MINI2

forma · Aug 17th, 2003, 06:58 PM

hi folks,

yeah i know i know, there have been a lot of threads discussing this very matter and i have read most of them. i have narrowed down to these 2 and have to make a decision soon. i would like to sum it up if you would allow me and ask those who have used or are currently using these 2 systems to give their takes on them and how much they spent on them.

thanks alot!!!

lespurgeon · Apr 27th, 2004, 05:18 PM

I'm in the same boat. I think the MB is slightly cheaper. Have seen photos of the Yak on another thread and it looks very sturdy, but looks like you have to mount the bars rather close together. I think I'm likely to get the Yak (several local dealers) vs the MB (mailorder only for me).

I'll be watching for updates to this thread.

forma · Apr 27th, 2004, 07:01 PM

just got off the phone with westchester mini and they want $900 (parts and labor) to install the factory roof rack with the bike carriers! i was actually considering going with the factory rack recently after reading posts on how difficult it is to get the mont blanc rack installed (one of the mounts needs to be forced in since the screw is like 1/2 inch too short thread). but $900 for a roof rack is too steep i think. gotta take a closer look at the yakima now...

lespurgeon · May 4th, 2004, 10:46 PM

I had thought of ordering with the factory rack - but I don't like the roof holes. I'd ony use the rack 5% of the time. Let me know what you decide.

ferdi · Jun 14th, 2004, 06:41 PM

Have had the Mont Blanc for 9 months, trusting $8,000 worth of bikes on it!
If you do not trim the plastic insert on the roof bars, then the bolt is a perfect length.
At the time of my purchase the Mont Blanc was the ONLY rack that fitted under the metal of the roof gutters, as opposed to the Yakima which only grabs the plastic trim of the gutter rails.

lespurgeon · Jun 17th, 2004, 01:36 AM

ferdi,
Not trim plastic insert? Please elaborate? It sounds like there is a way to setup the MB so that it is easy to install? If so, it will probably get my order.

ferdi · Jun 29th, 2004, 09:49 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon

ferdi,
Not trim plastic insert? Please elaborate? It sounds like there is a way to setup the MB so that it is easy to install? If so, it will probably get my order.

There are plastic measuring inserts that fit in the channel underneath the roof cross bars, that actually set the distance between the feet on the roof.
The instructions tell you to trim the ends, but if you do not cut the rear plastic inserts, then the bolts on the rear clamps will be a perfect length. I don't know why the manufacturer says to cut them in the first place! This seems like a perfect solution, and I have had no problem at all with my rack. Hope this helps.....Ferdi.

lespurgeon · Jul 1st, 2004, 02:43 AM

Cool - I think I know what to do. What bike rack do you have? Mt. Blanc, Thule, or Yak? Trying to decide which bolt-on gear will go with the rack.

ferdi · Jul 1st, 2004, 11:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon

Cool - I think I know what to do. What bike rack do you have? Mt. Blanc, Thule, or Yak? Trying to decide which bolt-on gear will go with the rack.

I use the Mont Blanc fork mount bike racks. They are super sturdy, with very little flex, and seem to be made of a corrosion resistant metal. I also bought one Thule Velo Vise mount, (just for the heck of it), but the head is so flexible it lets the bike wobble a lot. The Mont Blanc bike mounts are really easy and quick to put on and remove. Mark the possitions with electrical tape once you have them set up and it's a snap!

Ferdi

coulsoni · Jul 2nd, 2004, 05:33 AM

I've also had the MB rack for about a month and am pretty happy with the item. It mounts relatively quickly - 15 mins (I cut it to size and it seems ok), requires no drilling and you can fit a variety of attachments (e.g. Thule bike racks, Canoe carriers, snow board/ski carriers). I bought my rack on line from the UK for 120 pounds but was shocked when my folks had to pay 85 pounds to ship the item. Still this was about $100 cheaper than having the factory rack installed. To date I have safely carried a Mtn Bike and a 16' canoe with no problems (not at the same time though). There are a few minor marks on the roof when I removed the rack yesterday (it had been on for two weeks), but I am told these will wash off...keeping my fingers crossed. The rack is rated at 50 kg (it weighs 6 kg), which is a bit less than the factory one. Good luck with your choice.

lespurgeon · Jul 2nd, 2004, 05:03 PM

Thanks,
Looks like the MB for me with either MB or Thule bike & ski attachments. Got to click over to MOSS now...

