If you're actually going to use it than get an aftermarket rack instead.
Nonsense! The factory rack and rails are more than sufficient for most applications unless you plan to carry a heavy boat like a 11ft Livingston or something in that weight range. Even most canoes would be fine with the factory setup. I have a Thule cargo carrier on mine (Ascent) and we've had that SOB stuffed to the gills without any issues of weight distribution or any noticeable flex during travel. My guess it was pushing the 100lb limit. In my opinion unless you plan to really pack the weight on; going factory stock will work fine and looks much more streamline that the big ol aftermarket ones. I think its a complete overkill unless like I said you plan to really pack on the cargo. Its just not really needed for most overhead cargo applications. Just my .02
Its not nonsense at all. If the guy has no rack now why not put one on that is more versatile and can handle heavier loads? 100lb limit is pretty weak. If you're going to spend the money then get something that is better, I wish I had done this. I ended up taking the factory rack off. I realize some people here love the factory rack for whatever their reasons but IMO its the crappiest and flimsiest factory rack I have had on any of the SUV's I've owned. Feel free to disagree but I did not feel confident having a 60lb Kayak and a 30lb MTB up there. If the rack isn't going to be used regularly then get the factory one. If you're going to buy decent aftermarket cross bars anyway then why not just get the aftermarket rack and mount it directly to the fix points? Less height, more capacity, versatility blah blah blah.
I would sell my factory rack but a piece broke when I was taking it off. :-(
Anyway, for anyone who wants to see what the Thule fixed point set up looks like here it is with a bike mount.
"Perhaps you should sell your MTB.......my Cannondale with front Rockshox doesn't tip the scales anything close to 30lbs. "
Ditto...Cannondale with Rockshox = 13lbs.
No wonder catman is worried about the capacity of the factory rack. He must use a crane to get that bike onto his roof.
He probably broke the alignment pin off by pulling the cover off sideways, instead of forward.
Gotta love people who call something crap because they broke it doing something wrong. I think catman's real problem is owning overweight toys. A 30lb mtn bike? Yikes! Both of our bikes don't weight that much.
Having crossbars on the factory rails makes it a lot easier to take them off for car washes, etc. I can get mine off, leaving the rails, in about a minute.
Reiterating, I can confidently put 200lbs across my bars. (I put ALL my weight on EACH crossbar, and had no rail deflection)
(rant) My comment is legit plain and simple; however you are entitled to yours (right or wrong) as this is the good ol USA last time I checked (usa) . Both your 30lb MTB tank and the 60lb canoe would work just fine on the stock rack. I have had no issues on mine with canoes or kayaks so your comments really don't hold much water. If you wish to carry heavier loads like I said (meaning much more than 100lbs) then ya, get a rack "meant" carry heavier loads. I know I can haul all my camping gear in my Thule or put two bikes up there or a canoe without ANY issues. Besides, I think the aftermarket racks make the CX9 look like s***. It takes away from its smoooooooooth lines and sleekness. To be honest I had a hard time even putting factor racks on, but at least they look more stylish IMO.
Some, like myself, prefer the look at the factory rack and have no intention loading up heavy toys. s***, I have my F150 do carry my heavy toys, but that's just me. Like I said, for "many" applications the factory rack works fine. Mazda wouldn't have designed racks to carry bikes, canoes, etc if their was a chance for failure. That would spell lawsuit for them. So, from a standard use function wise I think your a little off in your comments, but thats just me. (eyeballs)
Perhaps you should sell your MTB.......my Cannondale with front Rockshox doesn't tip the scales anything close to 30lbs. (bike)
Would you sell it? How much inc. shipping? and are you including crossbars?