R50/53 All bicycle riders and their MINIs
Neutral
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
For those of you with the Saris/Thule/Ect. boot-mounted racks, do you have a spoiler? I have an R56 (wrong forum, I know, but the roof/hitch mounts seem to be the standard in the 2nd gen forum 
) I am concerned about putting undue pressure on it (the spoiler) with the straps as it doesn't seem to be the strongest thing. I've never used a rear rack before so I don't really know if the straps are just for stabilization or if they bear any weight.
Thanks!
) I am concerned about putting undue pressure on it (the spoiler) with the straps as it doesn't seem to be the strongest thing. I've never used a rear rack before so I don't really know if the straps are just for stabilization or if they bear any weight. Thanks!
The straps bear weight on some racks, on others the weight is borne by the rack sitting on the bumper - bumper is better. Don't route the straps over the spoiler, but under to hook onto the boot edge.
I'm not a big fan of strap-on racks, too much body contact and the straps can stretch (when wet or old). These are the least stable racks, and have the highest potential for body or bike damage, but they're also least expensive.
I've used 'em all, and prefer the hitch mounts - zero body contact and high stability. Some may wobble a bit due to tiny clearance in the receiver hitch, but they're not going anywhere. I carry the tandem on there no problem. Roof rack is next, but there's body contact there - although the "showing off the bike" aspect is kinda cool, the gas mileage reduction (sir resistance) is not.
I'm not a big fan of strap-on racks, too much body contact and the straps can stretch (when wet or old). These are the least stable racks, and have the highest potential for body or bike damage, but they're also least expensive.
I've used 'em all, and prefer the hitch mounts - zero body contact and high stability. Some may wobble a bit due to tiny clearance in the receiver hitch, but they're not going anywhere. I carry the tandem on there no problem. Roof rack is next, but there's body contact there - although the "showing off the bike" aspect is kinda cool, the gas mileage reduction (sir resistance) is not.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 1
From: Snowy Wisconsin
I use a Saris Bones and I do have a spoiler. I thread the straps under/through the spoiler.
I did have an issue with my back window getting scratched, but I haven't pinned it definitely on the bike rack - although it does seem to be the most likely candidate.
I did have an issue with my back window getting scratched, but I haven't pinned it definitely on the bike rack - although it does seem to be the most likely candidate.
Neutral
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the responses. Unfortunately, the spoiler on my 07 MC does not have a hole through the middle as the S does, so my only option is going to be over it. I saw one on a Mazda3 Hatch with a spoiler and it didn't appear to be pulling it down any... I guess I will have to try it and return it if it makes me cringe. Wish I had the money for a hitch mount!
Wish I had the money for a hitch mount!
Bikes DO fit inside, you know! 
Put the seat down and get to know how to remove the wheels (it's not overly difficult - certainly LESS difficult to remove wheels compared to installing/removing a rear rack).
Put the seat down and get to know how to remove the wheels (it's not overly difficult - certainly LESS difficult to remove wheels compared to installing/removing a rear rack).
Last edited by DixonL2; May 15, 2008 at 05:39 AM.
I use the Saris Bones and ride both a DF and Easyracers Gold Rush recumbent. If you know anything about recumbents you know how long the Gold Rush is. I transport the Gold Rush on the Saris with no problems and don't even remove wheels. Sticks out just a little on the sides but not much further than the mirrors. No problems.
I recently bought another recumbent this one a Short Wheel Base ultra low racer (M5) cause my Long Wheel Base bikes are so long they'd overhang the sides of the car too much. The LWB's get carried inside the truck.
The LWB's get carried inside the truck.
Neutral
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
I too ride bikes just about every day. I have had many types of cars with roof racks, hatch racks, and rear racks, as I have raced bikes for about 13 years. A rear mounted rack (hitch) is your best option for a few reasons.
1. it keeps your bikes away from your car at all times. this means no scratches.
2 you can take off the rack easily. I dont like leaving the rack on without bikes on it, i dont think it looks as good with an empty rack on.
3 as opposed to a roof rack, you can easily wax your car without going through the hassle of taking off your roof rack. Yes you could wax around it if need be.
4. I can just take it off and set it in my garage until I need to use it again.
I had the Mini Fini rear rack mounted and love it. I can fit my BMX Road and MTB on there without a problem. There are 2 pipe-like pieces that come out of the rear bumper that make it look like you have a quad exhaust. haha
Roof racks are ok but there area some downfalls.
1. The waxing issue as stated above
2.the whistling noise you get when driving at speed
3. Not a huge deal but you get less MPG, more noticable on long trips
4. there is always a chance of you dropping your bike on your roof.
5. Correct me if I am wrong) I believe the factory roof rack drills holes in your roof. But I know that Yakima and Thule make ones that dont.
I would say the only downfall of the Mini Fini that I can say is that after the year that I have had it the paint on it has faded a bit. I could personally care less, but could be fixed with a trip to the powder coater.
Hope this helps
1. it keeps your bikes away from your car at all times. this means no scratches.
2 you can take off the rack easily. I dont like leaving the rack on without bikes on it, i dont think it looks as good with an empty rack on.
3 as opposed to a roof rack, you can easily wax your car without going through the hassle of taking off your roof rack. Yes you could wax around it if need be.
4. I can just take it off and set it in my garage until I need to use it again.
I had the Mini Fini rear rack mounted and love it. I can fit my BMX Road and MTB on there without a problem. There are 2 pipe-like pieces that come out of the rear bumper that make it look like you have a quad exhaust. haha
Roof racks are ok but there area some downfalls.
1. The waxing issue as stated above
2.the whistling noise you get when driving at speed
3. Not a huge deal but you get less MPG, more noticable on long trips
4. there is always a chance of you dropping your bike on your roof.
5. Correct me if I am wrong) I believe the factory roof rack drills holes in your roof. But I know that Yakima and Thule make ones that dont.
I would say the only downfall of the Mini Fini that I can say is that after the year that I have had it the paint on it has faded a bit. I could personally care less, but could be fixed with a trip to the powder coater.
Hope this helps
Any advice?
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Portland oregon
i ride a 58cm road bike, 19" mountain bike. i can fit either into my mini with the rear seats folded down and both wheels off of the bike. If you plan and put an appropriate type of blanket into the back you can prevent scratches and keep everything orderly and less noisy. I can actually fit two road bikes and race bags in the back..... oh and no need to fold the front seat forward either.
CS
CS
Lil M:
Check www.minidomore.com, their hitches have come down in price making it far more affordable. Installation is pretty straightforward, I've done a half-dozen or so of these. You can then use a regular hitch rack.
Check www.minidomore.com, their hitches have come down in price making it far more affordable. Installation is pretty straightforward, I've done a half-dozen or so of these. You can then use a regular hitch rack.
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