Availability Of Bike Rack To Fit a 2005 Mazda 6 Hatchback

Question:

Would the Thule Raceway or Gateway fit a Mazda 6 Hatchback. The Thule guide mentions sedans and wagons but does not mention hatchbacks?

asked by: Roger E

Expert Reply:

I do have a way to carry bikes on your 2005 Mazda 6 Hatchback, but it is not with a trunk mounted bike rack. A trunk bike rack will not be able to be used on a 2005 Mazda 6 Hatchback model because the hatchback will not be able to carry the weight of a trunk bike rack.

I would recommend to use a hitch like the Draw-Tite Class I 1-1/4 Inch Hitch, part # 24775, along with the Thule Vertex 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH9028. I am including links to the installation instructions of the hitch and a video of the hitch being installed on a Mazda 6.

The Thule Vertex 2 Bike Carrier is an excellent hitch bike rack that will fit the Class I hitch. It will carry 2 bikes and has a maximum weight capacity of 70 lbs. The new, arch style of the upright bar will give you greater clearance from the back of your vehicle. I am including a link to a video review of the Vertex bike rack.

If you are going to be carrying womens or childrens bikes that do not have the horizontal bar at the top of the frame, you will want to use the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, part # TH982XT. It attaches to the center seat post and to the handlebar post and provides a horizontal bar, so the bike can ride level on the bike rack.

expert reply by: Jeff D