Just saw this today Thule 450R Crossroad AeroBlade Base Roof Rack. Looks pretty nice.
http://youtu.be/_kN7RrqKEpA
http://youtu.be/_kN7RrqKEpA
Looks much better without them, but I guess thats normal
Mine came with the rack, the next one without one was a month wait and I kinda needed it ASAP.
Personally I like it, it blends well with the Silver color of the CX-5 and follows the lines rather well.
I'm interested in getting the oem roof rails and crossbars. I know crossbars can definitely affect mileage by as much as 1-2 mpg. I've heard that if you put the bars further back, not sure of the distance, when not in use the effect is less dramatic. I wonder if the rails affect the mpg significantly because I can remove the crossbars easily enough but the rails would pretty much be a permanent fixture on the car. Anyone know? Can't speak about noise.
Do the roof racks effect MPG and wind noise inside the cabin?
Sorry to double-post, but quick positive shout out for https://www.ebay.com (commissions earned) on eBay - just bought rack/rails from them, they shipped within 24 hours, and all for $313. Other stock accessories there for MUCH cheaper than my dealerships here. Dealer I bought from wanted $650 and next closest wanted close to $900 (what a rip). Instructions were included: all you need is a flat-head screwdriver, 10mm socket wrench, a Torx bit for a screwdriver (my el cheapo bit set labeled its size as a "T20" which worked fine but I'm not claming that's "exact fit" for the screw, but awful close, if not), and something to cut the metal/rubber/plastic "gutter guards" that are in your roof now (to make space for the 'feet' of the rack...I used my Dremel but wished I had an appropriate blade on my circular saw). I am very slow at installing such things and I did it all in about 60 minutes, maybe a handful more. Glad I saved hundreds on dealer fees, too, as I see nothing wrong with my installation.
My instructions were missing a step FWIW as well: didn't mention to screw the 'feet' to the 'arms' of the rack with those crazy screws... but observing all the components provided and adding 2+2 helped fill in the blanks.
For those that are interested, the Thule US website now lists a fit kit for the CX-5, and.... surprise surprise, it's the same as nearly every other Mazda, including my old 2006 3 hatchback. Thankfully, I kept the rack, and it's a direct fit onto the CX-5. I just had the widen the tower spacing a bit to fit the wider CX-5 roof. The fit kit is number 3069. You'll want to mount each bar on the inner set of mounting points. That is, each corner has two holes for two bolts, which is what the OEM Mazda roof rails require. But the Thule rack only needs one mounting point per corner. So, to ensure your attachments can actually reach from the front bar to the back, use the rear set of mounting points for the front bar and the front set of mounting points for the back bar. This will also ensure your back bar does not hit the shark fin thing. My Rocky Mounts bike tray was just long enough to reach from one bar to the other with a little overhang.
As for the gutter trim pieces, the Mazda OEM roof rails manual tells you to cut the trim strips to fit. That seems like a bad idea as it would make it easy for dirt to work its way under the roof rack towers, potentially causing rust years down the line. I just drilled holes where the mounting bolts are. It isn't the most elegant solution, but it sure beats getting out your circular saw and risking totally ruining your trim strips. Just mark the holes to drill using a black magic marker on the silver side of the trim pieces.
Mind posting pics?
looks like it requires the factory rails. $435 msrp and kit comes with aero bars.
ooooooh I think I like this more.
I have the removable version of this roof rack that clips to the top of the doorjam. Mine is recycled from my Toyota Matrix, and although I made it fit on the CX5, its not a permanent solution, plus I am afraid of it scratching the paint.
That bolt that you show in picture #4, did you have to drill into the roof or is there a slot for it under the black plastic strip?