Bike rack

[BigAl]

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)


Alan

[Catamong]

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.

[G.L. Bianchi]

Here in the Netherlands we use this kind of bike racks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMTyh7pi-Ls

regards.

[Willpower]

Great if you've got a Tow Bar. Not practical for those without.

[xtrailman]

Still a better option than sticking it on the back of the window and door.

[Willpower]

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.

[xtrailman]

Perhaps the OP should buy another car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA4HaKthwcs

[Willpower]

[BigAl]

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.

[Ant]

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.

[BigAl]

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

Alan

[Ant]

Thanks Al. Good tip - I'll look into roof carriers.

[xtrailman]

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.

[Ant]

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.

[Deeps]

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.