BikeArkansas

I did not know where to ask this question, so I decided to ask here because this group will usually come up with answers. I bought a 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. I need to carry my road bike at times so I would like to get some ideas about a bike rack.

I have found there is a receiver hitch that can be used on this car. Has anyone tried this or seen one? The other option is a trunk rack. Has anyone tried the trunk rack?

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

As to the question of what I am doing with a Miata at 59 years old. I dunno.

cranky old dude

As for why you got a Miata? Same reason I've got an MGB, 'cause ya wanna.
Congrats on your new car.

No experience here with carrying bikes on Sports Cars but personally I
wouldn't unless I had no other vehicle to use. I don't say this because I
don't believe the cars can handle the load, I'm sure they can. I just
have too much love/respect for Sports Cars as I've owned at least one
and often more than one at a time, ever since I purchased my '72 MGB new.

If chosing between a rear deck/trunk (boot for you British car drivers), and a hitch,
I'ld lean towards the hitch if it dosen't involve customizing the car to
accept the hitch. It's too easy to ruin the cars finish with a deck/trunk
mounted rack IMO.

Enjoy the open motoring and great handling of your new Sports Car. Once
you've driven a nice Sports Car you may never go back to a sedan.

Terex

I don't know about the newer ones, but the body metal on my '92 is really thin. You can dent the trunk lid just closing forcefully or if something is just a little too big inside. Because of this, I wouldn't use a trunk mounted carrier.

I've thrown my bike in the front seat a few times after taking off the front wheel. I can even get the top closed, but I have to leave the window down.

Get a trailer hitch and let us know how it works. When I have to drive to a ride, it's a lot better getting 32 mpg than 16.

Crank57

I have a trunk/hatch mount in my basement. Hate it. Takes so long to get mounted and tightened, and retightened, I'm not in the mood to ride any more. Hitch mount is the only way to go.

dendawg

+1 Hitch Mount. If you get one of the more expensive ones you can even fold it up and pretty much leave it on the car full time.

Spinz

Hitch mounts are fine. However I recently purchased an 08 Prius and needed a good bike rack too. I went with the Saris Bones. Its well made,easy to use and very sturdy. Plenty of them on eBay at super prices. Lp

luv2cruz

I've got a '94 Miata, and I built a frame mounted receiver for a hitch mounted rack. I think it's the best choice for these cars. I've got a discontinued Delta receiver hitch rack that mounts the bike on its wheels, which I wanted. I've carried it thousands of miles with no problem.

As to why you bought it, who cares? I love mine...

maddmaxx 

Another vote for hitch rack. When locked to the receiver and when the bike is locked to the rack, is much more secure than a trunk rack. Trunk racks also damage the paint on you car given enough time and vibration.

I have had several. I like the racks that sit the bike on its wheels however, they are the heaviest to put on and off the car. I assume that with a Miata that you don't want to drive around with the rack on all of the time.

If they are still available, something like a Hollywood Racks "Boomer" is good for a single bike carry. Its less good for 2 bikes as you need several bungee cords to keep the bikes from banging together. The Boomer comes with a locking hitch pin and a locking knob to hold the bikes on the rack.

Any of these single post racks are easy to throw over your shoulder and install in the receiver.

cccorlew

Of course, adding a receiver to your Miata will increase the cars weight by 24%.

I have seen Miatas with trunk racks, however.

Timtruro

I recently purchased an '08 Prius as well. Using my old Allen rack mounted on the hatch, no problems, works well, just had to adjust the straps on the rack. How are you liking the hybrid??

maddmaxx 

I don't think he rides a hybrid. I think he rides a roadbike...................

BikeArkansas

I ordered a receiver hitch for the Miata this morning. These hitches are expensive and made just for the Miata. Guess I knew it was like that when I bought the car.

The Miata is not a hybrid, but does get around 32 MPG. Probably would do better if I were a little careful with the throttle.

I have a receiver hitch rack, but may look for a smaller one.