Cycling with your bikes these days is a thing! A nice breezy ride down some adventure trails or nearby parks may beckon you to just dump your bikes and go but what if you have a mini cooper?
People who ride SUVs or pickup vans usually have no problems when travelling with their bicycle because they can just load it in the rear end of their car, and they are good to go. It’s the people who drive sedans, or compact SUVs who face difficulties when they are planning to travel with their bikes.
It is primarily because in compact SUVs, hatchbacks, or sedans, the boot space is not adequate enough to accommodate a complete bicycle.
If you try to squeeze your bike into the available space, chances are that you might end up either damaging the interiors of your car, or you might introduce scratches on your bike.
So how can you travel with your bike if you are driving a hatchback, or a compact SUV like the Mini Cooper? The answer is simple: Bike Racks.
Bike racks are one of the main accessories used by riding enthusiasts who love driving their bikes on new, unexplored territories. A bike rack is an accessory that gets attached to your vehicle, and it is then used to hold your bicycle in place so that you can travel with it in peace.
Because a bike rack gets attached to your bike externally, it does not use up any internal space that can then be used to store other items like your luggage.
Now, if you head to online sites, or a local accessories shop near you, you will find that there are hundreds of bike racks that you can purchase for yourself today. These products differ from each other significantly, and they are made as per the specific needs of their customers.
A wide number of options, and a host of features is one of the major reasons why a lot of people struggle when it comes to picking the best bike racks for their personal use.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, here’s where we will introduce the “Best Mini Cooper Bike Racks”, and why you should opt for them over other alternatives.
Additionally, we will also provide you with a detailed buying guide, and what are the factors that you should keep in mind, when purchasing the best Mini Cooper Bike Racks.
Note: This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. I only provide unbiased reviews.
The Different Types of Bike Racks
Just like the various cycling accessories out there, there are different kinds of Bike Racks as well.
As a rider, who wants to carry their bikes everywhere, ask yourself the following questions: how do you want to carry your bike, how many bikes do you want to carry, how much does your bike weigh, how much can you spend on a bike rack?
There are a lot of other questions as well, but you get the drift! Different individuals have different requirements, which is why there is a need for different kinds of bike racks.
Regardless of your vehicle, there are three main types of Bike Racks that are available in the market: Rear mounted bike racks, Roof mounted bike racks, and Tow-Bar bike racks.
Let’s discuss them one by one.
1. Rear Mounted Bike Racks
Rear-mounted bike racks are probably the most popular, and widely sold bike racks of them all. These racks are metal frame structures that attach themselves to the back end of your car.
Versatility is one of the biggest strengths of these bike racks as it comes in multiple shapes, and sizes, and can accommodate multiple bicycles of different dimensions.
If you are on a tight budget, then the rear mounted bike racks should be your pick. The only downside when opting for a rear mounted bike is that it limits your visibility from the rear window.
If you are travelling with a larger bicycle, the bike might end up blocking your vehicle’s number plates, or the rear lights. Additionally, because the bike is in close proximity to your car, there might be some scratches on both the entities involved.
2. Roof Mounted Bike Racks
Roof Mounted Bike Racks are one of the most versatile, and useful bike racks of them all. A roof mounted bike rack gives you three options when it comes to tying your bike on the roof of your bike. You can either use the frame, or the forks, or the tires to hold your bike securely in place.
Frame gripping models are the most common method that consists of a bar that attaches to the frame of your bike, to keep the bike in place on the roof of your car. Although the bikes are stored securely, one might face the issue of travelling noise associated with the bike.
3. Tow Bar Bike Racks
If you have a family or a friend circle full of riding enthusiasts, and you are planning to carry multiple bikes with yourself, then the tow bar bike racks are the way to go. These bike racks allow you to load up to 4 bikes at once.
These tow bar bike racks are one of the best ways to travel with your bikes because not only are they stable, but they are easy to use and install.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Bike Rack
Now that you have decided what kind of bike rack you want, it is time for you to select the perfect bike rack as per your needs. Now there are several essential factors that you should remember when you are selecting the best Mini Cooper Bike Rack for your personal requirements.
