Little help from guys who mountain or road bike
 

So, as a avid mountain/road biker, I am still trying to decide on my bike carrying set up. I can't put them inside, since I always go with two guys minimum and my wife rides too. I like the new Thule rear hatch rack, but I am too afraid to scratch the paint. Does anyone have any experience with this kind of rack?

I also see talk of a hidden hitch fitting, but on their site it says it does not fit a 2011 MS3.

So, also thinking of a Thule roof rack. The only downside there is the MPG loss (besides the higher cost).

So, just wondering what you all do and some comments on your experiences with any of these set ups would be appreciated. Thanks!!

I recently got a Yakima roof w/ Rocky Mounts rack setup for my ms3. So far I'm liking it, both for its functionality and looks.

I have no experience with hatch racks, but a buddy of mine used one on his new back Hyundai Genesis. He's been using if for months now and we can already see a very noticeable fade where the system makes contact with the car's body parts. Clear coating is definitely worn down to paint layer. His rack is not permanently on his car either, just when he needs it.

That was one of the reasons why I steered away from this type of carrying option.

As far as gas millage with a roof rack system is concern, I do not drive my ms3 enough before and after the racks were installed to give you much concrete results, but so far its not overly bad to be a main concern for me now. To be honest, the ms3 is not a very gas efficient car to begin with. MPG with a rack should not be too high on your decision table in my opinion.

Thanks, that's just the feedback I was looking for. I traded in my 1500 Ram w/hemi for this, as the 12.5 mpg I was getting just was killing me. So, the 26 I have got for these past 2 tanks of fuel makes it feel like a prius to me :). I just dont want to go down dramatically by getting a rack. But, that may be the only way to go..

I have a Kurt hitch on my genpu (even though it says it only fits non-Speed models), and I think the Hidden hitch fits as well. I ground the chain hooks off for a cleaner look.
Roof racks kill your mileage, make your car top heavy and are a target for thieves (ask me how I know). My Hollywood 2 bike fork mount carrier has been on 3 cars now over the last 8 years and is still going strong.

Thanks for the feedback. Would it be too much trouble to ask you for a pic of the hitch? I would appreciate it...thanks!

I have A 2010 and use a yak roof rack I carry surfboards,mtn/rd bikes,surf fishing poles(11').
The only complaint I have is the freaking thing is loud! I have to fab up a faring at work other
Than that it does what I need it to do.

You sound like me, being from NY you must be fishing for Stripers. See the fishing thread.
I forgot about how loud roof racks can be, that can be cut down with a fairing though.
I'll try to get a pic up tomorrow. If you search I thing I still have a pic up from a related thread. Also; see the biking thread.
Trust me when I say a tow hitch is the way to go.

I saw the bike thread, but couldnt find a pic of your hitch.

Nice Zipps btw :)

I would also like to see pics of the hitch. The cost for a roof rack is just to much for me.

Here is the thread I started a while back. I still have a pic up before I ground off the chain hooks.
http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...eed-3-a-45348/

Awesome thanks for the info!

Thanks again. Gonna get the hitch and the Yakima holdup. Appreciate the help!

Did you get the Curt 11383?

Yeah. It's a tight fit and my exhaust bangs off it when I hit bumps in a corner. I think I just need the urethane hangars from corksport. FWIW, it's solid as hell and attaches with six bolts. Otherguys have used the hidden hitch and they said their exhausts don't contact. I'm probably gonna get a custom single outlet exhaust made soon anyway.

O, ok, thanks. I have stock exhaust still, I wonder if that will be a better fit..

I got the rola bar system, and Thule domestique fork mount trays and wheel carriers... Haven't noticed a major drop in mpg, maybe .3 on the highway... The rola bars come with keyed covers and security screws. As far as being more expensive, by the time u add a hitch and carrier the price is about the same...

I also prefer the roof rack because you don't have to remove it to get to ur hatch, (I know they make some that fold down, but u still have to unload the bikes just to grab something u left in the back...) also I'd rather have some idiot rear end me and cause $1000 of damage to the car, than destroy $10,000 dollars worth of bikes, then still hit my car...

I got a Thule with this bike rack system. it is slightly curved but looks real good on the car.

598 Criterium

FWIW, I just installed the the Curt hitch on my 2010 MS3, doesn't hit the exhaust at all, but I still have the stock exhaust. I have the Yakima double down bike rack that folds down to access the hatch. I like the setup, but I've only had it for a couple of weeks and haven't had the bike loaded too often.

Nice, thanks for the input. I think I am gonna get the Kuat Sherpa. I gotta sell my FSR XC first to get some more spending $ :)