Bike Carrying Options for 2012 Mini Countryman  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To carry bikes on your 2012 Mini Countryman, you'd need to either use a hitch and a hitch mounted bike rack, or you'll need to install a roof rack and carry your bikes on the roof. None of our bike rack manufacturers offer a trunk mount bike rack that is compatible with your vehicle.

As long as your Countryman isn't a John Cooper Works model, you could install the Curt # C11333 hitch. You'd then install a Class I compatible bike rack in the hitch. I'd recommend the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. The Trailhead is a moderately priced rack that has several desirable features such as anti-sway cradles, an angled shank for excellent ground clearance and plenty of clearance between the rack and the rear vehicle bumper.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance.

If you wanted to carry the bikes on your roof, you'd install a roof rack using the SeaSucker # 298-SX6000B roof rack. The rack uses 6 vacuum cups (think super-strong suction cups with 210 lbs of pull strength apiece). This rack would make a great base for attaching a roof mounted bike rack.

You'd then install a bike rack on the crossbars. The Thule FastRide, part # TH95JV would be a good choice.

If you click the provided links, you can see the bike racks I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L

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