Folks:

Just checked one of my favorite bicycle sites www.performancebike.com and found out their house brand roof rack ("XPORT") is on a pretty good sale at $99, with the pair of 53" roof rails, base mounts AND a fork mount bike mount! That's almost a STEAL.

I've had one of these racks for coming up on 20 years (maybe more, but don't force me to think back that far!). I've had ZERO problems with it, and it's seen its share of loads. The XPORT racks are made by Barrecrafters, and our Minis take the "287" clip.

I've run Thule, Barrecrafters, Xport, and Rocky Mounts bike rails on mine, all fit great (the Rocky Mounts are a little tight).

Thought some of you would want to know. I use mine almost every weekend, it's a snap to put on and off, and yes I know that the Kraton rubber pads can scratch the roof if I'm not careful, but as much as I love it my Mini is a car first and foremost, meaning it's gotta carry my stuff.

All for now...

Oh yeah, a link:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...TOKEN=12332670

 

Thanks for the link. I need a new hitch mount rack, and they have a 2 bike XPORT that looks really nice, and it is on sale!

 

Thanks for that!!! I picked up parts to build a Thule rack, but would easily spend 2x on that compared to the Xport. Going to give this one a try!

Tim

 

There's a 10% coupon available for web orders. Code is 6002409. That makes the price $89.99. Shipping is free to their retail stores if one is close enough to make that worthwhile.

 

Good call MikeL - I forgot to pass that along... every so often they run a 20%er, but not currently.

 

Update: It's quite possible that this rack system includes TWO fork mount bike mounts. If so, that's an AMAZING price. As I said, I have one of these, it's old, and I've just ordered another just to get fresh rubber pads and another bike mount...

 

I got the new rack, it includes TWO fork-mount bike mounts, the rack bars, AND the "287" roof clips - for $99 + shipping! Hard to beat.

Here's a couple pics of the old one on the car... I hadn't tightened the clips for this shot, just set it on there and took the picture, but (pardon the pun) you get the picture...

 

I have found mounting the front foot that far forward is a weak area. I now set mine back about a foot. Just my 2 cents. I also have the Thule system.

 

I should edit my post - I set the rack there but it's about 4" forward from where I usually have it. The pads sit tighter to the roof when it's further back. I also hadn't tightened the rack before taking that shot. As I said, haven't had a problem with that rack in 20 years, including traveling at (ahem) "highway speeds" with 2 mountain bikes on it with the Mini, or 4 bikes on it with other cars.

I wouldn't hesitate to put 4 bikes on it with the Mini, it's sturdy enough but it's pretty low profile in the back and the bike mounts (depending on brand and attachment option) might not clear the sunroof when it's fully open.

 

might want to look at my gallery, I found that the MINI's go cart feel played he!! with the bike on top. I fixed the issues with the spring system that can be seen in the pics. Hope it helps.

 

I admire the engineering there, that would help but I want mine affixed tightly. The fork mount helps because it keeps the center of gravity down a bit. I know the bikes get some stress, but it's not bad, and I've had to perform some"evasive maneuvers" in mine without ill effect.

 

Just ordered my rack. New 10% code is 6002411 or 6002412 (can't remember now).

 

Are we sure its the 287 clip? Tech Support said it was the 279. I accidentally ordered the 278 clip (feeling a little dislexic this morning).

 

Dixon,

Just read your other post reply for someone who was looking for a rack and read why you suggest the 287 clips (to keep the legs of the clips from rubbing the roof). I'll have to do an exchange once I get my order if I can't get an intercept and fix in before things are processed/shipped...

Tim

 

Pics of the NEW rack, received Tuesday... Performance charged $99 for rack bars, roof pillars, clips, and (2) fork mount bike carriers. The front wheel mounts were mine already, as were the bikes.

The obligatory "full car" shot


Mount and clip, currently holding a 56cm Kestrel Talon


Whole rack


Closeup of 287 clip - I like how this one fits


Front bar showing clips and fork-mount bike attachments:

 

I used to have the XPORT roof rack on my Dodge Avenger for about 4 years until I sold the car, and I was very happy with -- so much so, that I now have an XPORT trailer hitch with my MINIDoMore for my cabrio:

 

Looking at the rack and how close the pillars are to the edge of the roof, I suppose straighter clips would work. I only "chose" the 287's because I had a set froma previous car and they worked well. I'm not doubting Performance's recommendations at all, they haven't steered me wrong, I just had a solution and didn't think to deviate. Besides, the 287s also fit another car of mine so I can use the rack bars there as well.