Roof rack Mazda 3
#1
Oh, my brake was on.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 88
Bikes: 1996(?) Mongoose Omega, 2012 Gravity Pro20
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Roof rack Mazda 3
So, I got a 2012 Mazda 3 a few months ago, and I'm thinking of getting a roof mount for the bikes. It didn't come with rails installed, so I'll need those too. Any suggestions or input on what to look at and/or stay away from?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 3,811
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm sure Yakima can fix you up--I've used my rack on a Protege5, Civic, Protege LX, old Subaru wagon and newer Forester just by changing what they call the Q Towers. Won't be cheap, though. I think my initial setup cost about $600 10 or 12 years ago, and the Q Towers were like $150 per car.
#4
rebmeM roineS
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,216
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 653 Post(s)
Liked 347 Times
in
226 Posts
Rails may not be needed if the Mazda 3 has threaded holes on the roof like our 2013 Mazda 5 has. Yakima Landing Pads are now attached to those, and towers/load bars can then be attached with a quick release mechanism. The next step is then attaching an appropriate bike adapter. We use a Thule version of the ATOC Tandem Topper for hauling either of our tandem or long wheelbase recumbents.
Have used the same Yakima cross bars since 2000 but have had to buy new towers, etc for different vehicles.
Have used the same Yakima cross bars since 2000 but have had to buy new towers, etc for different vehicles.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,951
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
12 Posts
You might consider a hitch and hitch rack. Hitches for the 3 are <$150 and can be DIU installed in about 30 minutes.
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2012_Mazda_3.htm
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2012_Mazda_3.htm