. A bit of bodgification with some triangular adaptor brackets and voila! High enough to be above the lights so no trailer board required, even the rear wiper can still be used.
FWIW, that's a Thule 9105 or 9106 (not sure which as I don't have any documents, I think one is a 2 bike, the other 3)
(http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p486/alan85/Mazda%20CX-5/IMAG0515_zpsw4igkh0k.jpg)

Alan
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Catamong on September 17, 2015, 08:03:59 pm
Al,

I'd be interested to see how you get on with it when fully loaded, one thing I have noticed about the CX5 is the incredibly flimsy construction of the rear end, the bumper will literally buckle under the slightest pressure from ones knee as a suitcase is loaded in or out of the boot.

I hope it doesn't give way on you when you're poodling up the motorway..? :'(

Cat.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: G.L. Bianchi on October 14, 2015, 03:50:54 pm
Here in the Netherlands we use this kind of bike racks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMTyh7pi-Ls

regards.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Willpower on October 14, 2015, 05:13:27 pm
Great if you've got a Tow Bar. Not practical for those without.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: xtrailman on October 14, 2015, 06:55:30 pm
Still a better option than sticking it on the back of the window and door.

Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Willpower on October 14, 2015, 08:54:31 pm
At extra cost.  It depends if you have further use for a towbar.  I certainly would prefer to use a set up like Big Al's rather than having to pay out to fit a towbar if only to transport bikes.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: xtrailman on October 15, 2015, 06:30:22 am
Perhaps the OP should buy another car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA4HaKthwcs
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Willpower on October 15, 2015, 10:05:36 am
(http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr349/calvin6767/Disgust_.gif)
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: BigAl on October 15, 2015, 04:49:19 pm
Seen those previously; my son has a corsa, but without that. Aparrantly only a few were sold as it was horrendously expensive and could only be ordered on a factory build.

Alan.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Ant on March 30, 2016, 01:44:42 pm
Sorry to return to an old topic but I wondered if you had used this bike rack you modified successfully Al?

I'm looking for a bike rack for occasional use but can't justify £500+ for the Mazda option of having a tow bar fitted then buying the associated bike carrier. One of these high mount tailgate versions that doesn't need a number plate/light board with the required electrical socket seems to be the best option if you only need to carry bikes from time to time.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: BigAl on March 30, 2016, 02:26:12 pm
To be quite honest; no, I haven't used it in anger yet. I modded it because it was going spare and I had reason to think I might use it - I probably will at some point but only for a short trip, nothing more.

Give what most of my friends who are regular cyclists do, I'd be inclined to look at a roof mounting system like the Thule type https://roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Fit-Guide/_-/?make=Mazda&model=CX5&type=SUV&modelYear=2012-plus&id=49 (https://roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Fit-Guide/_-/?make=Mazda&model=CX5&type=SUV&modelYear=2012-plus&id=49)

Alan
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Ant on March 30, 2016, 08:24:00 pm
Thanks Al. Good tip - I'll look into roof carriers.

Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: xtrailman on March 30, 2016, 08:52:29 pm
A towbar isnt anywhere near £500.
I fitted my witter from my old car onto the new one, so its a DIY job.

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/tow-bars-for-mazda/mazda-cx5-towbars.html

No bumper cuts or removal.
I have also used a bike carrier that clamps onto the ball, infact i've still got it in the loft.
£126 plus delivery for a towbar?

If you fit bypass electrics as i have thats also cheap.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Ant on March 30, 2016, 10:00:36 pm
I was looking at Mazda's website list prices only - £270 for a towbar and £305 for the towbar bike carrier. Then there's electrics and fitting. I appreciate I haven't looked at other, non-manufacturer towbar options.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Deeps on March 31, 2016, 10:18:21 am
Here's a link to tests conducted by the ADAC (our equivalent to the AA/RAC) - https://www.adac.de/infotestrat/tests/autozubehoer-technik/fahrradtraeger_2011/default.aspx?ComponentId=75664&SourcePageId=31911

Although the table etc is written in German it's pretty much self explanatory with the best in the 3 categories having the 'green' icon. The first table applies to carriers for e-bikes along with other bikes, the second for non e-bikes and the third for roof mounted carriers.

Clicking on the second tab directly above the table (Bilder & Videos) and then on videos if it doesn't automatically get selected, shows a short video although once again it's in German. The overall conclusion, however, is that tow ball carriers are far more stable than roof mounted ones.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Ant on March 31, 2016, 08:42:31 pm
Thanks Deeps - interesting report - in as much as I can follow it! I couldn't see the video though. Selecting video just gave a blank screen. Copyright issue outside of Germany maybe?

I'll only want to transport a bike or two occasionally so the the towbar option wouldn't really be a cost effective option.

Thanks for the advice though.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Psythepie on April 01, 2016, 05:25:32 pm
This was my solution for carrying my mountain bike. I cut an spare loft board to fit the curve in the boot sill then screwed a suitable piece of tube to it using a couple of pipe clips to give it height off of the board.

(http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Simwit1/Mazda%20CX-5/DSC_0424_zpsb2m5ruc0.jpg)

Then I simply drop the saddle & take out the front wheel @ the bike fits in the gap where the middle seat back drops with the pedals against the backs of the other seats. The square hole is to allow me to operate the thru axle to secure the forks. It helps that my bike's a small, anything longer & I have to drop the drivers side seat back to make room for the crankset but either way it works well.

(http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Simwit1/Mazda%20CX-5/DSC_0426_zpsaucsvqtb.jpg)

I have to say though that life is a lot easier since I took the tow bar plunge & bought a proper bike rack!

(http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/Simwit1/Mazda%20CX-5/IMG_20160401_164804_zpssorbqkmp.jpg)

Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: rmvf on June 13, 2016, 03:12:25 am
i really like that idea for sitting the bike in the back and will do the same, im hoping i can drop all the rear seats and get 2 side by side but back to front with one, if i manage it i will post just the one picture:) thanks for the idea Psythepie.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Psythepie on June 13, 2016, 04:45:52 pm
You're welcome  :)
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Caldean on June 13, 2016, 08:17:51 pm
If anyone wants a tow bar mounted bike rack, let me know. It's a pendle and can carry 4 bikes. Going cheap.. (less than £50....)
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: rmvf on June 21, 2016, 10:40:57 pm
Just completed at a cost of £18.54, will post photobucket links of all these pictures, think 3 will be a push not not ruling it out.
http://s893.photobucket.com/user/rmvf/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160621_211208.jpg.html?sort=3&o=4

http://s893.photobucket.com/user/rmvf/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160621_211222.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3

http://s893.photobucket.com/user/rmvf/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160621_211248.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2

http://s893.photobucket.com/user/rmvf/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160621_211303.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

http://s893.photobucket.com/user/rmvf/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160621_211426.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: rmvf on June 24, 2016, 08:55:31 am
Updated post above with photobucket  links,  shows how easy to carry a couple of mountain bikes in the rear stood upright. Took it for a good test drive used a bungee and rachet strap to secure to all 4 anchor points worked very well no noise or movement.
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: Psythepie on June 24, 2016, 10:47:56 am
Top work sir  ;)
Title: Re: Bike rack
Post by: chubnut on April 06, 2020, 12:10:11 am
I bought the Saris Gran Fondo 2, used it for 200 miles and is an excellent carrier. As wife can no longer ride i will sell when thes COVID19 s**t is over