R56 Anyone tried the R56 MINI Rear Bike Carrier?
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Seattle, WA
Anyone tried the R56 MINI Rear Bike Carrier?
I am looking for a bike transporting solution for my new R56 Mini. I think I would prefer not to go with the Mini roof rack system. It looks nice, but I want to avoid obstruction of the sunroof, possible wind noise and reduced gas mileage.
I expect I will go with one of the Mini Do More trailer hitches to mount a rear bike carrier, but am wondering about the official Mini Rear Bicycle Carrier and whether it might be a better solution.
http://www.parts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=439054&siteid =214222&catalogid=5277
Does anyone have experience with one? The Mini accessories web site is far too vague with item descriptions and images are too small. I am wondering how involved the installation process is and if any mounting parts are left showing when the carrier is removed. Mini also claims you can have access to the boot with bikes mounted- does this work well?
If anyone can clue me in on the features of this rack so I can decide on it or a trailer hitch rack I would really appreciate it.
Many thanks! -Brent
I expect I will go with one of the Mini Do More trailer hitches to mount a rear bike carrier, but am wondering about the official Mini Rear Bicycle Carrier and whether it might be a better solution.
http://www.parts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=439054&siteid =214222&catalogid=5277
Does anyone have experience with one? The Mini accessories web site is far too vague with item descriptions and images are too small. I am wondering how involved the installation process is and if any mounting parts are left showing when the carrier is removed. Mini also claims you can have access to the boot with bikes mounted- does this work well?
If anyone can clue me in on the features of this rack so I can decide on it or a trailer hitch rack I would really appreciate it.
Many thanks! -Brent
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Joined: Jun 2007
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I am in a similar situation. However, I took a look at the price and decided even if it works great, it's WAY overpriced and probably takes up your whole boot when "stored" away. Plus, it seems you still have a tailgate issue. I will stick to my $140 SuperJoe3. I dont have my MINI yet, but supposedly it fits. $600 is crazy. Just my 2 cents.
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From: Seattle, WA
I did try a similar rack to the SuperJoe I had laying around Aonach and it seemed to sort of work, but I wasn't confident the way it attached would not end up scratching my car or worse (I didn't try a bike on it). I would explore this type of rack though if I knew it fit the R56 securely without leaving scratches or marks on car or bike.
Has anyone actually used the Yakima SuperJoe or found another good removable bike rack?
Still interested in hearing about the official Mini rack though- despite an outlandish price.
Has anyone actually used the Yakima SuperJoe or found another good removable bike rack?
Still interested in hearing about the official Mini rack though- despite an outlandish price.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Minneapolis, MN
I have asked these same questions and never got a good answer.
The R53 had the Sport-Link system with the two hitch points on the rear bumper. I am not sure if this is the same idea or not. If it is the same there would be two holes cut in your bumper cover. I actually do hope it is the same because the old R35 carrier seemed to be pretty nice; much like a standard trailer hitch mounted bike rack.
The R53 had the Sport-Link system with the two hitch points on the rear bumper. I am not sure if this is the same idea or not. If it is the same there would be two holes cut in your bumper cover. I actually do hope it is the same because the old R35 carrier seemed to be pretty nice; much like a standard trailer hitch mounted bike rack.
I just installed the roof top system. right around $500. It is way quieter than I expected so I am happy I got it. It looks good as well. The only downside is cleaning around it. I have a pepper white car with a black top so keeping the black top perfect is a challenge.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: DC
I have asked these same questions and never got a good answer. The R53 had the Sport-Link system with the two hitch points on the rear bumper. I am not sure if this is the same idea or not. If it is the same there would be two holes cut in your bumper cover. I actually do hope it is the same because the old R35 carrier seemed to be pretty nice; much like a standard trailer hitch mounted bike rack.
The R53 had the Sport-Link system with the two hitch points on the rear bumper. I am not sure if this is the same idea or not. If it is the same there would be two holes cut in your bumper cover. I actually do hope it is the same because the old R35 carrier seemed to be pretty nice; much like a standard trailer hitch mounted bike rack.I don't believe the new system is anything like the MINI Fini design that was offered on the R53. I'm surprised that MINI chose not to go with this system, but I believe it had to do with the original German supplier having financial difficulties. MiniFini has since been acquired
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: DC
I have asked these same questions and never got a good answer. The R53 had the Sport-Link system with the two hitch points on the rear bumper. I am not sure if this is the same idea or not. If it is the same there would be two holes cut in your bumper cover. I actually do hope it is the same because the old R35 carrier seemed to be pretty nice; much like a standard trailer hitch mounted bike rack.
