2011 MINI Countryman rack preview

Update 12/14/11:  Since we last talked, Thule released its revolutionary AeroBlade and we can’t keep it on the shelves. So to reiterate, the Thule fit for the Countryman is in fact the 460/R Podium matched to the ARB47 crossbar (or LB50 w/ 460) and Fit Kit 4020 (and a 4-pack of locks to keep it all secure). You’re probably wondering how good this looks…so here it is…

Mini Countryman AeroBlades

Countryman looking sharp

Update 4/18/11: Thule has announced a 460/R Podium system for the Countryman, using Fit Kit 4020 to grip the flush rails.  These showing up at our stores this week; you can order online here or give us a call at 888.399.7225.  I’ll put up some pictures once we complete our first installation!

The first MINI Cooper Countryman just passed by my office window and got my gears turning…what will MINI do for roof racks this time?

2011 Mini Cooper Countryman...roof rails looking smooth

We all know that the MINI designers have a knack for unusual cars and interesting rack solutions. For instance, the Clubman first came with nothing but the body ridges down the sides, then they added a raised side rail after the car had been out for some time.

Looks like they’ve changed things up again on the Countryman. All cars will come standard with what we call a “flush rail”. If you don’t know what I mean, check out the picture below, or keep your eyes peeled for a late model Audi or BMW wagon or SUV…you can’t get your hand ‘around’ a flush rail. Usually for flush rails the solution from our vendors include the Thule Podium system or the Yakima Railgrab…we’ll have to wait and see what they announce, hopefully sometime early in 2011.  Hopefully we’ll also be getting a Whispbar system option.

Countryman rail view

Another strange feature on this car is what MINI’s website refers to as “rear-mounted bike rack prep”.  What this is I can’t figure out…is it a pre-installed hitch?  Is it a propriatary bike rack base?  I’ll let you know soon…our local MINI dealer here in Portland is still a couple weeks out on getting the cars (I’m told the East Coast has them already).  Hopefully the engineers didn’t mess this one up…any time a car manufacturer does something unique like this it could be awesome or a huge mistake.

Stay tuned, I’ll update the post when we see a Countryman in our shop.

-Scott

2011 Nissan Juke

Story begins here

UPDATE 1/15/11:  Yet another option for the Juke has been developed by the pro’s at Rack Attack!  Check out this 2011 Nissan Juke with the ProRack Whispbar system…

Juke Whispbar

This setup utilized the Whispbar S3 along with Fitting Kit 323.  Note that this is a custom and permanant option!  Take a look below at the very low profile mounting blocks.  These are the only parts that are permanently affixed to the vehicle.

Whispbar mount block

Finally, we added the Yakima Fat Cat 6 ski/snowboard rack.  Note that the rack is ‘jacked up’ on one side…this is so snowboard bindings on the upside-down boards don’t hit the roof.  It is not always necessary to lift the rack like this, but the customer wanted to start this way just to be safe.  Flattening out the rack is simply adjusting two screws on each carrier.

Whispbar with Fat Cat 6

It has finally arrived! For those of you who have been waiting for the the Nissan Juke to come stateside, it is here and we had the opportunity to rack it. The customer needed a rack system to get his snowboards to the mountain and we had solutions.

2011 Nissan Juke Ready for the Slopes

Either a simple-to-install clip fit with Thule’s 480 towers (for a more stylish option upgrade to Thule’s Aero bars), 50″ Load Bars, Fit Kit 1619 and a 4-pack of locks or if you are lucky enough to live close to one of our retail stores we can custom install a rack system.  UPDATE 1/27/11:  Yakima now has a Q tower fit.  Several trunk rack options exists now as well.  And Curt has a class I 1.25″ hitch!  Give us a call or check out our online fit guides at www.rackattack.com for more information.

It's loaded up and has one destination: Mountain!

Our customer opted for the custom installation, making removal and installation of the rack a snap! Add Yakima’s Fat Cat 4 or 6 ski and snowboard carrier, your friends, one weekend, a mountain and you have a recipe everybody wants!!

Close up view of the rack

Summary: This turbo all wheel drive crossover is the perfect vehicle to get you to the slopes and we have a couple of great options for racks.

Pro’s: The custom install gives you easy install and removal of the base rack system.

Con’s: Notice the roof sloping up? You have to take this into consideration for longer boats and cargo boxes that typically work best with larger bar spreads.

Call today and talk to one of our rack specialists to get your Juke a great rack system! 503-226-7300