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There is no doubt that the Mini Cooper is a popular little hatchback. It has its unique style, its unique personality, and its unique shape.
The latter can make it tough to find the perfect bike rack. You can spend countless hours trying to track down the bike rack that is perfect for both your Mini and your lifestyle.
We have created our list of the best bike racks for the Mini Cooper in hopes of making the task of finding the right fit a less daunting one.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Bike Racks For Mini Cooper
- OUR TOP PICK: Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack
- RUNNER-UP: SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best Mini Cooper Bike Racks
- What Makes a Great Bike Rack for a Mini Cooper?
- How Do I Choose a Bike Rack For My Mini Cooper?
- Review of the Best Mini Cooper Bike Racks
- What Do I Need To Know Before Buying a Bike Rack for a Mini Cooper?
- Types of Bike Racks Compatible With Mini Coopers
- How to Install a Bike Rack on a Mini Cooper
- Conclusion
- People Also Ask
Comparison of the Best Mini Cooper Bike Racks
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What Makes a Great Bike Rack for a Mini Cooper?
Not all bike racks are created equal. So, what makes a great bike rack for a Mini Cooper?
Ease of Use
Ease of use applies to any car, not just a Mini Cooper. When getting ready to hit the road, the last thing you want to be doing is the prep work, or more specifically, spending too much time with that prep work. Being able to get the bike loaded up on the rack quickly will ultimately mean spending more time on the bike when you reach your destination.
Fuel Economy
There is a good chance that one of the key selling features for your Mini was its fuel economy. While most, if not all, bike racks are going to affect fuel economy to some degree, you want to find one that impacts this the least.
Compactness
Not everyone is looking for a bike rack that is a permanent fixture on their Mini. Instead, many are probably looking for something removable when not in use. Storage of that bike rack now comes into play. Not everyone has access to a garage or maybe a basement with ample storage space and would instead prefer to have a bike rack that they can store easily in a small space.
How Do I Choose a Bike Rack For My Mini Cooper?
It is essential that a bike rack suit not just your Mini Cooper but suits your specific needs as well. Here are some things that may help when making that choice.
Weight Capacity
Different bike racks have different weight capacities. You want to make sure that the bike rack you chose is capable of handling what you need. Carrying a heavy bike on a bike rack that cannot support the weight will lead to damaging your Mini, or perhaps even more seriously, the bike rack itself may break, causing the bike to fall off while driving and endangering you and all those around you.
Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe (Source)
Bike Capacity
Maybe you enjoy the solitude of going on a ride by yourself, or you prefer to ride with friends and loved ones. Whichever the case, you need to choose a bike rack that will handle your specific situations.
Warranty
A company must stand behind its product. While no one anticipates having issues with the products they buy, a company that offers a good warranty assures us that if we do have any problems, then there won't be any problems getting the issues resolved.
Review of the Best Mini Cooper Bike Racks
You might by now have a decent idea of what you are looking for in a bike rack for your Mini Cooper, so let’s take a look at our top picks.
Best Overall:
Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers are impressed with the overall construction of the Saris Bones Bike Rack. Its injection-molded plastic frame makes it lightweight while not sacrificing strength and durability. While initial installation may be tedious and time-consuming, loading bikes onto the rack is quick and easy.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack offers reliable, lightweight construction that is sure to withstand the elements for years to come. Both the rack and the bike are stable during transport leaving the little worry of the bike shifting or moving around and possibly damaging the vehicle or the bike itself.
Bottom Line
The universal design of the Saris Bones Trunk Bike Rack ensures that with a bit of initial work, it will fit perfectly on a Mini Cooper. The bike rack’s solid construction is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, giving peace of mind that if anything does happen, Saris will stand behind their product.
Runner-up:
SeaSucker Talon Single Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
When it comes to suction cup bike racks, there is always some skepticism as to whether they can hold to the vehicle properly when under pressure. But most buyers of the SeaSucker Talon agree that under any condition, the suction cups hold well and leave the little worry of them every releasing from the vehicle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The ease of use of the SeaSucker Talon is second to none. The rack installs on the vehicle in a matter of seconds, and even though the front wheel needs to be removed to mount the bike, the Talon is often quicker to set up than many other bike racks.
Bottom Line
The Seasucker Talon is a compact, easy to use the bike rack. That compactness and ease of use are perfect for spur of the moment travelers who want to be able to load up and get on the road quickly. The incredible holding power of the vacuum suction cups means that you don't have to worry on longer trips.
