I have a Cooper on order and will want to install a roof, fork-mount bike rack. Also, I will want to install a "workaround for the mesh-screen-between-the-sunroof-and-interior problem. Any suggestions?

 

I just received the MINI base roof rack. won't have time to install for about a month.

What is a "workaround for the mesh-screen-between-the-sunroof-and-interior problem?"

 

My wife and I noticed in our demo drive the mesh screen that slides back and forth to somewhat shield the sun coming through the sunroof. That doesn't look like it's going to work well for us. We live in Colorado and there are a lot of sunny days here. So we are interested in something that an OEM company has made, that would solidly screen out the sun, which we could use when we don't want the sun to come in.

By the way, how do you get the picture to appear on your forum post? I put a picture of our car in my profile, but it doesn't appear when I post an item.

 

I also have a sunroof and live in So. Cali.
This is my solution to the sun.
http://www.stratmosphere.com/mini_interior.htm
Works great and really easy to use. Some have decided to tint their sunroof.

 

We lived in Palos Verdes, CA when Wooden was in his prime and winning championships nearly every year. He is one of my all-time heroes.

 

I too want to tote my mountain bike on top. Why the fork mount? Do other accessories fit (Thule or Yakima)? Has anyone tried a Thule system for the 07 MCS? Do they even make it yet?

 

Not sure why you want to replace the mesh screen but you'll be sorry you did. I've had convertibles and sunroof's before and I'm convinced that you get just as good sun blocking from the mesh as you do from a solid cover and you still get a brighter interior. It works in Florida so it has to work everywhere.

 

We are going to go with just the standard mesh screen for a while and see if it works. Limo tint sounds too permanent to me, so, if we do anything, it will be an OEM temporary insert that fits between the sunroof and the sliding mesh screen.

I want to use a roof rack for the bike, because the bike stays cleaner than on a hitch mount. I will want a fork mount, frankly, because it looks neater and it seems to me that it would be more stable. Both the Yakima and the Thule roof racks sound interesting. Any experience with these, anyone?

 

I just got my roof tinted limo tint yesterday. I like it MUCH better, you can
t believe how much cooler it is. On a sunny day you still see through it. I have always had sunroofs in my car and usually closed the panel to block the sun when the roof was closed. I really like the mesh giving the option of blocking the sun when I have the roof open.

I have a thule rack system and am waiting on a fit kit to see how well it mounts to the roof. I have always been impressed in the past with the thule products. I have bike racks, snowboard racks (as well as unused ski racks, since I converted to the dark side several years ago) and a pod for the system. I will report how well it works when I get them. I expect them in a week or so.

I also just ordered a Saris bones RS rear mount kit. It's a little on the expensive side for a trunk/ rear mount but is very adjustable and very quick on and off. I'll give my impressions once I've played with it. Also expected next week. The thule is a little bit more time consuming if you want to just hop over the the park for a quick ride. I would never leave either rack on the car when not in use.

 

Good info on both subjects. Thanks!!