While I'm quite tardy in posting these images, I remain a fan of the OEM bike rack (despite it's cost). As you'll see in the images, our two road bikes fit quite nicely together, yet don't rub. I would recommend when fastening the wheel straps to pull the clasp down to the plastic tire holders in an effort to prevent scratching the bike wheels.

 

I also have the OEM bike rack and I'm a huge fan. Fits every bike I've tried without issue. Access to the hatch (either by sliding it down, or folding down the top bar) is also a nice feature.I don't leave it on all the time, but it only takes about 5 minutes to install/uninstall it.

I use a piece of foam around the frame and on the rim under the straps just to help prevent any scratching.

 

LOVE the MINI bike rack, but I very much dislike the tiny straps with the chrome metal buckles... Even when you pull them down toward the tire shoes/cleats/stops, they have a good chance of contacting and scratching up your wheels, especially with a road bike. Next thing I'm gonna do is either completely replace them with velcro or find something to affix as padding for the backsides of said buckles.

 

I just stuff a piece of foam or folded up rag in there between the strap and the rim. It's an easy cheap solution.

 

Yeah, but I'd rather have something more permanently or semi-permanently attached to the buckle so I don't have to finagle or lose little unattached bits...

 

Thanks for posting these pics, I went out and picked up one of these racks and am very pleased with it! its easy, solid, and holds 2 hybrid bikes w/ 29" wheels very securely with minimum hassle. the only slight issue is to have to tilt them an inch or so to clear the hatch when its slid forward, since i have wide bars. its not really a hassle if i need to get in the hatch, and still, so much easier to deal with than other racks i've used!

as for getting new straps, REI had a good selection of tie down sizes and clasp types when I needed to replace some on a backpack.

 

Has anyone tried fitting a bike in the back with the rear seats down? How does it fit? Assuming front wheel must be off but still wondering how it fits?

 

here's a few pics and description, looks possible!


http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...-fit.html#more

 

Looks pretty good. I am guessing it should fit as well in a Clubman then as well?

 

I put my road bike in my hardtop with just the front wheel off. Putting a bike in the Clubman required removing the front wheel as well if I remember correctly from car shopping. Putting a bike in the back of my wife's Countryman is easy compared to the hardtop. My next project is to sew up a cargo liner for the Countryman to avoid damage from the bike or other cargo.

You can also put a bike in a classic Mini with the passenger seat removed if anybody is wondering.

 

I see that the CMS is specced with the 'hook up' for a bike rack. Does only the MINI rack fit in that, or is it a 1 1/4 hitch type thing for any bike rack ( I have a Thule).

My guess is the former, but I figured I would ask.

Thanks!

- Jac

 

I only know of the Mini rack that fits. Best to inquire with your parts dept.
Best,
Todd

 

If it can screw into the two mounting outlets provided in the rear bumper, it'll go. Unfortunately, they only hitch receiver that I know of that slots in there is the Caboose and personally I wouldn't go that direction.

http://www.countrymanconnection.com/...ler_Hitch.html

 

@Karrock

Not sure why you don't like the caboose solution

I just got one and love it - very easy to install (3 minutes) and is quite stable

Its a lot sturdier than pictures would suggest and I really like the idea that its totally bolt on, and it can easily take an appropriate amount of load. Its set very close to the bumper so there is not a large cantilver.

Maybe I am missing something but what is there not to like?

 

A picture is worth a thousand words...

 

So it isn't the hitch itself you have a problem with, it is using a hitch mounted bike rack sticking out 30 feet from the car . Why not just put some really heavy bikes on it and do wheelies with the car.

One positive of using the hitch with a bike rack like that one, it looks like you can easily open the hatch without moving anything.

Michael

 

Well it's not just the precarious positioning of any attached hitch rack that does it in...

I've it said before (in other threads) that I'm not thrilled with its rather unsubstantial, weak-looking design and the rough, unfinished appearance of the hitch frame or its paltry weight ratings of 150 pounds tongue / 1,000 pounds towing, which doesn't even qualify it as a Class 1 receiver. Doesn't inspire confidence.

I'm sure it's perfectly suitable for other Countryman owners and that if I wanted an easily detachable hitch, used it purely for sub-light duty towing and didn't want to drill a hole in my bumper to make way for the MiniDoMore or MINIFINI. Caboose just isn't for me. If it looked more professionally manufactured and could handle a real tow rating, I'd be more inclined to have a positive opinion.

But I primarily wanted a solution to mount at least one bike and not have it perched on the roof or projected five feet behind the bumper. I already own a pair of Thule 4-bike Expressways and now I can't use them. Instead, I chose the MINI OEM rack which only totes two but is cheaper than buying a hitch & rack combo (or crossbars & racks) and doesn't violate my bumper.

 

After pricing the aftermarket option as well as the roof rack/ rails... the OEM MINI rack was pretty close pricewise, and it just seemed the best option for the convienience, ease of use and solid feel. I'm quite happy with it!

 

I saw this in an EU Countryman manual.



1 Protective cap
2 Ball head
3 Shaft
4 Locking ball
5 Release ball
6 Cover
7 Handwheel
8 Key

It attaches to a receiver under and behind the bumper.

 

European hitches make me giggle...


Michael

 

yup that's what is in my manual, I don't have the mounting point, plus I couldn't imagine towing with a MINI. It's pretty much the same as the BMW towbar.

 

@ Karrock

I will just have to show mine to you sometime as I see you are in Northern VA :p)
I have seen its used to tow a 2500lbs car trailer with no issues -

I just used mine to carry a packed cooler and other camping stuff on a cargo platform: This cargo carrier has a 500lbs rating but I am convinced this would flex well before the hitch. In my opinion the 150lbs hitch rating is very conservative, its a lot beefier in person and the crackle finish blends well with the other black trim. The company that builds these have been around a good while building race car frames and structures so I appear to know what they are doing.

And that shot is with the hitch in an inverted position - In its regular mounting configuration (rotated 180 deg) it is normally tucked under number plate (and my unit has the 2" receiver chamfered so it is much closer to the bumper than shown)

This unit works for me but respect it may not be for everyone

But that euro hitch looks cool - I recall looking at rear sub frame but not the holes to bolt it to it