Has anybody looked into bike racks for the F56? I noticed that Mini has added a second tow hook mount to the rear vs. the 1 tow hook for the 2nd gen. Thus, I'm hoping we can use a similar setup to the rear bike rack on the countryman or bmw models (links below). I'm guessing and hoping that the bmw underpinnings means that the tow hooks are spaced out at a standard bmw width...

I'd like to stick to a rear mounted rack vs. a roof - to save on mileage/wind noise and for easier accessibility.

Countryman Bike Rack

 

subscribed to this! This is pretty sweet...

 

Wow that looks pricey and alot of work for a bike rack. Especially if you want to take it on and off. I have a 2006 Mini S convertible which was impossible to get a bike rack for at the time. I ended up having one made by this guy Bird in Connecticut. He made custom racks at the time that slid into "pea shooter" tubes bolted into the undercarriage of the Mini. Very simple and effective. Unfortunately he is no longer around. Since I'm getting the new 2014 I need a bike rack also.Hopefully there is something available that is not as complex and expensive as this BMW rack.

 

I've seen a few custom fabrications for smart cars and subaru BRZs/FT86 - based on the same basic principle (using the rear tow hooks).

the majority of them use the bike carrier portion meant for roof rails - and retrofit it to be used on two poles they fabricate that attach into the tow hook mounts.

FT86 forum bike rack fab

I'm going to get my dealer to check if the Country Man rack fits on and measure the spacing between tow hooks - hopefully its standard across the BMW/Mini brand. this bike rack looks exactly like the one used on the countryman - but later on in the thread it supposedly doesn't fit on a x3..... update from my dealer: center to center distance on the tow hooks is 37" which is narrower than the x5/countryman rack of ~44"

this kickstarter - smart car bike rack also looks interesting- but I would want something more permanent- vs. all the nylon strapping- to hold the bike upright, and the tow hook threading would likely be different..

Update based on the online owner's manual
So it appears that some sort of rear rack is in the works from Mini - based on the online owner's manual (page 153 - screenshot below). The only worrying part is the reference to luggage rack preparation - but I have confirmed with my dealer that there is no option for "rear luggage rack preparation" (in Canada) and the Country Man needed no such option to use their rear rack - I'm guessing it is referring to wiring for lights to conform to European regulations... We'll have to wait and see, what accessories come out from Mini..

 

So I am hoping to use my current roof mounted bike rack for my R53 on my ordered F56. My current rack is made by Yakima and uses the rain gutters to attach to the car. However, I forgot to check if the F56 has rain gutters during my test drive. I want to say it does, but it's a but hard to tell from just looking at photos now. Can anyone who owns an F56 comment on if there are rain gutters and what they look like? Or even better has anyone attempted to install a rain gutter mounted rack system on the F56? Thanks.

 

That's useful/disappointing info for me as I have the same BMW/Mini bike rack sold for 2nd Gen Minis in Europe (only) and that is 41" between tow hooks.

A hitch cannot be legally fitted to many Mini models in Europe, so Mini offer 'bike rack preparation' (the second tow hook plus a trailer light socket under the boot/trunk) which allows these BMW-type bike racks to be fitted. Luckily, there are quite a few used ones sitting around as Mini shipped one to all dealers here for the launch of the 2nd Gen Convertible.

 

that's good to know... I wonder why they didn't bring the kit over to north america, at least just the mounts, so we could use the rack.

based on the prices for the Mini luggage racks though, I'm leaning towards a hitch adapter - I'm hoping Cooper Crap makes a kit similar to the countryman/paceman hitch they currently make

 

Bump

 

I think you have to take care about assuming the F56 can take a roof rack at all. Mini are making the car with optional roof rails and it looks like they will only offer racks to fit on those rails, not on the 'bare' roof.

Previous generations of Mini were designed with roof rack mounting points built in, so this may be quite a change. That's not to say that aftermarket manufacturers won't come up with some way around it (maybe like the Thule extra rail and clamp in the door opening) but it might take some time.

It's good news if they are making the two rear towing eyes standard as they will offer quite a few opportunities for rear extras. I suspect the MiniDoMore type of hitch might just be able to be bolted onto those towing eyes.

 

Yakima Fit Guide now list F56.

 

Thanks for being on the lookout

 

Just got myself an F56 Cooper S. I am hesitant to trust the Yakima Fit Guide because the roof on my (2014+) is not the same as a early 2014. The Yakima Guide does not differentiate between the two. I assume that since these cars are only a few weeks released, they are referring to the Generation 2 model. Even the folks at Mini can't tell me when a rack system will be available...

 

Very impressed. And it appears to look gentle for high end carbon fiber frames. Amazing.

