Bike Rack Recommendation to Carry 2 Bikes on a 2015 Mazda 6

Question:

I have a new 2015 Mazda 6 sedan and need a hitch mounted bike rack. I know for that car I need a 1 1/4 hitch, but what Class do I need to carry 4 bikes Class 2? What bike rack would you recommend for this car? BTW, the bikes are road bikes and a hybrid bike.

asked by: Sandra H

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to be able to carry up to 4 bikes on a 1-1/4 inch hitch the hitch will need to be a Class II hitch. Class I hitches can only carry 2 bikes max. I attached an FAQ article on hitch classifications that you might find informative. The only hitch we carry for your 2015 Mazda 6 is the Curt Hitch part # C11356 which is a Class I hitch.

The Thule Hitching Post Bike Rack part # TH934XTR that you referenced can be installed into a Class I hitch but you can only carry 2 bikes with the rack on your 6's hitch. However, if you have another vehicle with a higher rated hitch this rack would give you the flexibility to carry 2 bikes on your 6 and then up to four bikes on a different vehicle.

If you need to carry 4 bikes you'll have to wait till roof rack fits are available for your vehicle so that it can be fitted with a roof rack and then roof rack mounted bike racks could be installed to carry the other 2 bikes not on the hitch rack.

expert reply by: Jameson C