Ok - I know you are out there....bike riders. Just picked me up a new roadie and now I need a way to tote it around - Stella is willing, we just need some AMOK input before we lay down the cash for the tote-er......roof rack (non OEM) or hitch? I see pros and cons for both. So, what do you have and do ya love it or hate it? (I know the the bike will fit in Stella, but sometimes she will have to carry 2)

 

It's really a matter of personal preference.

Roof Rack: harder to put bikes up and take down, cannot drive into garage

Hitch: weight added to rear of car, (possibly) cannot open hatch, interferes w/ rear view

 

we know of two who have had roof rack accidents with their bikes on top. that's something to consider.

i like my hitch, it's more versatile than the racks. Remember, mrs. mini, you can pull that GSXR if you have a hitch. The obstructed view aspect is non-existent for me ( i own a covertible - i already have that) so setting your side mirrors in the correct positioning where you're blind spots are minimal or non-existent will help with having the bike(s) in the back window. Hitch - i have the mini do more and would suggest that b/c you can get any (w/in ball specs) accessories.

 

Hitch Rack Easy.
Roof Rack Dangerous, er... I mean good.
You want to buy mine?

 

Call me a knucklehead, having just recently torn the bicycles off my roof rack driving under something, but still partial to putting them up out of the way on the roof. Don't know year model of your MINI, but have heard the OEM roof rack for 2007 and newer models is no longer bolted through the roof, but fastens/clips to the roof edge/rain gutter similar to Yakima/Thule/3d-party roof racks.

 

I have a minidomore hitch and really like it. I use a Saris Thelma rack which is a very lightweight (26 lbs) tray style rack.

 

What kind of roof rack rpg?
It won't be for all the time driving around - mostly just weekend when I bike and/or canoe. A hitch can tow a trailer (a gsxr) and a roof rack can haul a canoe...both important.
Stella is an '05, so OEM rack is out - I don't want permanent holes in the roof especially since of the UJ decal.
Any one have a hitch and are lowered?

 

Yakima. Ordered it from Chainwheel in west Little Rock. Here is a photo.