I use a similar rack Thule.
http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produc...16xtr-_-916xtr

Just basic hitch is all that is needed and using Mini Fini. But in all reality I am scared to death to take my bike anywhere in the car. Theft is everywhere. I use my Brompton (Hand made in England) and six speed folding bike. Fits inside the Mini. Great for bike paths with my daughter. There is no way to really ride a Madone on the path as it is pretty fast bike. It needs the open roads or the trainer in the house.

I often wonder why more folks don't look into folding bikes. Unless they want something special such as mountain bikes (the ones with shocks). I tend to focus on Road Bikes and Brompton has a whole line. Except the Mountain Bikes such as the ones TREK makes like the Gary Fisher models. Which I must admit looks fun.

The only reason I take a bike to the park is to ride with my younger daughter away from cars. I don't even like to ride with cars anymore at my age. I opt more for the virtual reality (yes you can ride on a trainer with simulated computer screen) and replicate the Tour de France. Or use Strava or other Apps.

My main bike is a Madone Project One 6.5 Di2 electronic shifting Dura Ace H1 fit built specifically for me. Lost over 120 pounds so it was worth the money. But I ride it solely inside on the trainer. No cars around in the office. And yes over 120 pounds. I spin very fast normally 105-110. And I follow many Pro Cyclists on various Apps and compare my time to them as a hobby.

I guess lots of you take bikes to places to ride? Road? Mountains? Would love to hear about it. What turns you off about a folding bike such as the Brompton? See www.brompton.com Would love your feedback.

 

I forgot to mention if you are interested in a Brompton or other folding bike I ordered mine from NYCE Wheels.

http://www.nycewheels.com

You can build it to your specifications. Nice website and all. Makes it easy to order here in the USA and I have spoke to them many times on the phone and no issues at all with them.

Would this appeal to you why or why not? What kind of riding do you do to need a bike rack? I just like having something like my Brompton that rolls folded and covered under my desk. NYCE Wheels even has tours of NYC on Bromptons and they fold small enough to take them on the subway!

In the end we have to have our toys. Would love to hear feedback. Are bicycles your life too?

Do you like indoor track like Marianne Vos? Iron Man triathlons? Road or ride across America? Mountain? Why not a folder?

Thanks

 

Thanks for the post re: Brompton. I just recently heard of this brand, but hadn't checked out their website until today.

We have had Dahon folding bicycles (USA company) for years, but I'm intrigued by how the Brompton folds into thirds rather than in half. I'm a UC Davis grad and that campus is closed to vehicles - bicycles and pedestrian traffic only with ~15k+ bikes moving during passing periods. I commuted back and forth from Sacramento with my Dahon in the back of my MINI...worked great and I didn't have to worry about having some kind of locking system for a bike mounted on the back of my car when I stopped at the store, etc. Not sure who makes the "MINI" brand folding bike...

Agree that accessing the boot with a regular bicycle on the back of a hatchback has always been an issue. In past years, some of the fabricator/vendors at MINI In The Mountains have developed and installed bike racks and towing systems at the event. I'm sure the MITM (5280 MINI club) folks can provide vendor names/contacts.

 

You are more than welcome.

The hitch with lights is very impressive, but at a point for a price of the hitch and then rack one could easily buy a Brompton with no fear of it being stolen.

I have a little bag that hangs off the seat that covers the whole bike so I can carry it like a brief case past the door man. The seat has special ridges under it for you to carry the Brompton. I also have the telescoping seat so mine can easily handle a 6'5" person.

Half folded position is great for shopping and the Easy Wheels makes rolling it folded a breeze.

The book about the builder and the story behind Brompton is very interesting. And for me, well, I must admit I have several bikes in the house and in the garage. But as a rider of the famous TREK MADONE, I do love the Brompton. And I keep it under my desk in the house with that bag over it to keep dust off of it. Like you stated, no worries about someone trying or attempting to steal bike off rack on car and they will try. Just keep bike in the boot or cover with towel in the backseat. Folded it does not look like a bike at all.







Book

http://ep.yimg.com/ay/nycewheels/bro...-henshaw-2.jpg

 

For those who don't want a folding bike, you may want to check out the MiniFini.com site. They specialize in MINI accessories and are usually at MINI In The Mountains every year at do installs of their bike racks, tow hitch systems, etc.

 

Yes, I have the Mini Fini hitch but more because I wanted to add the Super Bumper. In the past I drove a Toyota TRD Off Road truck with the push bars for protection. Hard to go from a truck with a lift kit to a Mini.

Glad I added the Mini Fini. Nice work. Very little change to car and if so inclined can add the black hole covers and hard to tell it was added.

