Roof Racks and Bike Racks

[ScoobyInACooper]

Hey All,

I'm getting a '05 Cooper s in 6 weeks, and I want to get a roof rack. Does anyone have the dealer installed mini rack? Or any suggestions on what racks to get?

Cheers.

[snid]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScoobyInACooper

Hey All,

I'm getting a '05 Cooper s in 6 weeks, and I want to get a roof rack. Does anyone have the dealer installed mini rack? Or any suggestions on what racks to get?

Cheers.

Lots of threads about racks around - search.

That said, if you need a roof rack, get the factory one. If you might like having a rack every once in a while, look at some of the other solutions like Yakima roof racks, or various hatch mounted racks.

The MINI roof rack is great. The fork mount bike carrier is great. For skis / snowboards, the MINI carriers are lame, get a Thule and adapt it (there's a thread somewhere on here from me about that).

If you get the factory rack and hear whistling, take the black rubber strip out of the front load bar.

[ScoobyInACooper]

With the dealer installed one, has there ever been anyproblem with rusting or anything that you've heard of? I'm just a little worried about the fasteners they use and how they seal it.

[Jeep-2-mini]

Had no problems with my roof rack bolts - apart from the caps are starting to get a bit discoloured (yellowing).

Mark

[Byrnie]

I've had no problems with mine either, the plastic roof caps dont match the roof colour exactly but the rack is very sturdy and easy to install and remove.

I have the roof boot as well that makes it excellent for camping or taking loads of stuff!

[MINI 59/04]

Hi ScoobyInACooper,
If you want to go the none BMW option I can recommend the Mont Blanc system and a Thule velo vice bike rack. Take a look at my gallery for some photos - very neat and no holes.
I also understand Thule makes a rack for the mini now, but its a bit more expensive.
Search the forums for more info.
Cheers,
Ian

[ScoobyInACooper]

Thanks Ian,

How long have you had your rack? any complaints? I like the canoe pics <Grin>
I actually want it for 2 reasons. I want to carry my bike, and Lumber, so it looks good to me that you can carry the weight of a canoe.. How much does it affect the car?

Thanks Again!

[mini_moto]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINI 59/04

If you want to go the none BMW option I can recommend the Mont Blanc system

I'm glad you've recommended them, as its what I've ordered from here.
http://saveanddrive.co.uk/mini/

[MINI 59/04]

Hi,
I've had the MB rack for about 4 months (bought it from the UK and had my parents send it over to Canada). When I first fitted it to the car it was a little fiddly as one of the bolts could have done with being a little longer. Having said all of this, now installation seems pretty quick and simple. I had been concerned that the rubber feet of the rack would damage or mark the roof - I left the rack on for one month and after removal saw some black marks where the rack had been. However, with a wash and application of wax, I was pleased to see all had dissapeared.
The rack has been on numerous times since and to date no marks to worry about. You are advised to wash the roof before install though and I slapped some wax on the area to help keep any marks at bay. One thing I have noticed though is that you can see where the rack clamps over the door and rain gutter. I think the first time I put my canoe on I over zealously tightened the screws - but again after a week with no rack on he 'impressions' of where the clamps had been all but dissapear.

On balance Im happy to recommend this roof rack system - especially the fact that the Thule accessories fit the square bars.

Still if looks are important I've heard (from this forum) that Mont Blanc now offer the mini system with aerodynamic bars that actually look nicer. They are also supposed to cut down on wind noise....something that I haven't really noticed with my set up.

In terms of handling I haven't driven with the canoe on very far and not on the highway (hoping for some nice weather in the autumn), so cannot comment on this. However, with the bike rack at 100km+ I seems secure and not very noisy.

Hope this info is helpful.
Ian

[MINI 59/04]

p.s.
I bought the system on line from a supplier in the UK, however, I believe Moss Mini in the US sell the same product. I thought I'd got a bargain buying this for 120 GB pounds, but unfortunately it cost my folks 85 pounds to ship it (its a bit oversize for regular post). I think this makes the cost about the same as getting it from Moss in the US.

[liquid yellow]

Hi Scooby in a Cooper,
I had my BMW rack on my 2003cooper for the last year. I just traded the cooper in but kept the rack with the ski attachment thinking that I would sell it privately, drop me a line if your interested.
Scott