Bike Rack Recommendations for Carrying 5 Bikes with a 2011 Mazda CX-9

Question:

Make - Mazda, Model - CX-9, Year - 2011. Factory installed 1 1/4inch hitch. Do you or any others have experience using this with a hitch adapter 1 1/4inch to 2inch to fit a 2inch - 5 bike rack?

asked by: Michael V

Expert Reply:

We typically recommend against using a bike adapter for a 1-1/4 inch to allow it to carry a bike rack designed for hitches with 2 inch openings. The reason for this is that it will cut the capacity of the hitch in half and therefore make the bike rack capable of carrying even less weight. This would be counter-productive as it would most likely damage your hitch. You would be better off using a Class II bike rack to transport 4 bikes and then if you need to transport a fifth bike to put a roof mounted bike rack on your vehicle.

I attached a page that shows all of the roof rack options for your vehicle. You will want to select the roof style that you have and you will be able to pick out the correct rack.

For a roof mounted bike rack you could get a Thule UpRide Bike Carrier # TH599000. I attached a review video for this product for you to check out also.

For a 4 bike rack that is compatible with a Class II hitch I would recommend you get a Thule Hitching Post Pro 4 Bike Carrier # TH934XTR. I attached a review video for this product for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C