Options for Carrying Two Bikes With 2012 Mini Countryman

Question:

I am looking for a rear mount 2 bikes rack for a 2012 mini cooper countryman. It looks like the thule 910xt fits when I search, but when I look through the list of cars it fits, the mini cooper is not in the list. Will this work?

asked by: Jill

Expert Reply:

Your best bet would be to install a hitch like the Curt Class I hitch, part # C11333. Once the hitch is installed, it'll provide the perfect attachment point for a 2-bike rack. The Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360 would be an excellent, reasonably priced alternative that's very highly rated by our customers.

Thule doesn't offer any trunk mount bike rack fits for the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman. In their opinion, the rear of the vehicle isn't strong enough to support the weight of the rack plus the weight of the bikes carried upon the rack. Yakima has the same reservations about installing a trunk mount rack, and doesn't offer any recommendations. Some of our other manufacturers list fits for the Mini Cooper but not for the Countryman.

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. I'll link you to a video showing how the adapter bar works.

expert reply by: Mike L