With the "NICE" weather headed our way (by JUNE).. we have been talking about taking our bikes (that's bicycle COGMAN) with us on our road trips. ANYONE using a bike rack and if so, what kind....?
Thanks...
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The MINI rack looks nice enough but I have never been able to get around the fact that holes must be drilled through the roof to install the rack! I'm looking at the Thule rack system which requires no holes to be drilled in the roof. I have tried using a trunk mounted rack without success, the front wheel will turn and rub against the back bumper marring the finish. If you are looking to carry a bike over long distances or at high speeds I would highly recommend a roof rack with a fork mount. Or, you could buy a folding bike and carry it inside of your MINI.
I had Towne install the roof rack...it was a bit pricey but I'll be damned if I'm gonna try to drill holes in my car! 2007 on up MINI bike racks are drill free and mount on the gutter...I don't know if they will work on an older model though.
I agree a fork mount would be more secure. When I get my bike back from the shop, I'll post a pic....the bike looks HUGE on top of a MINI,
I was looking into roof racksa bit ago, still haven't got one but if you go with a Mont Blanc Roof Rack you don't have to do any drilling, MOSSMINI has it This and this is what it looks like on the MINI Check those forums for other info, but I saw that most used Mont Blanc as opposed to the other ones For Bike carying i was looking at non permanent rear mounting since Lifting a bike over onto the roof of my mini sounds like a paint scuff waiting to happen This is what i found This is what it looks like on a MINI
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Venno
DS w/DS '06MCS-17%/Alta CAI/Detroit Bypass Valve/Alta Air Diverter/Schroth Rcng Hrnss/CF Uber Scoop/Alta 19mm Sway Bar/Irlnd Cmbr Plt/Team Dynamics ProRace 1 17" Anthracite Rims with Jerzee Plts and a Gray-Scale Czech roof flag
Sure, NP I was looking at the pictures closer and it seems at though the member which makes contact with the rear trunk in compression has a roller on it...The roller- i would think- should keep it from rubbing, and the other compression points are on the glass so those shouldn't scuff..... but i'm sure the people on MINI2 would be the best people to ask gl, and let me know if you need any help with anything
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Venno
DS w/DS '06MCS-17%/Alta CAI/Detroit Bypass Valve/Alta Air Diverter/Schroth Rcng Hrnss/CF Uber Scoop/Alta 19mm Sway Bar/Irlnd Cmbr Plt/Team Dynamics ProRace 1 17" Anthracite Rims with Jerzee Plts and a Gray-Scale Czech roof flag
The OEM style with the mounts drilled into the roof line is a solid design and is designed right into the frame, and we have yet to have any water leaks or issues. But it is permanent and you are drilling holes, which will scare many away.
The rain gutter clamp on style we have yet to see any issues with, though not many are running them locally. However those rain gutters are only help on by plastic clips, which make many leery.
And the rear hatch style is easy, portable and may be able to accommodate more future vehicle you may own, but regardless of mounting style, roller or pad I have always noticed scuffs or rub marks.
So I suppose each has its plusses and minuses, to each their own, but that is what ive noticed over the years.
Thanks... I don't want to MARK up the boot... I will just have to tell my wife we need to take her car when we want to take the bikes... NOT as much FUN as the mini...I'm trying to talk her out of taking the bikes with us this summer so we can take the mini.. better on gas you know...we can always RENT bikes when we get there...
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I have a 07 Cooper and have the rain gutter mount Thule Rack with bike fork mounts. So far its great not a problem at all and I had the rack almost the entire summer drove from Buffalo to Boston without a single problem.
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07' MC R56 CR w/ reverse colored viper stripes | Premium Package | Sport Package | Cold Weather | Thule roof rack | red head & tail light trim rings | BC adjustable suspension | 17" TZ10's w/ Parada Spec 2's 15mm spacers | "redbaron"
Thanks... saw a trunk mount by Saris ( I think that's how it's spelled) call the BONES.. looks like a pretty good rack.. I'm going to check it out just for giggles....
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Picked up the SARIS BONES bike rack..it is a boot rack.. the two bottom "legs" sit on the top of the bumper..(nothing against the back hatch) I have the protective strip on the top of the bumper to give it "traction control".. took it for a test drive.. the bikes never moved,(neither did the rack!) and it was as solid as rock...lots of adjustments.. so far so good. We did every bumpy road and went out on the interstate.. NOTHING... so looks like we are in business....it goes on and off in about 2 minutes...
__________________
If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep!
Picked up the SARIS BONES bike rack..it is a boot rack.. the two bottom "legs" sit on the top of the bumper..(nothing against the back hatch) I have the protective strip on the top of the bumper to give it "traction control".. took it for a test drive.. the bikes never moved,(neither did the rack!) and it was as solid as rock...lots of adjustments.. so far so good. We did every bumpy road and went out on the interstate.. NOTHING... so looks like we are in business....it goes on and off in about 2 minutes...
Hey Bagpiper,
Where did you get the bike rack? Would it work on a convertible?
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")