Will The Thule Raceway 2 Bike Trunk Mount Carrier # TH9001 Fit My 2007 Mazda 5

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you to carry bikes on your 2007 Mazda 5, but the item you selected, Thule Raceway 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH9001, will not fit your vehicle. Thule and Yakima do not have a trunk mounted bike rack that will work with your vehicle. You can either use a hitch mounted bike rack which would require installing a trailer hitch, or you could use a roof mounted bicycle rack.

For a hitch mounted bike rack, I would recommend the Thule Roadway 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH912XT. This rack will fit both 1-1/4 and 2 inch hitches, and has a tilting feature to allow easy access to the rear cargo area. To use this bike rack, you would need to install a hitch like the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 24773.

If you will be carrying womens, childrens, or alternative frame bikes on the Thule Roadway, I would recommend using the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, part # TH982XT. This adapter bar will allow you to carry those types of bikes level.

Since there are only Class I hitches available for your vehicle, you will be limited to bike racks compatible with Class I receivers and only able to carry 2 bicycles.

The other option would be to use a roof mounted bike rack. If you have a factory roof rack with crossbars, this would be a great option. If you have just factory side rails that run front to back on the roof of your Mazda 5, you will need to install Rhino-Rack SXB Roof Rack, part # SXB3. If your Mazda 5 has a bare roof, you would need to install Rola Extended Series Roof Rack, part # 59834. You could then use a roof bike rack like the Rooftop Bike Carrier, part # 59875.

Whichever route you decide to go, you will want to make sure not to exceed the tongue weight of the vehicle or roof load carrying capacity as stated in the vehicle owners manual.

I have linked FAQ articles on hitch bike racks, and roof bike racks. I have also linked a video review of the Thule Vertex 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH9028, the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, part # TH982XT, and a video installation of the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 24773.

expert reply by: Reno H