Deftone: Link below to one of the MAIN threads about roof rack on this forum. Read ALL of this thread (up to 5 pages now, look at the attached pictures). You will see that the general concensus is the Yakima set-up with the Control Towers is the preferred method to attach a roof rack:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123637424-Yakima-finally-worked-out-the-roof-rack
There are also several threads on here about roof racks, either use the search function or expand the date range covered by posts in the lower area of the main forum page and browse the thread titles manually.
Here's another short one about the length of the cross-bars and a comment (from me) about the Q-clips
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...zda-7-Mazda5&p=5530721&highlight=#post5530721
Several main online places to get Yakima (and Thule) racks:
www.rackwarehouse.com
www.rackattack.com
www.etrailer.com
www.orsracksdirect.com
Since I had some parts, I got my control towers and landing pads from my local bike shop, prices were as good as online and no freight, kept a few $$ in my small home town.
I did get 3 Steelhead bike racks off eBay, one new, one slightly used, and one I pieced together out of a tire tray and a 'steal' of a deal on a separate Steelhead fork mount on an auction that nobody realized what it was.
When I'm alone, I can fit a 54cm road bike in the back with the front fork clamped in a fork mount, mounted on a 1 x 6 about 2 feet long. If I take friends and other bikes along, then they all go on top, use the back for gear.