Best for the Money:
Tyger Auto TG-RK1B204B Deluxe
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent purchasers of the Tyger Auto Deluxe are impressed with the construction quality and the stability of the bike rack when in transport. The Tyger Auto Deluxe offers the quality and features of a more high-end bike rack at a fraction of the price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The price of the Tyger Auto Deluxe is what makes it stand out to us. The design is basic, but this rack offers incredible stability and all-around security for an outstanding price. Offering many of the same features as higher-end bike racks, it is an appropriate option for those on a budget but still looking for a quality bike rack that meets their needs.
Bottom Line
If spending a lot of money isn’t an option, quality should not have to suffer because of it. The Tyger Auto Deluxe maintains the same quality as higher-end bike racks at a price that can’t be beaten.
Best Mini Cooper Convertible Bike Rack:
Thule 927002 Velocompact
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers are impressed with every aspect of this bike rack. Although the bike rack is on the heavy side, it quickly makes up for that with its solid construction and worry-free travel. While not as compact as other racks, customers are impressed with both its ease of installation and use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Thule is a company whose reputation is second to none. Thule stands behind their product, and their customer support is outstanding if problems do arise, or even if you need clarification on how to install it or how to secure the bike. The Velocompact is easy to use, even for novice riders just new to transporting their bikes.
Bottom Line
With quality construction and outstanding customer support, you can't go wrong with any product in Thule’s line up. The Velocompact bike rack is a high-quality product that is strong, sturdy, and easy to use, whether you’re a veteran to traveling with your bikes or this is the first rack you’ve ever purchased.
Best Mini Cooper Bike Rack Rear Mount:
Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A big selling feature for recent buyers was the fact that the rack fits spoilers, as many bike racks do not. Although the installation may not be as simple as other bike racks, the stability and security of the bike when in transport more than make up for some of the hassles of installation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Hollywood Racks went above and beyond to design a rear mount bike rack that not only fits over the vehicle's spoiler but does so without damaging the paint, thanks to its high-rise frame. The frame design also keeps bikes out and away from the vehicle, preventing damage to the hatch, and the anti-sway cradle keeps the bikes stable while driving.
Bottom Line
The Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top bike rack may not be the easiest rack to install, but the attention to detail in both design and quality quickly makes that a minor issue. The rack design prevents any damage to the vehicle and the bike, thanks to its high-rise frame and anti-sway cradle.
Best Mini Cooper Hitch Bike Rack:
CURT 18030 Extendable Hitch Bike Rack
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers praise the Curt Extendable Trailer hitch Bike Rack’s solid construction. The threaded bolt that attaches the bike rack to the hitch receiver is a bonus and makes the bike rack incredibly more stable when compared to hitch racks that come with a simple pin attachment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Curt is well known for high-quality construction on all of their products, and this bike rack is no exception. The added stability of a threaded bolt to attach the bike rack to the receiver and a stabilizer strap means the bikes travel well, with minimal movement, keeping the bikes safe and minimizing the damage that can often be associated with hitch bike racks.
Bottom Line
A big concern with many trailer hitch bike racks is the amount of movement they sometimes have while driving. This movement can often lead to scratched or damaged bikes and vehicles. Curt has gone above and beyond to provide hardware that does its best to minimize movement and, in turn, protect your investments.
Best Mini Cooper Bike Roof Rack:
Yakima RaptorAero Upright Bike Carrier
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The quality and sturdiness of this bike roof rack have recent customers impressed. Couple that with the fact that the bike rack is relatively inexpensive when compared to other roof bike racks, and you have a quality product built by a reputable company for a great price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Yakima is another company that holds an outstanding reputation for building high-quality vehicle accessories. The RaptorAero roof bike rack is no exception. This bike rack offers the quality construction Yakima is known for with worry-free transportation.
Bottom Line
The Seasucker Mini Bomber is a compact, easy to use the bike rack. Its versatility is perfect for SUV owners that are in the market for a roof bike rack but want to eliminate a lot of the hassles associated with loading a bike onto a larger vehicle.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying a Bike Rack for a Mini Cooper?
There are, of course, some things you need to consider when installing a bike rack on a Mini Cooper.
A Bike Rack Will Affect Fuel Economy
A selling feature of the Mini Cooper is fuel economy. It is essential to know that, as minor of a change as it may be, a bike rack of any kind will negatively affect that fuel economy. Whether it is because of the weight of the bike rack and bikes combined or the aerodynamics, fuel economy will most certainly change.
Always Be Sure Of Proper Fit
While many bike racks claim to be universal, they are only so to a certain degree. Before buying a bike rack for your Mini Cooper, be sure that it will fit properly. Don’t assume that it will work just because it claims to be universal, or you may end up with a bike rack that does not secure to your Mini, one that won’t properly hold the bike to the car, or a bike rack that doesn’t fit at all.
