Everyone,
Mini Mania just announced that they are the exclusive provider of a new Yakima system for the MINI. The announcement is below:


YAKIMA Roof Rack System (p/n NMA8000) EXCLUSIVE to Mini Mania, we now
offer the latest from Yakima in a versatile and easy to use Roof Rack
System. Designed specifically for the MINI, the basic system includes the
crossbars and the mounting hardware which attaches to the roof with NO
modifications necessary. From there, you choose the options you need bike
rack, or ski rack , or BOTH! Yes, it will work with the Sunroof option!

If you prefer a rack on the rear deck lid, we have that too!! (p/n
NMA8002607) Check the link below to see all the options!


Click here to go to Mini Mania's site to see this system

This is definitely better than drilling through the roof!

Mark

 

I can't remember where (mini2?), but I read that this rack attaches to the plastic rain gutters, which themselves are only held on by a plastic rail.

I also read that this rack is only rated to 125lbs. - and not intended for used with any storage box.

I guess I HOPE this is as good as it sounds - and Yakima is obviously willing to stick their name on it - but I'll reserve judgement until some more daring souls are willing to put it through some real world tests.

....Not to rain on anyone's parade, just to try and share some information....

 

INFORMATION FROM YAKIMA

I just talked with Yakima Tech Support. The MINI requires the following

* 2 sets of Q78Clips , MSRP $24.00 ($48 total MSRP)
* Qtowers - #8000105, MSRP $120
* 48" CrossBar - #8000408, MSRP $45.00
* SKS Lock Cores-6 Pack - #8007206, MSRP $50.00 (6 cores, 4 for the towers and two spares for bike trays, etc.)

Yakima's MSRP is $263

Measurements

M1: 36 1/2" (front tower spacing)
M2: 6" (distance from front of windshield to tower foot)
M3: 37 3/8" (rear tower spacing)
M4 18" (total crossbar spread center to center)

There is a 75 lbs weight limit. That means 2 bike/skis/snowboards. No kayaks OR rocketboxes. This is because the crossbar spacing is only 18".

 

Here's the link where I read that info...

Yakima install pics and info...

PS....I don't think I remembered correctly about the weight rating. That specific post was a little confusing - it may be only 75lbs.

 

Oh, but is a very attractive price! Thanks for that info Dave!

 

Mini2Go: it is a 75 lbs weight limit. Yakima confirmed that to me.

IMO, after having worked at a bike shop and installed these, you should really have someone who has installed one before help you out. It's fairly easy, but because we are talking about clipping something with a pressure fit onto the roofline to hold expensive stuff (the bikes, the rack, and your car), don't take chances if you don't have too.

 

>>INFORMATION FROM YAKIMA
>>
>>I just talked with Yakima Tech Support. The MINI requires the following
>>
>>* 2 sets of Q78Clips , MSRP $24.00 ($48 total MSRP)
>>* Qtowers - #8000105, MSRP $120
>>* 48" CrossBar - #8000408, MSRP $45.00
>>* SKS Lock Cores-6 Pack - #8007206, MSRP $50.00 (6 cores, 4 for the towers and two spares for bike trays, etc.)
>>
>>Yakima's MSRP is $263
>>
>>Measurements
>>
>>M1: 36 1/2" (front tower spacing)
>>M2: 6" (distance from front of windshield to tower foot)
>>M3: 37 3/8" (rear tower spacing)
>>M4 18" (total crossbar spread center to center)
>>
>>There is a 75 lbs weight limit. That means 2 bike/skis/snowboards. No kayaks OR rocketboxes. This is because the crossbar spacing is only 18".
>>
>>
>>TOUCHE! So what's so "exclusive" then? Are those the prices, but they won't sell them to you?

R

 

Yeah, I'm not exactly clear on what "exclusive" means when yakima will sell the clips though any authorized dealer.

Incidently, I just talked with MINI Mania and they will be selling the clips only for $27.95 per set (~$56 + shipping)

 

I'm not sure why it is "Exclusive" either....just what I received in the email from Mini Mania. Given that I haven't seen the fit mentioned on the Yakima site I assumed that they would be offering it only through Mini Mania for some period of time. I'll clarify with my contacts at Mini Mania....

Mark

 

One more tip from both Yakima and MINI Mania:

if you have a sunroof, the bike trays need to be all most up against the towers. If you space them any closer, when you open the sunroof the back of the roof will hit the wingnuts coming off the back of the bike trays.

 

I received some clarification from Mini Mania regarding exclusivity. Mini Mania has an arrangement with Yakima where by they are the only authorized reseller of this particular rack among automotive aftermarket companies.

