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Topic Closedbike carriers: hitch or roof rack?

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albuerne View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: bike carriers: hitch or roof rack?
    Posted: July/16/08 at 2:17am
Hey folks

Does anyone have any experience with using a tow hitch or a roof rack bike carrier?  Stuffing the bike in the back is getting old fast.

Has anyone worked with a local place to get a hidden tow hitch installed?

Thanks!

Alex
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/08 at 2:56am
We have the Mini do More hitch and use a receiver bike carrier on our 05 MCS Convertible. It works well and gives you the option to pull a small trailer. I wanted a trailer hitch and the roof rack wasn't an option for us. Also if you don't plan to tow, you don't have to wire it for trailer lights. Coll
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/08 at 3:03am
I use the MINI Do More hitch also.  Best option out there....
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/08 at 4:19am
We use a roof rack and love it! We have the Thule V2 fork mounts and they work great. 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/08 at 6:38am
I can help you install the mdm receiver/mount.  Got one on my car for the tire trailer.  Pat
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/08 at 7:10am
I've got the Sportlink option with bike rack, and love it!  Plus it has the added benefit of making my car mysterious .... what are those extra silver things on the back end?  (Roy tells them it's smoke screen and oil slick....)  Wink
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/08 at 8:31am
Does anyone know if this would fit on a bike rack on a MINI? I usually transport it in my old truck. but would be nice to have something more comfortable to drive it in.
 
 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/16/08 at 11:52am
Originally posted by scoop scoop wrote:

Does anyone know if this would fit on a bike rack on a MINI? I usually transport it in my old truck. but would be nice to have something more comfortable to drive it in.
 
 
 
Posted at 4:31pm even Tongue
 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/18/08 at 2:44am
Seriously, I have this bike and mean to stop by REI to ask.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/18/08 at 4:57am
How long is that wheelbase scoop?  It looks extra huge.

I've done some more research and there's a place on the eastside that will do custom hitches, its Mann's Hitch & Truck accessories.  Has anyone worked with them?

Alex
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/18/08 at 6:09am
Not sure how long. It's a stretch cruiser. I think 6 feet. popular in SoCal. Not so much on Alki.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/19/08 at 2:24pm
I have a sort of brace for my bike that I use when I put it on the rack.  It runs between the handlebars and the seat, to provide a good horizontal bar to clamp in the rack - makes mounting a ladies' bike much easier.  Maybe something like that would work, if it would reach?  Mine telescopes, so it's adjustable, but it maxes out at about 30" from neck to seat mount.   Mine's made by Yakima ... apparently the technical term is "tubetop"
 
 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/20/08 at 2:37pm

I've considered getting a bike rack also for my MINI.  I think I'd prefer to put it on the tail rather than overhead.  Is there any specific drawbacks comparing one to the other?  Also, are the costs about the same?  I have the rear park distance control, so I suppose I'd hear the beep, beep, beep when I put my car in reverse?  I have the rear fog light also.



Edited by Hapa Haole - July/20/08 at 2:40pm
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/21/08 at 5:43am
I've made the decision.  I found a custom hitch installation place who has done a few Mini's before and they'll be able to install a completely hidden hitch.  I'll post pics, probably early next week.

It's not cheap, $425 just for the hitch, but it could be the perfect solution.

Here's the link: http://www.mannsh*tch.com/page2.cfm

Alex
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: July/21/08 at 1:37pm
The Minidomore is only $325 and is completely hidden from view when not in use. Installation was fairly easy. My $.02
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