Super Bumper


Mini Fini


Mini Fini Removed


Close Up Mini Fini Removed


Super Bumper for those little bumps that cause 3K in damage.
http://www.superbumper.com

 

And yes I have full HD video of every time the car rolls out of the drive thanks to Blackvue and BlackBoxMyCar.com And Passport 8500CI because I drive with the flow of traffic whatever speed to keep safe and not **** off drivers and encourage tailgaters.

Amateur Radio as my friends are the first on the scene of any accident and for me well, in the past there have been many and not my fault.

How many have rolled a truck? Been hit by a drunk? Rear ended numerous times?

What have I learned about our so called justice system? Immediately get a lawyer - period! Hands down this has been the best avenue for me and time saving. Record it all and give to my attorney. In the end I win maybe. You don't make money off settlements, lost wages, car repairs, rentals, but insurance companies mine included are not looking to make me whole hence the attorney that saves me another full time job. With the attorney I have not lost that much and did a whole lot better than by myself.

My legal background is more related to contract law. I work as a professional CPA/CGMA. I don't have time to handle all the paperwork so I immediately turn all this over to my attorney.

My last accident hit by a drunk who was first to the scene? Amateur Radio friends. They are everywhere and many are tied to public service such as police/fire.

So prevention goes so far, then document, document, document. Then call in the big guns and win.

 

Wow - those Bromptons can get pricey! I'm a Road biker - I try to get out most weekends during the warmer months and have my bike setup on the trainer during the winter months. The roads in my immediate area are a little busy for the bike, but about a 20 minutes drive (30-45min ride) are some nice country roads. And I plan to do some triathlons either this or next season - so would be nice to keep it on the back of the mini vs. having to contort it in the boot.

As for my bike, I'm riding a Giant TCR Alliance w/ 105 - does the job... but Di2s and an aero bike are pretty tempting... that'll have to be a couple years down the road..

And on the topic of toys... check out below, what I spotted on my way home this morning from a ride - Ferrari 360 with a Pinarello mounted on the engine cover.

Flickr - Picture Link

 

Well, about Brompton between 1 or 2K? Depends. But a fully loaded Trek Madone just under 8K. Di2 and Dura Ace. The Madone is the Madone and built to me H1. That is the low fit Pro Fit. Many can't get into those positions but after losing 120 pounds that is no problem.

The Madone Project One where you build it can be expensive. The Brompton I love and I don't regret. Not cheap either but in light of hitch and carry not all that much and a cheap work around if you like to bike in the park or on a path away from cars.

Brompton like Mini made in England but accessible very easily via NYCE Wheels in NY. Shipped to your door based on how you configure the bike.

I like both bikes. But I train hard on the Madone. Mostly or soley on the trainer and with software, Apps, and videos. Kurt Kinetic Fluid Trainer. Mostly. But there are other virtual trainers out there.

As a Road Bike enthusiast I am not 100% sold on the Madone. There are other brands just as good. Colanago, Pinnarello, Cervelo, S-Works (Specialized), ect.

But the Brompton has always fascinated me and I am never disappointed. Add my Garmin and I am good to go. Love the Brompton!!!

 

Have been reading this thread due to the "folder" content. My partner and I have been favouring our Dahons over our conventional bikes for the past five years. We even sold one of our full size, near new, Treks as it was never being ridden! There is something so lively, youthful and fun about a folding bike. It's the Mini of the cycling world makes me feel like a kid again! Exploring Bromptons now - they are perfection to me

 

Somewhere I saw a roof rack on a short car maybe a Porsche or Nissan? Sort of a plunger like toilet plunger look on the windshield due to short roof of these cars but it look real nice. Amazing!

For me it just depends. I can enjoy the Brompton anywhere. Great for bike paths at the park with daughter. The only reason I need to take the Madone anywhere is for service or for a crit. Racing, or event which I don't do. So the Brompton for me is a hands down solution and no need to put the rack on the back of the Mini.

There is nothing like seeing a nice bike on a sports car don't get me wrong. What a site. But will all the costs involved, my Brompton does not disappoint. There are lots of folding bikes out there but none like the Brompton as it is buy far the smallest fold.

I have seen folks put a Madone in the truck of a Mini removing wheels and such but that seems like so much work. Good for them but too much work for me.

 

I have nothing against Dahons but have never ridden one. They look great and the choices are huge. Seems a perfect solution in the minimalist "Mini" concept. Less is more.

Link to Dahon as well. I show no favoritism. But I do love the folding bikes. I think they offer a good value.

http://dahon.com/mainnav/home.html

 

I have the Yakima installed on my F56 right now.