MINI 59/04 · Jul 10th, 2004, 06:48 AM

Check my gallery for photos of the MB carrier and Thule bike rack...works a treat
Ian

lespurgeon · Jul 14th, 2004, 08:05 PM

Thanks -
MB about to be ordered - will pick which bike & ski racks ot get once I get the basic rack. Thule looks good on there.

lespurgeon · Sep 21st, 2004, 01:33 AM

I installed using ferdi's suggesiton - works like a dream - no issue of the bolts too short. I took photos (very easy install) and may to a DIY. Let me know if you are interested in one.

jwardell · Sep 21st, 2004, 02:41 PM

lespurgeon a how-to would be greatly appreciated, I plan to order one before the start of the ski season, which is now getting very close. A how-to always makes things much easier.

lespurgeon · Oct 1st, 2004, 07:49 AM

I installed the Mont Blanc. I think it is a great option.

The first big thing - which I learned from ferdi here on the boards, is only cut off the front spacer, leave the back one full width, then the rack will be very easy to mount. I have attached a photo of the spacers (one cut, one not) . I have also attaced a photo of the rack on the car.

There are more photos in my gallery. A DIY/FAQ would be overkill- this is a very easy rack to install. I have a Mont Blanc 6-ski attachmetn on the way.

jwardell · Oct 1st, 2004, 02:21 PM

Good photos, thanks.

Some more questions: Any other recommended place to buy the MB other than Moss?

And what ski holders are recommended to use with it?

lespurgeon · Oct 6th, 2004, 01:13 AM

Moss for me. I don't know of any other US dealers.

I got a Mt. Blanc 6-pair Ski-rack attachment from prorack (or sportrack or something like that) (run a web search for Mont Blanc and Ski) for $99. I have not installed it ot the rack yet (came yesterday) - but a very easy install. The deal was better than buying a Thule attachment locally (which I considered, I think they have the same bar size).

jwardell · Oct 7th, 2004, 03:24 PM

OK. I'll probably just get it from M

SS then. Is there a reason they only offer the 6-pair rack and not the 8-pair rack? I'm thinking two pair + snowboard. I know it's available elsewhere (and cheaper).

aldini · Oct 7th, 2004, 05:50 PM

Since you mention it. I haven'r seen any pics of yakima roof rack here, anyone has pictures? still try to decide myself if I go for the factrory roof rack or something else. Sounds scary to expend $900 for rack!

Aug 17th, 2003, 06:58 PM	#1
forma MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: new york Local Time: 06:18 PM Posts: 46 Offline	MONT BLANC or YAKIMA ROOF RACK? hi folks, yeah i know i know, there have been a lot of threads discussing this very matter and i have read most of them. i have narrowed down to these 2 and have to make a decision soon. i would like to sum it up if you would allow me and ask those who have used or are currently using these 2 systems to give their takes on them and how much they spent on them. thanks alot!!! MCS FOREVA!!!

Apr 27th, 2004, 07:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
forma MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: new york Local Time: 06:18 PM Posts: 46 Offline	just got off the phone with westchester mini and they want $900 (parts and labor) to install the factory roof rack with the bike carriers! i was actually considering going with the factory rack recently after reading posts on how difficult it is to get the mont blanc rack installed (one of the mounts needs to be forced in since the screw is like 1/2 inch too short thread). but $900 for a roof rack is too steep i think. gotta take a closer look at the yakima now... MCS FOREVA!!!

