Bike Racks?

[MikeM]

Bumping up this old thread since I'm looking into getting a rack for our Mazda 5. We don't have a hitch yet, but will probably get one installed since I don't want a roof rack and the angle of the Mazda's back wouldn't allow for a trunk rack.

I'm thinking of getting a 4-bike rack so that the kids bikes can go on there (1 for now, 2 eventually) but do kids' bikes even fit on these racks?

[Jwolf]

Yes they do- sometimes you need to be a bit creative with bungee cords.

[carm]

I have a Thule 4 bike rack and really like it. On my Civic I can only put 2 bikes on there based on the tongue of the hitch but with your Mazda 5, you should be fine with bikes for 2 adults and 2 kids. Double check that though.

I highly recommend Auto Racks. Their prices are competitive and they install the rack for you in a flash.

[MikeM]

Thanks Jen and Carm.

I have a Thule 4 bike rack and really like it. On my Civic I can only put 2 bikes on there based on the tongue of the hitch but with your Mazda 5, you should be fine with bikes for 2 adults and 2 kids. Double check that though.

I highly recommend Auto Racks. Their prices are competitive and they install the rack for you in a flash.

When I emailed about getting a hitch installed, they initially said that it would only support 2 bikes. However, when I asked about it he said that the tongue weight is 200lbs. From googling, ours are probably around 32-35lbs (maybe a little more since they're an older model), and DD#1 bike and the baby seat attached to DW's bike are obviously a lot less.

Thanks for the Auto Racks recommendation.

[DonnaRigs]

This thread IS timely. I am looking at racks that fit on spare tires (I have a Jeep Wrangler Sport. His name is Ernie Mangoes). I am a bit leery about the ones that just connect through the tire, they get mixed reviews... Anyone have an opinion?

[turd ferguson]

This thread IS timely. I am looking at racks that fit on spare tires (I have a Jeep Wrangler Sport. His name is Ernie Mangoes). I am a bit leery about the ones that just connect through the tire, they get mixed reviews... Anyone have an opinion?

I had a YJ for 13 years and had one of these. It was perfect. There's a plate behind the tire that holds the rack. And the bikes swing with the tailgate. Perfect. I'll see if I can find a link.

[turd ferguson]

http://www.a1-autoracks.com/sportrack-s ... tl-240.jpg

[DonnaRigs]

http://www.a1-autoracks.com/sportrack-spare-tire-mounted-bike-racks-a30813stl-240.jpg

Thanks!