The R53 had the Sport-Link system with the two hitch points on the rear bumper. I am not sure if this is the same idea or not. If it is the same there would be two holes cut in your bumper cover. I actually do hope it is the same because the old R35 carrier seemed to be pretty nice; much like a standard trailer hitch mounted bike rack.I don't believe the new system is anything like the MINI Fini design that was offered on the R53. I'm surprised that MINI chose not to go with this system, but I believe it had to do with the original German supplier having financial difficulties. MiniFini has since been acquired by an American company (www.minifini.com).
No chance of scratching the car with this unit, it will pivot down to give access to the trunk, and besides the bike rack, accepts a whole slew of other attachments like towhitches, ski/board rack, cargo platform, etc.
They do make a SportLink II for the 2007 models. I strongly recommend this setup.
(Picture borrowed from OctaneGuy)
Last edited by lhoboy; Jun 19, 2007 at 05:49 AM.
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Coralville, Iowa
I got the rear bike carrier when I ordered my 2007 MCS. Price with installation by the dealer was $950(!). They made two holes in the bumper, where the rack inserts. A black plastic escutcheon surrounds each hole.
You put the rack's steel shafts into the holes at an angle. When you lower the rack frame, the shafts slide forward and lock the rack in place. There is a key lock securing the rack to the car, and two more locks that hold the bikes in place.
It is very well made: steel on the load-bearing parts and aluminum and plastic elsewhere. It is very easy for me to load and unload the bikes -- something that would be very difficult for me with a top-carrier. An arm holds the bike frame and two tire-stops with straps hold the wheels in their track.
Stowing the rack inside the car is not possible unless you fold down the back seats. I just remove it and hang it up in the garage when it's not on the car.
It is possible to rotate the rack backward and open the boot without contact, whether the bikes are loaded or not.
We just returned from almost 1000 miles on interstate highways, with strong winds. The bikes did not noticeably affect handling, but they did reduce fuel economy. We ordinarily get 35 mpg, but got about 29 with the bikes aboard.
I think it's a very nice installation, and at that price, it should be. If you would like photos, let me know what particulars you want to see.
You put the rack's steel shafts into the holes at an angle. When you lower the rack frame, the shafts slide forward and lock the rack in place. There is a key lock securing the rack to the car, and two more locks that hold the bikes in place.
It is very well made: steel on the load-bearing parts and aluminum and plastic elsewhere. It is very easy for me to load and unload the bikes -- something that would be very difficult for me with a top-carrier. An arm holds the bike frame and two tire-stops with straps hold the wheels in their track.
Stowing the rack inside the car is not possible unless you fold down the back seats. I just remove it and hang it up in the garage when it's not on the car.
It is possible to rotate the rack backward and open the boot without contact, whether the bikes are loaded or not.
We just returned from almost 1000 miles on interstate highways, with strong winds. The bikes did not noticeably affect handling, but they did reduce fuel economy. We ordinarily get 35 mpg, but got about 29 with the bikes aboard.
I think it's a very nice installation, and at that price, it should be. If you would like photos, let me know what particulars you want to see.
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From: Seattle, WA
Wow! Thanks for all the great responses everyone. I am still not sure what solution I will go with. As far as really solid connections go; the OEM, Mini Fini, and Mini Do More setups all sound pretty good. I'm sure all the connection receivers look pretty clean with the rack off the car, but I am leaning toward the Mini Do More because with the rack off I could replace my fog light cover and the car would look unchanged. It also seems the Mini Do More would be the cheapest solution in that its receiver would likely take most any 1-1/4" bike rack- good ones are available for $150. Their do it yourself installation instructions look fairly easy too- I wonder if the Mini Fini self install would be just as easy (I couldn't find instructions on their site).
I don't know. In the end for the amount of riding I do away from home a simple removable carrier from Yakima or Thule might do me fine. May main reserve regarding using one is a fear that doing so would leave some marks where the pads seat on my vehicle. I would still be interested in hearing the experience of others with this type of rack.
Thanks all!
