Recommended Trunk-Mounted Bike Carrier For 2012 Mazda 3 Sedan

Updated 07/14/2015 | Published 07/11/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(16)

$358.95

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(830)

$36.74

Question:

Can you compare the Outway th45jv to the thule 910xt? What are the benefits of the Outway over the 910xt? Are any additional items needed to carry a women's bike and my daughters smaller bike? I have a 2012 4-door mazda3 sedan. Do you think any of the racks would be easier for me to lift bikes on/off, as upper body strength isnt my greatest strength : ? Thank you so much for your help. Your website has been extremely helpful already.

asked by: Nicole N

Expert Reply:

The bike rack I recommend for your Mazda 3 is the Thule OutWay, part # TH45JV. There are a couple reasons I recommend this bike carrier. This carrier is lightweight at about 20 lbs, and features only 2 retractable cables to secure the bike carrier to the back of your Mazda, instead of the 4-6 cables typically found on trunk-mount bike racks. The bike rack also features a lock that secure the bike rack to the vehicle and a cable lock that secures the bikes to the carrier, which helps deter theft.

For a more economical rack, you could consider the Thule Passage 2-Bike Rack, part # TH10XT. This rack does not include locks, and has 6 nylon straps with hooks and cam buckles to anchor the bike rack to your vehicle. This bike rack weighs approximately 10 lbs.

For my money I would select the # TH45JV over the # TH45JV. I like the locking features and the 2 cables of the Outway instead of 6 makes installing and removing the rack that much easier.

When carrying bikes with alternative frames like kids bikes or women's bikes I recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005. This attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bike to be carried more level in the carrier while providing additional ground clearance. I have attached a product review video for this adapter bar.