Jun 14th, 2004, 06:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
ferdi MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Alexandria,Virginia Local Time: 11:18 PM Posts: 12 Offline	Mont Blanc Have had the Mont Blanc for 9 months, trusting $8,000 worth of bikes on it! If you do not trim the plastic insert on the roof bars, then the bolt is a perfect length. At the time of my purchase the Mont Blanc was the ONLY rack that fitted under the metal of the roof gutters, as opposed to the Yakima which only grabs the plastic trim of the gutter rails. Last edited by ferdi : Jun 15th, 2004 at 02:17 AM.

Jun 29th, 2004, 09:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
ferdi MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Alexandria,Virginia Local Time: 11:18 PM Posts: 12 Offline	Plastic inserts on Mont Blanc Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon ferdi, Not trim plastic insert? Please elaborate? It sounds like there is a way to setup the MB so that it is easy to install? If so, it will probably get my order. There are plastic measuring inserts that fit in the channel underneath the roof cross bars, that actually set the distance between the feet on the roof. The instructions tell you to trim the ends, but if you do not cut the rear plastic inserts, then the bolts on the rear clamps will be a perfect length. I don't know why the manufacturer says to cut them in the first place! This seems like a perfect solution, and I have had no problem at all with my rack. Hope this helps.....Ferdi.

Jul 1st, 2004, 11:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
ferdi MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Alexandria,Virginia Local Time: 11:18 PM Posts: 12 Offline	Bike mounts Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon Cool - I think I know what to do. What bike rack do you have? Mt. Blanc, Thule, or Yak? Trying to decide which bolt-on gear will go with the rack. I use the Mont Blanc fork mount bike racks. They are super sturdy, with very little flex, and seem to be made of a corrosion resistant metal. I also bought one Thule Velo Vise mount, (just for the heck of it), but the head is so flexible it lets the bike wobble a lot. The Mont Blanc bike mounts are really easy and quick to put on and remove. Mark the possitions with electrical tape once you have them set up and it's a snap! Ferdi

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Apr 27th, 2004, 05:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
lespurgeon Petrol or beer? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 01:18 PM Posts: 1,116 Offline	I'm in the same boat. I think the MB is slightly cheaper. Have seen photos of the Yak on another thread and it looks very sturdy, but looks like you have to mount the bars rather close together. I think I'm likely to get the Yak (several local dealers) vs the MB (mailorder only for me). I'll be watching for updates to this thread.

May 4th, 2004, 10:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
lespurgeon Petrol or beer? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 01:18 PM Posts: 1,116 Offline	I had thought of ordering with the factory rack - but I don't like the roof holes. I'd ony use the rack 5% of the time. Let me know what you decide.

Jun 17th, 2004, 01:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
lespurgeon Petrol or beer? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 01:18 PM Posts: 1,116 Offline	ferdi, Not trim plastic insert? Please elaborate? It sounds like there is a way to setup the MB so that it is easy to install? If so, it will probably get my order.

Jul 1st, 2004, 02:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
lespurgeon Petrol or beer? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 01:18 PM Posts: 1,116 Offline	Cool - I think I know what to do. What bike rack do you have? Mt. Blanc, Thule, or Yak? Trying to decide which bolt-on gear will go with the rack.

Jul 2nd, 2004, 05:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
coulsoni MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2004 Local Time: 04:18 PM Posts: 15 Offline	I've also had the MB rack for about a month and am pretty happy with the item. It mounts relatively quickly - 15 mins (I cut it to size and it seems ok), requires no drilling and you can fit a variety of attachments (e.g. Thule bike racks, Canoe carriers, snow board/ski carriers). I bought my rack on line from the UK for 120 pounds but was shocked when my folks had to pay 85 pounds to ship the item. Still this was about $100 cheaper than having the factory rack installed. To date I have safely carried a Mtn Bike and a 16' canoe with no problems (not at the same time though). There are a few minor marks on the roof when I removed the rack yesterday (it had been on for two weeks), but I am told these will wash off...keeping my fingers crossed. The rack is rated at 50 kg (it weighs 6 kg), which is a bit less than the factory one. Good luck with your choice.

