R56 Factory rack for 07's?
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Willowick, OH
I received both the Thule fit kit for my roof system and the Saris Bones RS rear mount rack this week. I had reservations about how the fit kit would connect. The pictures on the site and for that matter the directions are poor, however, I have mounted it and it does grab the bottom of the plastic rain gutter, it holds quite solidly. If you over tighten it it will pull up the gutter but you really don't need it that tight. You can rock the car back and forth with it mounted so I know it's not going anywhere. The fork mount bike trays I have do not interfear with the hatch or spoiler on my MCS. It is five minutes to install and remove once you have it dialed in. I mounted the bars where the factory bars would go.
I also mounted the Saris rack and once it is adjusted as recommended which takes just a minute it also goes on very quickly, just a minute or so. It is very secure and doesn't mar the car at all. I used it yesterday on a 100 mile round trip trek with two bikes and no complaints. I used some velcro straps around the wheel and such so the bike would not move at all.
I would not have any reservations in recommending either solution. The Saris is great because you can move it from vehicle to vehicle in two minutes. You don't have to remove the front wheels which take up space in the boot as with the roof rack I have. On the other hand I've had the Thule system for over 10 years and have several accessories for it. The bikes are very secure and no chance of banging together.
My mileage dropped about a mile per gal. with the rear rack and I'm sure it would be a little more than that with the roof rack.
Both are good solutions. If someone wants pics let me know and the next time I use one or the other, I'll post them.
I also mounted the Saris rack and once it is adjusted as recommended which takes just a minute it also goes on very quickly, just a minute or so. It is very secure and doesn't mar the car at all. I used it yesterday on a 100 mile round trip trek with two bikes and no complaints. I used some velcro straps around the wheel and such so the bike would not move at all.
I would not have any reservations in recommending either solution. The Saris is great because you can move it from vehicle to vehicle in two minutes. You don't have to remove the front wheels which take up space in the boot as with the roof rack I have. On the other hand I've had the Thule system for over 10 years and have several accessories for it. The bikes are very secure and no chance of banging together.
My mileage dropped about a mile per gal. with the rear rack and I'm sure it would be a little more than that with the roof rack.
Both are good solutions. If someone wants pics let me know and the next time I use one or the other, I'll post them.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
+1!! I've not taken the bars off since I put them on. I really like how not one part of it touches the roof - including the little rubber bumpers.
I did have some roof noise after I installed it. After a week of too much metal frame creaking I loosened the adjustment bolts under each tower (it's in the manual) and re tightened them. Problem solved
Yes... with one exception. Look for parts that fit the Thule Aero bars. I bought two Criterium racks and attached them to the MINI bars using the Thule XSporter Adapter 8. I also added a larger washer to each Adapter 8 post just in case. If you get these parts, you'll see what I mean. The coolest part - the locks are all the same! So I bought an 8 pack of locks and now can remove all the parts with one key
I did have some roof noise after I installed it. After a week of too much metal frame creaking I loosened the adjustment bolts under each tower (it's in the manual) and re tightened them. Problem solved
Yes... with one exception. Look for parts that fit the Thule Aero bars. I bought two Criterium racks and attached them to the MINI bars using the Thule XSporter Adapter 8. I also added a larger washer to each Adapter 8 post just in case. If you get these parts, you'll see what I mean. The coolest part - the locks are all the same! So I bought an 8 pack of locks and now can remove all the parts with one key
how do you like to Criterium?
did you consider the Thule Sidearm?
I just had my roof rack installed for $50 (money well spent in my opinion) and now need a bike carrier. I like the Criterium because of the sleek tray, but the Sidearm looks for sturdy. The Sidearm is very similar to the Thule T2 rear hitch bike carrier.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by pray4dirt; Aug 28, 2007 at 10:22 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Pickens, SC/ Vermillion, SD
more pics
I posted some install pics here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=93743
in case anyone's looking. No holes to drill on the R56, 70kg rating on the factory rack.
in case anyone's looking. No holes to drill on the R56, 70kg rating on the factory rack.
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