There is a lot of forum-speak floating around regarding finding the right roof rack solution for the Clubman. I did a lot of research before settling on a Yakima solution that works great but is not for the faint of heart. Because I bike a lot, I plan to have my roof rack on all the time. I also have a lot invested in Yakima racks and attachments for both of my cars. The Mini/Thule rack available from Mini is a good solution and provides for a solid mount with excellent capacity. But I think Mini has the mounting slots in the roof in the wrong place on the Clubman (same location as the Coupe), i.e., mounted too far forward and over the sunroof. I chose to go with a permanent solution consisting of Yakima "Landing Pad 6s" and "Control Towers". It is possible to remove the rack and leave the bases in place with a cap over the Landing Pads. However, I really think this is a 'install-it-and-leave-it' solution. This does involve drilling 8 holes in the roof (thus not for the faint of heart) and should be professionally installed . I had mine done by a trusted rack specialist in Portland, OR called Rack Attack. Make sure they measure twice and drill once. I picked the front Landing Pad location centered above the B Pillar so that the entire rack is behind the front sunroof and it lines up nicely with the back half of the Clubman. I'm really happy with the look and the solidness of the install. Pictures attached. Good luck!

 

Rain_runner - I like this setup. I'm actually thinking about doing the same when I get my Clubman. Any chance you could send me some further pix? Looks great!

 

haha, on the r56 theres no way to get a rack that doesnt cover the sunroof...

looks good though!

 

Here are a few more pictures. Let me know if you need more.

Cheers,

rain_runner

 

R_R - do you have pix of your clubman with the rack off and the landing pads with their covers on?

 

I don't. But I did install the land pad covers during the rack installation just to see what it would look like. As you would suspect, it looks like four black, oblong objects on the roof. Not a 'recommended' look for a great looking car. As I suggested in my original post, I think this is a 'install-it-and-forget-it' solution for someone who wants a rack on 24-7 365. If you are planning to take the rack on and off, I would go another direction. Cheers, rain_runner

 

rain_runner, did the guys you used to install the rack use any kind of template or did they have a schematic of what's in the roof? Down here in Sacramento we have a place called Rack N Road and they check out my clubman - obviously they hadn't seen one yet, but would prefer to have a schematic or a template from another so thy don't hit something. Just curious on what place you used and how they went about finding the right spot to install.

 

Did you have to remove the headliner, or was the installation all done from the top?
Did you look at the tracks that allow repositioning the rack depending on the carrier in use?

 

Hey are you a tri guy?
Thanks for the great info on bike racks!
I will have my Clubman S Saturday, The stock roof rack and bike rack look ok, Except the front wheel must stay on,also Swagman cliams (http://www.bikerackking.com/inforoof_claw_sw.htm will fit any roof rack 3" or less in diameter.
what is your opinion of these options?
Thanks very much!

alan@headsweats.com