Jul 2nd, 2004, 05:03 PM	#11 (permalink)
lespurgeon Petrol or beer? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 01:18 PM Posts: 1,116 Offline	Thanks, Looks like the MB for me with either MB or Thule bike & ski attachments. Got to click over to MOSS now...

Jul 10th, 2004, 06:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
MINI 59/04 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2004 Local Time: 04:18 PM Posts: 57 Offline	Check my gallery for photos of the MB carrier and Thule bike rack...works a treat Ian '04 MC Indi Blue

Jul 14th, 2004, 08:05 PM	#13 (permalink)
lespurgeon Petrol or beer? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 01:18 PM Posts: 1,116 Offline	Thanks - MB about to be ordered - will pick which bike & ski racks ot get once I get the basic rack. Thule looks good on there.

Sep 21st, 2004, 01:33 AM	#14 (permalink)
lespurgeon Petrol or beer? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 01:18 PM Posts: 1,116 Offline	I installed using ferdi's suggesiton - works like a dream - no issue of the bolts too short. I took photos (very easy install) and may to a DIY. Let me know if you are interested in one.

Sep 21st, 2004, 02:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
jwardell MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Newton, MA Local Time: 06:18 PM Posts: 5,410 Offline	lespurgeon a how-to would be greatly appreciated, I plan to order one before the start of the ski season, which is now getting very close. A how-to always makes things much easier. http://www.jwardell.com/mini/

Oct 1st, 2004, 07:49 AM	#16 (permalink)
lespurgeon Petrol or beer? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 01:18 PM Posts: 1,116 Offline	Mont Blanc I installed the Mont Blanc. I think it is a great option. The first big thing - which I learned from ferdi here on the boards, is only cut off the front spacer, leave the back one full width, then the rack will be very easy to mount. I have attached a photo of the spacers (one cut, one not) . I have also attaced a photo of the rack on the car. There are more photos in my gallery. A DIY/FAQ would be overkill- this is a very easy rack to install. I have a Mont Blanc 6-ski attachmetn on the way. Attached Thumbnails

Oct 1st, 2004, 02:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
jwardell MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Newton, MA Local Time: 06:18 PM Posts: 5,410 Offline	Good photos, thanks. Some more questions: Any other recommended place to buy the MB other than Moss? And what ski holders are recommended to use with it? http://www.jwardell.com/mini/

Oct 6th, 2004, 01:13 AM	#18 (permalink)
lespurgeon Petrol or beer? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 01:18 PM Posts: 1,116 Offline	Moss for me. I don't know of any other US dealers. I got a Mt. Blanc 6-pair Ski-rack attachment from prorack (or sportrack or something like that) (run a web search for Mont Blanc and Ski) for $99. I have not installed it ot the rack yet (came yesterday) - but a very easy install. The deal was better than buying a Thule attachment locally (which I considered, I think they have the same bar size). Last edited by lespurgeon : Feb 19th, 2007 at 10:51 PM.

Oct 7th, 2004, 03:24 PM	#19 (permalink)
jwardell MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Newton, MA Local Time: 06:18 PM Posts: 5,410 Offline	OK. I'll probably just get it from MSS then. Is there a reason they only offer the 6-pair rack and not the 8-pair rack? I'm thinking two pair + snowboard. I know it's available elsewhere (and cheaper). http://www.jwardell.com/mini/

Oct 7th, 2004, 05:50 PM	#20 (permalink)
aldini MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monterrey Local Time: 05:18 PM Posts: 27 Offline	Yakima roof rack pics Since you mention it. I haven'r seen any pics of yakima roof rack here, anyone has pictures? still try to decide myself if I go for the factrory roof rack or something else. Sounds scary to expend $900 for rack!

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