I've searched the existing threads....I've been to the Mini Do More and Mini Fini sites.....I've even consulted my local rack shop to see if Yakima, Thule, etc have a solution coming.

I want to install a hitch mounted bike rack on my new 09 Clubman S. I've seen the aforementioned products for the Convertible and other models. Yes, I've seen the pictures for the Clubman products as well.

From anyone's personal experience.....what is the best way to go? It sure seems expensive...no matter which route.....but I want to put a hitch on the back of the car so that I can get a standard bike rack.

Can anyone offer any tips, insights....which products are the best to consider and how much was the solution all in?

 

Alot of it depends on what else you may want to use the hitch for.

The Mini Fini has more options for extras than the Mini Do More. Mini Fini can also accept a 2" receiver where the Mini Do More only does 1-1/4".

The Mini Do More also requires you to move the license plate each time you go to mount the hitch or leave it moved and have an ugly hitch mount right where the plate should be.

The Mini Fini has two Polished stainless mounting holes one on ether side of the plate and IMHO that looks better than moving the plate.

But either will dothe job of carring a hitch mounted bike rack.

 

There are two types of hitchs available for the Mini. I purchased a Mini Fini Sport Link which when attached is larger than the other brand that I can't remember off the top of my head. I got the 2" inch channel model because I pull a boat and the 2" inch fits my Grand Cherokee as well. If I were just adding a bike or ski rack the 1" inch is suitable. I got a Yakama bike rack and I'm happy with it. Yes the whole set up is very expensive, but I chose Mini Fini Sport Link because it is easier to attach the hitch and when the hitch is off it is very clean looking. Mini Fini was great to work with. I had my auto body shop install it for $295. I figured they know parts and panels better than your average mechanic. The Sport Link is very sturdy and adds 30 lbs. to the rear plus the weight of the bike rack another 30+ lbs. and the bikes. I definately know the bikes are on the back. I can send you some photos if you want.

 

Are sure you need a rack? My bike(with the front wheel off) does fit in my wifes Clubman. I bought one of those heavy moving blankets to protect the interior.

 

I have to remove the front wheel and seat post on mine (Yeti 575). Ditto on the moving blanket.

 

If you have an expensive bike, it is important to have a rack; the derailer and other parts on the bike can be damaged when they are squeezed in cars. Once or twice is okay, but if you are riding a lot, a rack is the only way to go.

 

Both solutions (MiniFini and MiniDoMore) are solid but more expensive than the usual "put a vanilla hitch-receiver on your car" answer, mostly because "it's for a MINI". MiniFini requires you to buy their two-prong receiver AND THEN their wide variety of special receiver adaptors to carry stuff. A MiniDoMore hitch receiver takes any standard 1.25" devices, but costs about 50% more than, say, a DrawTite Class-I/II hitch for any car other than a MINI, and 1.25" devices are a little harder to find than the 2" ones; you CAN use a "1.25 inch-to-2 inch" drawbar converter, but your load capacity safety-margin on the hitch receiver is cut in half with that extra extension and connections.

I hedged and bought the MiniDoMore receiver ($325), and have had a lot of luck since then with generic (little-less-pricey) third-party add-ons: a sale-priced Thule bike carrier at REI ($125), a Surco hitch-basket ($120), and a solid Rola cargo-bag ($60) that fits the basket exactly; bonus is that all those devices also fit my Subaru hitch. I even managed to find a generic Hopkins electronic taillight-converter on NAM threads here for the eventual connection to a teardrop-trailer I wanna rent this summer.

 

Furthermore, the MiniFini offers black rubber boots (with or without holes) to make the receiver holes even less apparent.

 

+1. Even with care, tossing the bike in the back necessitates a pre-ride tuning.

 

I prefer having my bike in the car versus having it on a rack, and I've never had an issue with any damage. I think it's much more likely you'll have potential damage when the bike's on a rack, either hitch or roof. Besides, my Eddy Merckx likes being inside after a long ride, all tucked in and warm and dry.

 

Miniclubman, how often to you tote your Eddy Merckx in your Clubman? Is it on a daily basis? Are you afraid of getting your bike wet? In addition, if I happen to get caught in a storm and my bike does get wet, I would rather keep it out of the car as I like to keep my MINI warm and dry.

 

I also prefer to have my bike in the car. I ride often after work and very often in the summer we have rain during the early part of day and then a nice evening. Plus I don't have to worry about my bike disappearing when kids wander trough the parking lot. Any abuse to the derailer that might occur in the car pales in comparison to the abuse I give it on the hills around here.

 

I definitely see your point of view, especially if getting your bike stolen is an issue. I guess it just comes down to personal preference. I never lay down my bike in the car. Too much oil and grease and cogs that can rip the interior.

My goal this year is to rack 5,000 miles on the road bike!