Need advice on carrying bicycles

[nicknaz]

Hi all,

I've been looking into roof cross bars and bicycle carriers, and am planning to buy the OEM cross bars and 2 of the bicycle carriers.

Anyone have advice on the OEM gear, and whether there are other brands I should look at ? Or should I be thinking about mounting a carrier at the rear of the x1 instead of the roof?

Thanks!

[vstolpner]

I would suggest for the rear mount via a hitch. The roof mount makes the car very tall and all garages become inaccessible. With the trunk mount, dirt gets in-between the straps and vehicle body and ends up scratching the paint. Hitch mount carriers seem to be the only way to go IMO.

[nicknaz]

Thanks for the advice on the hitch. I didn't see any OE parts for that.

Is there a recommended aftermarket part? Our X1 is leased, so I'm really reluctant to do anything permanent

By the way, I came across this E84 specific rear bike carrier

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Anyone have first hand experience?

[vstolpner]

So depending on your setup you may not need to change anything for that carrier - if you do it's a swap to a different BMW crush bar and can be done at the dealer or by yourself.

Otherwise majority of hitches are bolt on and can be easily removed. Reach out to your dealer, most likely they won't care about the hitch.

Check out my hitch review, really like it. There is another example on the DIY part of this forum. As you can see they're all easy to install and remove without notice.

[Jump1]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Thanks for the advice on the hitch. I didn't see any OE parts for that.

Is there a recommended aftermarket part? Our X1 is leased, so I'm really reluctant to do anything permanent

By the way, I came across this E84 specific rear bike carrier

http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Anyone have first hand experience?

I had that carrier installed last summer and it works well. My only complaint is the length of the tire straps, a bit short for mtb tires. There may be optional strap length but I didn't check. The dealer had to swap out the the steel inner bumper to one with two tow eyes like the Euro version, not clear why we don't get the same bumper, would save a few bucks. My original bumper had two ports but only one tow eye.
I can put the rack on or take it off in a couple of minutes by myself, and I'm in my 60's. I use a 1/2" ratchet with 10mm hex bit, it's a lot faster than the provided Allen wrench.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Jump1

I had that carrier installed last summer and it works well. My only complaint is the length of the tire straps, a bit short for mtb tires. There may be optional strap length but I didn't check. The dealer had to swap out the the steel inner bumper to one with two tow eyes like the Euro version, not clear why we don't get the same bumper, would save a few bucks. My original bumper had two ports but only one tow eye.
I can put the rack on or take it off in a couple of minutes by myself, and I'm in my 60's. I use a 1/2" ratchet with 10mm hex bit, it's a lot faster than the provided Allen wrench.

Thanks for the advice! Our X1 has the 2 ports on the bumper cover as well, so I thought I was good to go, but maybe not, based on your comments.

I guess I'll need to price out hitch + carrier vs the OEM carrier and go from there.

[vstolpner]

It's easy to check if you have the correct crush bar. Just open the two ports in the back - if you see a screw port on both sides then you're good to go, if you only see one then you need to replace it.
If you're unsure just post photos and I'll confirm.

[PrematureApex]

While more expensive, I love our Thule 460R + 47" Aeroblades. Much lower profile than the OE crossbars.

But yeah, don't drive into any parking garages with your bikes on top...although one would think that would be blatantly obvious and not a big cause for concern absent a blunderous mistake.

That being said, we wanted to be able to use a roof box cargo box as well, so if you're only concerned with bikes, the hitch mount isn't a bad call.

[themishmosh]

A tow hitch is not hard to install. They only cost about $125 or so too.

But with either roof or tow hitch, you want a bike carrier that you can use in the future. I like the fact that there are nice rear tow hitch carriers that can be removed without tools. I only have my hanging bike carrier on when I carry bikes.

[walendvay]

been using old school thule rectangular bars for 20 years. all of my old bike and kayak attachments work well. Up on the roof, out of the way. Lower the seat and perhaps use a fork lock (take the front wheel off).

[Jump1]

Yes, it's true that the BMW rack is not transferable to other vehicles brands, but any I've seen for sale disappeared quickly. Hopefully BMW would retain the hole spacing so the rack could be used on future models of the X1. I had a hitch mount on my Subaru Forester but the rack would offset the bike to one side or the other, and one bike wheel would protrude out from the side of the car by close to a foot. On the BMW rack the bike is pretty much centred and the wheels stick out less than the mirrors. I like that style of rack, where the bike is supported underneath rather than hanging, but that's just personal preference. That style is available from various manufacturers in a hitch mount as well.
Yes, tools are required, I keep a ratchet and hex bit in the car, but, included with the rack, is a large 10mm Allen wrench and a pipe for leverage. The ratchet is quicker, I take the rack off when not in use.
A hitch mount is more versatile. If you think that you may want to tow a small utility trailer or boat, get the hitch mount with wiring.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by vstolpner

It's easy to check if you have the correct crush bar. Just open the two ports in the back - if you see a screw port on both sides then you're good to go, if you only see one then you need to replace it.
If you're unsure just post photos and I'll confirm.

I just checked and the bar needs replacing.

Looks like i need to search for this part or buy new since the MRS is not thrilled with having to deadlift bikes onto the roof

(or I could go with the hitch idea

[vstolpner]

Check my thread on the EcoHitch I installed. I like that the receiver can be removed and you don't see the hitch assembly at all but it takes 30 seconds to get it up and running again.

Plus with a hitch you can throw on a tray and carry coolers/scooters/other equipment.

[Ja Gio]

I went with the Draw-Tite hitch. Bought from a dealer who installed it - under $300, total. It's not hidden, but doesn't look bad at all. I like the greater tongue weight than the hidden hitches. I already owned a nice 4 bike rack. I will likely do as vst suggested and get a tray to carry coolers and other gear.

[vstolpner]

Yeah this is my first hitch so I'm still getting the accessories together, but I noticed the trays are fairly inexpensive at $50-$100 and most fold up when not in use for easier parking at the destination.

@Ja Gio - which bike carrier do you have? And how do you like it?

[Kelly5094]

I bought a Curt hitch, it's not hidden but looks great. I had it installed and I use a Saris Thelma 2 rack. It's a perfect size and folds up nicely when not in use.

[Ja Gio]

vstolpner - I have an older version of Thule Parkway 4 Bike 956 - same features, though - very strong, holds bikes securely. The rack locks onto the hitch, and the rack has a built-in cable lock.

[FunkyTang]

I just purchased a 2014 BMW X1 and noticed that I don't have both tow hook connections for the rear bicycle carrier. My road bike fits in the car with the rear seats folded down. But if I want to carry two bikes, I'll need a bike rack.



Here are the part numbers for the rear bicycle carrier from RealOEM.



My dealership, BMW of Houston North 77090 is having a 30% sale this month.



The bike rack and bumper carrier are normally $850 plus tax, plus shipping. If you elect to have it shipped to the dealer, you can save the $200 shipping.

[FunkyTang]

Here is a pic of the rear bicycle carrier.



Here is a few pics of the bumper carrier.

[vstolpner]

Are you using a harness for the lights? And do you have photos of how it hooks up?

[nicknaz]

nice thanks for the pics

[FunkyTang]

Originally Posted by vstolpner

Are you using a harness for the lights? And do you have photos of how it hooks up?

There aren't lights, reflectors or anything red on the US rear bike carrier. So I don't require a harness.