I know, just lay down the seats and lay the bikes in the back.
But suppose I need to haul three or four people at the same time?
What is the best way to do this... roof rack? Rack off the back of the car?
I notice there are four tabs on the roof rails, what are those for?
Thanks!
Scott

 

Those tabs on the roof are for the factory roof rack which is made by Thule. On my Mazda 5, I went with a locking bike rack that clips onto the back of the Mazda. I used to use a roof rack but it was more convenient NOT to lift the bikes up onto the roof and also worry about the risk of not clearing my garage or any other low clearance structure. The only downside to using a bumper mounted bike rack is that you won't be able to open the hatch with it on very conveniently.

 

Hi. I have used the roof option but do prefer a hitch option for hauling bikes. Once you have hitch installed, you have a couple of great options. Thule makes great affordable racks. 2 of the Thule hitch racks I know of fold down to access rear hatch.

 

I've bought several hitch adapters from trailer.com. Great service and prices. I think all of mine, (for the 5 and a Subaru Forester) have been Curt brand, and they are good, class III with 1 1/2" receivers. Easy to install. We have a bike rack (but have only used it a few times), mostly I use it to haul a 5'x8' utility trailer as my "pick up truck".

I would hate to put drag generators, I mean, a roof rack, on my nice sleek car... YMMV.