I just got a 2010 clubman with roof rack and I am considering bike racks -- a must for me. The one that mini makes with hydraulic lift looks interesting. Anyone have one? Any advise?

 

I currently have a Yakima roof rack for my MCS and it works great! I bought here on the NAM website and it's worked just fine. Yes the "feet" rest on the car's roof, but it's padded, so no marks/dents are left on the roof. Any marks come off easily with rubbing alcohol. There is a bit of a whistle when driving on the freeway, but not too bad. I even added the front air shield but the whistling is still there. I love the look it gives my Mini with it on and with my mountain bike on it. I get all kinds of looks at the park!

 

Do not have the MINI one but used ot have one made for Volvo and it worked great. A bit on the expensive side though if i remember correctly. Something like $600+ and that does not include the cross bars you will need at about $300.

 

I bought mine here used for something like $175 for the towers and cross bars. i had to go to a sports store for the bike track and locks, another $150 maybe. Total maybe $325 but sooo well worth it as i ride twice a week. A brand new rack can be up there like Schatzy62 said $500+ easily.

 

I didn't factory rails so added after market ones with bike tray. Depending on how tall you are and heavy the bike is you might need the hydraulic one but it seems like a lot of "stuff" to be carrying on your roof. I have no problems with loading and unloading road bike or mt. bike with mine (6ft. bike is 20lbs or so)

 

I tried the one with the "gas charged cylinder" Lifted the bike nicely, very heavy and IMO over engineered. I found out after putting the cross bars on my roof rails and then the bike tray, I needed a folding step stool to reach the bike... My bikes are light and not a problem to lift for me. I don't think my wife could mount the bikes if that is a reference. I lift things all the time. The one from mini is around $330.00 in the catalog.. Try Morristown Mini

 

Very nice bike TJH, Campy equiped?? I ride a Specialized (Mario Cipolini special edition), 19.75 lbs. and i love it, but i like to do more off road riding. I just rode yesterday afternoon in fact. I have an old K2 mountian bike about 9 yrs old and about 30 lbs-lol. Yes, very heavy but bullet proof. I'm just waiting for the frame to crack so i have a good excuse to buy another one, i beat the heck out of it, but it just won't give. Oh well, i'll just keep riding it for a while longer.

 

slightly off topic but give that bike to my girlfriends son he will break the frame for you in less than 30 minutes, he has broken at least 3 Gary Fischer frames that come warranted for like against breakage.

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