Factor #1: Number of Bikes
One of the first conditions you should check for is the number of bikes you want to store on your bike rack. Most of the bike racks support two bikes at once, but there are several other racks that support up to 4 bikes at once, or are limited to just one bike per ride. So always opt for a bike rack that can accommodate the number of bikes you want to travel with.
Factor #2: Type of Bike
Although most bike racks are compatible with most bikes, there might be exceptions. Always make sure that the bike rack you are purchasing supports your bike, to avoid any issues ahead. If you have multiple bikes, then it is best to opt for a roof, and tow bar bike racks, because they are highly versatile, and they support the maximum number of bikes.
Factor #3: Strength
Always opt for a bike rack that is strong, and durable even if it costs you a few extra bucks. A strong bike rack goes a long way because it would be able to survive uneven terrains or high speeds with ease. It would not only prevent damages caused to your vehicle, and/or bike, but a major accident as well if the bike rack breaks down when you are on the move.
Factor #4: Usability
You would definitely not want a bike rack that requires you to devote hours for loading, and offloading the bikes. The car bike rack you choose should be easy to use. It should not require a lot of effort when unloading and loading the bikes, and it should be easy to install, and uninstall as per your requirements.
8 Best Mini Cooper Bike Racks: The Ultimate Guide
There are hundreds of bike racks in the market that might claim themselves as the “Best Bike Rack for Mini Cooper” or for other vehicles. But not everyone has enough time or money to try all the bike racks available in the market, and then decide which products suit their needs the best.
It is the reason why we bring you this list of the “Best Mini Cooper Bike Racks” so that you do not have to spend hours selecting the best product for yourself. Let’s begin.
#1: Saris Bones Car Bike Rack
Saris Bones is a popular name in the world of bicycle accessories, and the bike rack manufactured by them grabs the first spot on our list for a wide variety of reasons.
The biggest reason why the Saris Bones Car Bike Rack is so popular is because of its high versatility, and usability.
This bike rack matches its compatibility with almost 90% of all vehicles on the road, and it can be even installed on cars with spoilers with ease. It is strong, durable, holds the bike well, looks clean, simple and yet elegant.
The rack makes use of ratchet traps that fasten the bike to the rack, and grips it tightly.
The Saris Bones Bike Rack offers you almost everything you need from a bike rack, and the best part: it does not burn a hole in your wallet. The Saris Bones Car Bike Rack is one of the best value for money car bike racks you can purchase today.
#2: Thule Gateway Pro Trunk Bike Carrier
If you are a solo traveler, and the most you will ever travel is with one or two bikes, then the Thule Gateway Pro Trunk Bike Carrier might be perfect for you. The Thule Gateway is a robust bike carrier that is easy to use, durable, and strong enough for your bikes.
The bike carrier boasts of an anti-sway cradle, and a 7 inch spacing between your bike, and car to prevent accidental scratches. There is also an integrated cable lock that locks the bike with the carrier for added security.
There is a quick fit lever that helps you adjust the grip on the bike, and the compact fold of the bike rack is something worth spending your money on.
#3: KAC K1 Hitch Mounted Rack
If you are someone who always wants the best, and budget is not an issue for you, then you do not have to look past the KAC K1 Hitch Mounted Bike Rack for your Mini Cooper.
This bike rack by KAC K1 holds your bike as securely as it can get, and the anti-wobble system along with padded clamps go a long way in keeping your bikes secure.
Versatility is one of the biggest strengths of this bike, as it can be used to store almost every kind of bikes ranging from mountain bikes to fat tire bikes, to electric bikes.
You can store two bicycles of up to 60 pounds each, taking the total capacity to 120 pounds.