I don't know. In the end for the amount of riding I do away from home a simple removable carrier from Yakima or Thule might do me fine. May main reserve regarding using one is a fear that doing so would leave some marks where the pads seat on my vehicle. I would still be interested in hearing the experience of others with this type of rack.
Thanks all!
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Alexandria, VA - Old Town
I have the roof rack on my MINI, but I had the rear mounted MINI FINI rack on the old Cooper. It was neat, very well made. However... in the event of a rear end collision, I could see some serious problems with having bikes on the back of the MINI. At the very least, having carbon fibre and titanium bits strewn across the hood of the car that did the rear ending would be bad. Worse would be the huge hole pierced through the radiator if you were hit by an SUV! The SUV would probably be totalled along with your bikes. Hence the roof rack for me!
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From: Seattle, WA
Well if someone in a big SUV rearends my little Mini I would be happy if my bike rack did a number on their car z3bum ;-) Actually I have a vintage Medici road bike I would hate to have get munched in a collision, but sometimes you just have to hope for the best. Good food for thought and thanks for bringing that up.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Hey olds
Great car. I have one like that on the way (in several weeks of course). Same colors. I am amazed at your difference in gas mileage. Not to question your mathematical skills, but are you sure that was that big of a difference? Man, than seems like a lot for bikes on the rear. I would expect that maybe from ones up top. Wow.
Great car. I have one like that on the way (in several weeks of course). Same colors. I am amazed at your difference in gas mileage. Not to question your mathematical skills, but are you sure that was that big of a difference? Man, than seems like a lot for bikes on the rear. I would expect that maybe from ones up top. Wow.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 32
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From: Minneapolis, MN
I got the rear bike carrier when I ordered my 2007 MCS. Price with installation by the dealer was $950(!). They made two holes in the bumper, where the rack inserts. A black plastic escutcheon surrounds each hole.
You put the rack's steel shafts into the holes at an angle. When you lower the rack frame, the shafts slide forward and lock the rack in place. There is a key lock securing the rack to the car, and two more locks that hold the bikes in place.
It is very well made: steel on the load-bearing parts and aluminum and plastic elsewhere. It is very easy for me to load and unload the bikes -- something that would be very difficult for me with a top-carrier. An arm holds the bike frame and two tire-stops with straps hold the wheels in their track.
Stowing the rack inside the car is not possible unless you fold down the back seats. I just remove it and hang it up in the garage when it's not on the car.
It is possible to rotate the rack backward and open the boot without contact, whether the bikes are loaded or not.
We just returned from almost 1000 miles on interstate highways, with strong winds. The bikes did not noticeably affect handling, but they did reduce fuel economy. We ordinarily get 35 mpg, but got about 29 with the bikes aboard.
I think it's a very nice installation, and at that price, it should be. If you would like photos, let me know what particulars you want to see.
__________________
You put the rack's steel shafts into the holes at an angle. When you lower the rack frame, the shafts slide forward and lock the rack in place. There is a key lock securing the rack to the car, and two more locks that hold the bikes in place.
It is very well made: steel on the load-bearing parts and aluminum and plastic elsewhere. It is very easy for me to load and unload the bikes -- something that would be very difficult for me with a top-carrier. An arm holds the bike frame and two tire-stops with straps hold the wheels in their track.
Stowing the rack inside the car is not possible unless you fold down the back seats. I just remove it and hang it up in the garage when it's not on the car.
It is possible to rotate the rack backward and open the boot without contact, whether the bikes are loaded or not.
We just returned from almost 1000 miles on interstate highways, with strong winds. The bikes did not noticeably affect handling, but they did reduce fuel economy. We ordinarily get 35 mpg, but got about 29 with the bikes aboard.
I think it's a very nice installation, and at that price, it should be. If you would like photos, let me know what particulars you want to see.
__________________
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 99
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From: Knoxville, TN
MiniFini Sport-link is the way to go.
I looked at both set-ups at the dragon. Personally I feel the MiniFini/Sport-link (http://www.minifini.com/Default.aspx) is a more stable set-up than the other bumper off application. I have a R56, and had the sport-link installed. Instead of losing all my other equipment from my trade-in on an Avalanche( good riddance), I purchased a receiver and I can still use all my old bike racks.
The receiver allows you to use anything else you have such as cargo racks, etc. I'm not mechanically inclined, so had it installed, but just watching an install on my baby sure looked a lot easier than on the '06 next to me.
