Has any one used the Yakima roof mount bile rack on a 05 Cooper and do you recommend it?

 

I haven't used a Yakima. I bought an Xport roof rack from Performance Bicycle. They are $99.99 and include two fork-mount bike racks which is a heck of a good deal. As far as I can tell, the Xport uses cross bars that are identical to Thule so Thule accessories can be used with the Xport so this gives the Xport rack the flexibility to carry things other than bicycles.

 

I was just about to post the same question except I'm wondering if the Yakima or Thule base systems are better. I'm planning to use some Rocky Mounts trays for the bikes which will fit either system(and come in many colors to match your car!). I looked at the Xport racks but they seem to be a "one fits all" type and I was wondering how that really works. This is actually my one christmas idea for all-it's the ONLY idea I could come up with!

 

the Xport system is by no means "one size fits all" you need to purchase the proper clip set to fit your certain car. from what it sounds like the system truly is the best bang for your buck. but then again you could spend an extra 250.00 for a marginally better product/name. if you have the money to burn go for it, if not then try the Xport, I personally haven't heard of someone who's bought one and not liked it.

 

I talked to some people at performance bike and they said the Xport would not fit the Mini and they would not warrenty it Yakima said theirs would, but after talking to people at Rutabaga.com I order the Thule because it is warrented to cary 120 pounds, about 80 pounds more than Yakima and the distance between the cross bars is 24 inches vs. Yakima 18". Not only will my son be able to carier his bike but also a kayak.

 

Either system will work great. I personally use Yakima, once you get some parts of a system you can just add the clips you need for a different car. But seriously, what other car would you get?

 

With the Yakima and Thule systems I was looking at one of the main differences is round bars(Yakima) and square bars (Thule). Has anyone noticed any difference in wind noise with these? I would think the Yakima being round would be quieter but that is only a theory. I'll take another look at the Xport racks.

One more question-I've found Rackattack.com to have good prices and free shipping-has anyone bought from them and if so-how are they?

 

I don't run a bike rack on our MINI...but I have run Yakima bike racks on my other cars for years. I chose Yakima for its round bars because I have never seen Yakima cross bars bent...however, I have seen more than a few Thule flat bars bent.

As for wind noise...the Yakima bars do add wind noise that I can hear while driving at highway speeds in my Explorer...even with the air foil installed.

 

I'll chime in as I just added a Thule rack to my MINI. There is definitely more wind noise--regardless of brand (yes, I have the fairing as well). I went with Thule because I like the construction/engineering of their bike trays a little better. Overall rack functionality is more or less the same between brands

R50MINI is right about the load restrictions with the Yakima as well as the bar spacing. I'm only ever going to run two bikes on mine, so max load didn't really figure into the equation for me.

 

The site I mentioned before has a rack configurer-they sell Yakima and Thule. The site recommended Thule over Yakima because of the load spec being higher but as my bike weights all of 17 lbs, max load isn't a huge issue. The pricing is pretty close as well. I'm planning to carry 1-2 bikes only-although I guess I could get the basket rack and put a spare tire up there-rally car style! I noticed the canoe mounts which would look a little odd to have a 16 foot canoe on top of a 12 foot car.

 

It may be time to start a "MINI drivers that are also cyclists...What are you Riding?" thread...

 

I have used Yakima for years on a Civic and a Mazda3 wagon. Both times, the towers that attached to the roof really destroyed the paint where they connected. Use caution. I was going to use my Yakima rack from my old Mazda3 on my Cooper, but I was concerned with the operation with the dual tilting sunroof(s). Also, can you imagine your bike coming crashing through the glass roof when you miss your aim when you put your bike on top? OUCH!

 

I will vouch for the fact that the Pano roof does NOT clear the bike rack when installed. Thus it stays closed.

That's an important point that I meant to mention earlier.

 

That sucks. I had already considered that fact, so i'm going to go with a Yakima rear hatch rack. Not as cool looking, but i love the sunroof!

 

You'll have to forgive me, but i say sunroof all the time. I need to modify my vocabulary to MINI talk. Ha!

 

I am going to put a Thule on my car.

I have all cannondales, team sponsor

 

GaryFisher here. But I have been faithful to Yakima. Always been good racks.

 

Sorry forgot the bike geek speak- Wilier Triestina Alpe D'Huez Alu/carbon frame fork, Campy Record gruppo with the exception of a FSA team carbon crank, Campy Proton wheels(training) Selle Italia Flight on top of an Easton carbon post and Deda Magic bar/stem up front. The bikes a 01 or 02 (I can't remember) which was before Campy included a carbon crank-it was a very expensive option and the FSA was equal quality at about half the price.

So no sunroof with the roof rack, huh....I guess I'll just have to live with that.

 

2002 Specialized Enduro Pro, 2001 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp HT, 1997 Specialized Allez Sport road...

I thought either Yakima or Thule used to make tower extenders that would enable you to raise the rack a little higher than with a standard tower...maybe that was with the old raingutter mounts...if they still do, that might alleviate the sunroof operation issues with roof mounted racks

 

It looks like the taller towers are for raingutter mounts...

 

Road: Specialized S-Works E5, Dura-Ace 10spd, Fulcrum Racing3 wheels, FSA bar/stem, Look Carbon pedals.

All-Mountain: Santa Cruz Nomad, XT/X0, Rock Shox Lyric, DT wheels, etc.

XC-Mountain: Santa Cruz Superlight, XTR, Fox F100RLC, etc.

 

Here's a picture of the Yakima roof rack on my Mini. There is less noise with the fairing but you can still hear it. My solution is to turn the stereo up.

 

I just picked up my MCS yesterday! It is an 03, dark silver and have 34,000 miles. A few glitches I have uncovered in the car in the last 24 hours... ut oh! I have yet to put a rack on it. my old car had a thule with 4 bike trays and a few wheel holders. Looked kind of ugly, but the Volvo S40 was sort of grandma car anyhow. I do have the Thule Aero on order for the Mini.
Road - Cannondale 6/13 - dura ace and bontrager finishing kit- custom paint
TT - Cannondale Slice - dura ace - custom paint
Cyclocross - Cannondale Caad 9 - Sram Rival

 

Sponsored by C-dale by chance??? I think we all need to add some pics!

I mentioned to my wife that I'm fine either way-Yakima or Thule and I gave her the info on the Rocky Mounts for the wheel tray/fork mounts-the red they have looks pretty close to chilli red and I think it will finish off the rack nicely.

 

Granted my Cervelo is larger than my Mini...

But I went with the Yakima King Joe II on the back. It fits PERFECT , comes off in seconds, and costs 110 dollars.

Just my .02, but I can fit two race ready Tri Bikes on the back of the mini and head off into the sunset.