Be Conscious Of All the Gear You May Be Carrying
Chances are if you’re transporting your bike, you’re probably transporting other gear with it. This other gear is often overlooked when considering what type of bike rack to buy. Keep in mind that many hitch racks and over the top bike racks will limit, if not completely obstruct, access to rear cargo areas, making them a huge hassle when transporting other gear.
Types of Bike Racks Compatible With Mini Coopers
Rear Mount Bike Rack
Rear mount bike racks are perhaps the easiest rack to use when it comes to a Mini Cooper. As the name implies, a rear mount bike rack is one that will mount either into the tow hooks on the rear bumper of your Mini or into a trailer hitch tow bar. Rear mount bike racks designed for a Mini will usually mount to the rear tow hooks, while a universal one makes use of a trailer hitch tow bar. Most rear mount racks do require some form of assembly before use, but once assembled, they simply slide into the receiver and are secured with either a pin or a bolt. Rear mount bike racks are a great choice for those that want a no-nonsense bike rack for those quick trips.
Roof Bike Rack
While not as quick and easy to use as a hitch rack, a roof bike rack is often a top choice for those who are looking for a more permanent rack for their Mini Cooper. Often installed once and left on the vehicle, roof bike racks offer a secure and stable transportation option that many who are taking their bikes on long trips are looking for. A roof bike rack does require the use of pre-installed vehicle roof racks, so if your Mini Cooper does not have them, it may be another expense you would have to incur.
Over-The-Top Rack
An Over-The-Top bike rack does as it says: sits over the top of the rear hatch. These bike racks generally come ready to use out of the box, and when not in use, are foldable and easily stored away. Since most are considered universal and not designed to fit one vehicle, initial installation can be a little tedious. Once you have the proper fit, however, an Over-The-Top bike rack can be easy to mount and dismount and offer a reliable, secure traveling experience.
How to Install a Bike Rack on a Mini Cooper
How you are going to install a bike rack on your Mini is going to depend on not only what type of bike rack you are purchasing but the complexity of that rack as well. Here is a quick rundown on installing each type of bike rack, but remember to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure a proper installation. We have also provided a link below that you can follow for helpful instruction.
Rear Mount Bike Rack
Typically, the easiest rack to install, a rear mount bike rack will slide into either the factory tow hooks on the rear bumper of your Mini or into the tow bar of an installed trailer hitch. Once in place, it is then just a matter of securing the rack with the provided bolts or pins.
Roof Bike Rack
Roof bike racks do require the vehicle to have roof racks and crossbars installed. Most roof bike racks are universal fit, meaning they come with all the necessary hardware to mount on several styles of crossbars. Once the bike rack is assembled according to the manufacturer’s directions, installation is usually a matter of lining the bike rack up onto the crossbars and bolting it down with the provided U-bolts or brackets.
Over-The-Top Bike Rack
Installation of an Over-The-Top bike rack can vary considerably depending on the bike rack, but the general idea is the same. Over-The-Top bike racks will rest on the back of the vehicle. Straps will then be placed at both the top and the bottom of the hatch and then tightened into place. Because installation can vary depending on the style of the rack, please be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions to get a proper, secure fit.
Conclusion
The many options available when choosing a bike rack for your Mini Cooper can seem overwhelming. The important thing is to choose the one that fits your lifestyle. Your specific needs are what is going to help you determine which is best for you. We hope that this rundown of the best bike racks for your Mini Cooper has helped make your choice a little less overwhelming.
People Also Ask
Buyers often have questions when looking to purchase a bike roof rack for their Mini Cooper. While those questions will vary depending on a buyer’s specific needs, here are some of the most common ones that get asked.
How Much Will a Bike Rack Affect My Gas Mileage?
For the most part, a drop in gas mileage will be minimal, but with added weight or drag to your vehicle, it will change. Typically, you can expect a drop anywhere from one or two miles per gallon to four or five miles per gallon, depending on which rack you chose.
Will a Bike Rack Damage My Mini Cooper?
Manufacturers go out of their way to ensure they provide the hardware needed to protect your Mini from damage. Provided the rack is installed the way the manufacturer suggests, it should not damage your vehicle.
How Many Bikes Can I Carry on a Mini Cooper?
The number of bikes you can fit on your Mini Cooper will vary depending on the type of rack you chose. While a roof bike rack will provide you room to carry one or two bikes, rear mount racks, and over-the-top racks provide enough room for up to four bikes.