I've some pics with bumper off, sport-link and receiver. The 2 holes in my bumper grille are covered with a flexible black rubber tube. Remove the covers and then the 2 long silver rods are inserted into the 2 receivers and then locked. One thing I would do is to install fog lights while everyting is off. I thought about it too late.
Only had my R56 for 2 months, so not a lot of experience yet, but has been very easy to use.
The receiver allows you to use anything else you have such as cargo racks, etc. I'm not mechanically inclined, so had it installed, but just watching an install on my baby sure looked a lot easier than on the '06 next to me.
I've some pics with bumper off, sport-link and receiver. The 2 holes in my bumper grille are covered with a flexible black rubber tube. Remove the covers and then the 2 long silver rods are inserted into the 2 receivers and then locked. One thing I would do is to install fog lights while everyting is off. I thought about it too late.
Only had my R56 for 2 months, so not a lot of experience yet, but has been very easy to use.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Willowick, OH
I have had a Thule roof rack that I have used on my last several cars. I never leave it on the car except when I'm using it. I've never had a problem with scratches, etc. I just got my R56 and have ordered the fit kit for it. Once is comes and I've had some experience with it I'll post the info. The nice thing witht the Thule and I'm sure the Yakama as well is when you go from car to car the fit kits are only about $50. I have bike racks, snowboard rack as well as a pod that all fit the bar system.
Yeah I'm with coopaw - any chance you'd share ballpark to get that installed? Looks like its ~600 for the sportlink + 2" receiver. I bet that it was probably a couple hours install.....
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 99
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From: Knoxville, TN
Don't remember off-hand what the install was. I had mine done at MOTD this past May by Mini-Fini. Coopaw they are in Columbus, so at least in the same state as you. I went overboard when I put this in so cost was for the bumper and install and I also purchased the 2" receiver, and large aluminum tray. I'll try and find the receipt and look up the labor.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Post pictures please! I'm also in the market for a rear mounted bike rack and there's not a lot of detalied pictures on how your bike(s) would mount. If I get mini do more trailer hitch can I get a bike rack that's not from mini do more?
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 113
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From: Willowick, OH
I'm still waiting on my Thule fit kit for the roof rack so nothing to report. Until I see exactly how it mounts I'm keeping my options open. I've looked at the pics of the Super Joe and the Saris racks but my concern over the possible scratches etc. it how well the bikes will ride back there. Let's face it with the short wheel base the car does hop around. I'm afraid of how the bikes will ride back there vs on the roof.
Anybody with comments??
Anybody with comments??
I ordered the MINI factory rear bike kit and it came in today. I noticed as I was loading the boxes into the back of the car that the smaller box (installation kit I assume) has a sticker on the outside that says 'installation instructions not included'). WTF???
I realize MINI wants to encourage you to take it to a MINI dealer to get the installation done to maximize profit, but it's very disappointing that they don't include instructions.
Anybody know where I can get the install instructions online?
EDIT: Found it on Motoring File. Even the dealership that sold me the carrier didn't send the right file. I should have done more research before ordering. The bumper needs to be removed and cut in two spots for the rack mounts. Other than that, it looks like it's going to be sweet!
I realize MINI wants to encourage you to take it to a MINI dealer to get the installation done to maximize profit, but it's very disappointing that they don't include instructions.
Anybody know where I can get the install instructions online?
EDIT: Found it on Motoring File. Even the dealership that sold me the carrier didn't send the right file. I should have done more research before ordering. The bumper needs to be removed and cut in two spots for the rack mounts. Other than that, it looks like it's going to be sweet!
Last edited by FugitiveAI; Jan 18, 2008 at 07:50 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Palo Alto, CA
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2007
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It's supposedly been done before. I easily fit my road bike in a friend's R53 taking both wheels off. It really isn't hard, just takes some practice. I honestly don't know why people buy racks for bikes on a lot of cars. After seeing racks mounted on the roof and over the bed of pickup trucks, I've come to the conclusion that for a lot of people it's to show off their toys.
my mountain bike does fit inside the MINI with the front wheel off but its very tight and without a big blanket to wrap around it the entire interior of the car ends up scuffed with dirt. I also need to have the front seat propped forward to do it so no passengers while the bike's in the car. The rear rack is perfect. I can't wait to have it put on.