Did the Thule fairing reduce wind noise for you?

[dividedsky319]

I put a Thule roof rack on my '10 Mazda5 this weekend and I'm surprised at how loud it is... As soon as I hit 30mph or so it sounds like I'm sitting in a wind tunnel.

I've heard two things... one, wrap a bungee around the front bar which could help. Does this really help? And two, get the fairing... but reading some reviews there have been some people who say it doesn't help.

Also, Thule says a 5 should have a 38" fairing, is this right? I don't really care if it looks small, I just don't want the wind noise... I'd prefer to leave the rack on all the time but not at the expense of being super noisy. Oh, and I don't have a sunroof so that's not a concern.

 

[highfivezoom]

I have the mazda rack(which is made by Thule) and 2 Thule Echelon bike mounts...definitely much louder with the Thule fairing installed. I ended up taking it off. The fairing looks cool, but thats about it...save your money.

 

[dividedsky319]

Louder, huh? Interesting, I didn't think it could get much louder than it is now, haha... although maybe the actual Mazda rack is more streamlined and therefore quieter to begin with... since you're not using your fairing, wanna sell it? ;-)

 

[highfivezoom]

I believe its a 44", can't remember but its in the garage. I had on the 5 about two weeks.Thirty bucks and shipping or buy some bricks at home depot and grout them up in front of your rack, same effect.(rlaugh)