#4: Tyger Auto TG Deluxe Bike Trunk Carrier
The Tyger Auto Bike Trunk Carrier is one of the most affordable, yet useful bike carriers for your Mini Cooper. The bike carrier comes 100% pre-assembled, and it can be used on almost every car model, even the ones that have spoilers.
The bike carrier is both durable, and sturdy, and it can handle weights of up to 55 pounds or 25 KGs at once.
The bike carrier boasts of safety straps, and padded frames that keeps the bicycle stay away from the vehicle. Ratchet buckles grip your bike tightly, and ensure that they stay in place during the entirety of the rides.
Overall, if you are on a budget, and you need a single bike carrier, then the Tyger Auto TG Deluxe is the product you should be looking at.
#5: MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Bike Rack Platform
MaxxHaul is a name that needs no introduction amongst cycling enthusiasts, as they would have definitely heard this name at some point in their lives. The MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Bike is one of the best bike carriers you can buy currently.
There are dual padded hooks that secure the bike firmly. The bike carrier is compatible with almost all bikes with tire sizes falling in the range of 20 to 26 inches. The bike carrier supports two bikes, and has a maximum luggage capacity of 80 lbs or 40 lbs per bike.
#6: HyperMax Volt Eco Bike Carrier
Do you ride an electric bike that you want to take with yourself on your next trip to the hills? If yes, the HyperMax Volt eco should definitely be on your shopping list. The HyperMax Volt Eco is a bike carrier dedicated for electric bikes, and it can support almost any bike as long as they do not weigh more than 60 pounds.
There are soft sponge cladding hooks that grab your bike tightly without damaging it in any ways possible. There are dual key locks that secures the bike, and keeps it away from thieves. The rack is easy to use, assemble, and plant on your vehicle. Just basic DIY stuff.
#7: Beneta Bicycle Car Rack
The Beneta Bicycle Car Rack features a bold, and optimized design that makes it suitable for use on almost every vehicle including SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans, and more. The usability of the Beneta Bicycle car rack is one of its biggest strengths primarily because it not only has a tool free assembly, but it also boasts of dual folding arms, and a quick lift-gate access for compact transport, and easy storage.
The stand also features an anti-shaking bolt design that keeps your bike in place even if you have been riding it on uneven surfaces, and more. Overall, the Beneta Bicycle car rack is one of the best accessories you can have when you are on the move.
#8: Allen Sports Bike Trunk Rack
If you are on a budget, and you have multiple bicycles that you need to carry with you safely, and securely, then the Allen Sports Bike Trunk rack is the product that should be on your wishlist. The design is unique, and patented that makes it usable for sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and minivans.
The bike rack has 21-inch long arms that can easily accommodate up to 4 bicycles, and maximum bicycle weight of 140 pounds. You can easily set up this rack in just a few minutes allowing you to travel with your bike across the country instantly. There is a tie-down system in place that holds, and secures your bicycle in place firmly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a Bike Rack for Mini Cooper?
Yes, there are a lot of bike racks that are compatible with the Mini Cooper. The bike rack is one of the most popular accessories for the Mini Cooper vehicle, and there are multiple options to choose from as per your requirements.
2. Can you put a hitch on a Mini Cooper?
Yes, you can put a hitch, in fact any type of bike rack on your Mini Cooper, as long as the bike rack you have chosen is compatible with the vehicle.
3. How do you use a Mini Cooper Bike Rack?
The easiest way of using the bike rack on your Mini Cooper is by following the usage instructions that arrived with the bike rack package. It is so because different bike racks have different specifications, and they might have their own methods of use.
4. How do you carry a Bike on a Mini Cooper?
If you want to carry a bike on a Mini Cooper, you have two options: you can either disassemble the bike and store it in the trunk of your car, or you can simply purchase a bike rack.
Conclusion
There you have it: the best Mini Cooper bike racks that you can purchase today for your personal use.
There are multiple products on this list, and each one of them is perfect in their own way. Some of the products mentioned in this list go all out when it comes to features, but there are several bike racks that offer excellent value for money offering as well.