Mark

 

Interesting. I just noticed that on the MINI Mania site, they show this picture with the rack installed incorrectly. That cross bar spread looks way wider than the 18" yakima recommended. Also, according to Yakima, both towers wind up over the front windows (not just the front one as pictured below).

 

Just looked at the Minimania site. Their price is $269.95 with eight lock cores not six. So it looks close to MSRP.

Fatbob
EB S

 

DiD (DaveInDenver, I just gave you a nickname for your username! It's easier to type ),

Have you purchased this rack? I would be very curious to hear someone's feedback that has it installed....

 

Oh, interesting I hadn't noticed that (8 cores vs 6).

Since the rack is pretty limited in how many accessories you can mount together, how would you use all 8 lock cores at the same time? You need 4 cores to lock the towers to the car, and then 2 more for the bike trays. That's the rack capacity right there. So 6 cores.

 

[quote]DiD (DaveInDenver, I just gave you a nickname for your username! It's easier to type

 

Dave, I agree you probably don't need eight lock cores. Maybe they figure a spare when one screws up? I tried to put the snowboards in the MINI this weekend, they fit between the front seats but its not a lot of fun to drive like that. I guess I need to get a rack before the end of the month so I'll probably be the fool who gets to test this rack on his MINI.

Fatbob

EB S

 

I grew up in Colorado, but don't ski so I'll be waiting for spring to buy/install the rack with bike attachments.

 

Mini has said that if you use the Yakima rack, go ahead and order new door seals because you will need them....at some point.
I had the Mini rack put on my S and it's a great system. Strong and super solid..you could lift the car by this rack. It is attached to the frame and has no weight limit. Everything else Mini has done has been perfectly engineered so why should I have reservations about the rack?
I love it.

 

popcycle: welcome to MCO!

last I checked, in addition to requiring drilling the roof ( ) the MINI rack had another problem for me: the bike mounts I have seen grab the downtube. That won't work on thin aluminum tubing like my cannondale or most dual suspension bikes. Fork mounted bike trays are the way to go, even then some people have bikes with thick skewers for their dual-crown forks, so they need special attachments to even use the yakima system.

I personally wouldn't keep any roof rack perminently installed on the car. Once you get the initial set-up correct, it's real easy to just remove the rack when you're done and reinstall it when you need it. Plus, that keeps the windnoise from the crossbars to a minimum.

 

Popcycle, when you say MINI, I assume you mean the dealer. The dealer is in business to sell things (Roof Racks?) and while they are mostly nice people never forget that. As Dave said, the MINI rack clamps the downtube on the bike and I agree that this is not the best system out there. I have a two bikes neither of which I would clamp in this way. I also plan on removing my rack when its not in use, I just don't think the MINI looks that good with one on. So I really doubt that it will distory the door seals but I guess I'll find out.

Fatbob

EB S

 

With the Mini rack, you have varing thickness of padding in the downtube stay. I have a Carbon Trek that is held snugly enough to let me whip my S around the mountain curves where I live, yet gentle enough not to damage it. I just can't figure out what is the big deal about drilling holes to mount the rack. It is the most secure system out there and if Mini had thougth a door seal mounting system was the way to go, does anyone think they wouldn't be using that now? As I'm forever carting my bicycle around or skis in winter, I doubt I'll be removing the rack much. And take it from me, there is no noise with the sunrood closed and only minimal with it open...but any rack will give you that.

 

I have the rack from the dealer. It looks 100 times better than the Yakima rack in the picture. That thing is just plain ugly. Not to say racks look good in the first place.
As far as drilling goes, have the dealer install it so that you have recourse if you are not satisfied. I have a carbon fiber Diamond back and a Y-frame cannondale that both fit very easily on the rack. The down tube ars are adjustable to they will accomodate a myriad of down tube sizes. In addition the dealer bike rack has a lock so that you can leave your bike on the car and grab a bite to eat without worrying about having your bike stolen off the back of the car or just removed from the skewer holder.

Also remember warranty issues if the door seal does leak from the Yakima rack.

Kesh

 

How long was the process for the installation of your rack @ the dealer? Can you get the cross bars with out the bicycle mounts, I have my own 'trays'. for my FSR.

 

Anyone know where to get a luggage box for the dealer installed rack?
Taking the family to Florida in Feb. and of course, we will take the MINI.
But only if we can fit the luggage, other wise it looks like the Grand Prix goes with us.
That thing is beginning to feel like a red headed step child since I bought the MINI!

Lobo