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 MINI Countryman rack preview « Rack Attack Portland’s Blog [...]
Scott:
I ordered a new 2011 Countryman which is set to arrive 2 weeks or so. BUT, no word on the availability of the rear bike carrier. Dealer has no info, you cannot find product on any mini website, yet they are preping car for something that has not been produced. Also, some mention about trailer hitch and towing capacity, but I cannot find any info on a hitch for the 2011 Countryman.
Steve,
I went and checked out a Countryman yesterday at our local dealer, Rasmussen MINI. What a cool car! I was intrigued by the sleek low-profile roof rails and the alleged bike rack prep-package. The parts guys had no answer about the rear bike rack, but they did have available and in-stock the dealer accessory crossbars. These were the same as what we’ve seen in the past–aluminum ‘flush width’ and with the BMW/MINI proprietary top slot…meaning our Thule slot-based equipment (Xadapters) won’t work. Luckily, Yakima (and Thule too) has several wrap-around accessories that should work.
We speculated that the bike rack add-on may go into the small body-colored discs on the bumper. These usually cover the tow hook mounts on many German cars, and maybe the bike rack will utilize these mounts which happen to be evenly spaced on each side.
Let us know if you find anything in the meantime.
-Scott
bought a countryman and the bike rack yep it does go into the rear bumper holds two bikes is simple ewasy to work with but cost $600
MINI Countryman – Tow Hook and Bike Rack
Will the mini countryman base rack work with my thule systems; bike racks, kayak racks, etc?
I have a great set of aero bars I wanted to use on my new countryman, but it seems thule does not have the base feet availalbe yet in the usa.
suggestions welcome!
Surprise! Thule does have a system for the Countryman! It is the 460 Podium series with fit kit 4020. Feel free to give us a call for more details, 888.399.7225. Thanks!
The Yakima Railgrab solution works on my Countryman. The MINI bike prep package is a slick (but excessively expensive) “solution” that fits into the two rear tow hook fittings. The tow hooks on the back are the same size as the one on the front of the car. The bike rack base basically screws into the tow hook mounts. The rack proper then mounts onto that. See this video for a good look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d19_vitvoZQ