Bike Carrying Options for 2012 Mini Countryman
Question:
which rack can be used for the above vehicle? thanks
asked by: Jerry F
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
SeaSucker Monkey Bars Roof Rack - Round Bars - Vacuum Cup Mount - 48" Long
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Round Bars
- 48 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- SeaSucker
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Thule FastRide Roof Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Fork Mount
- Roof Bike Racks
- Fork Mount
- 9mm Fork
- Bike Lock
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Quick
- Black
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
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