X3 with a bike rack

[JCL]

We sold our X5 last summer, and bought an X3 for my wife. One of the reasons was so that we could continue to carry bikes from time to time, as well as all of the associated gear.

The rack is a Thule with 450 Crossroad feet to attach to the BMW rails. We use Thule attachments for the single bikes, and an ATOC carrier for the tandem (or a single, without the rail extension). Some windnoise, but not noticable with the sunroof closed. The bikes make as much or more noise than the rack itself. The X3 is more convenient to load than the X5, being a few inches lower. The X5 wasn't a problem (I am 6"4") but this is a cakewalk. Also, the X3 turns out to have longer rails than the X5, something that comes in very handy with the tandem.

First ride of the year for us today, and beautiful weather here in Vancouver, about 19 C. There were bikes out everywhere. All shots were taken with a new Canon SD870 that we picked up to throw in a pocket when we were out; not the quality of the DSLR, but handy. I just have to learn how to use it, lol.

[E61Silver]

Nice set-up and great photos.

What are the details on the bike?

[JCL]

The tandem bike is a Co-Motion Supremo Co-Pilot. That translates as a custom built racing tandem, PPG White Mica paint, Reynolds 631 zonally butted tubing, complete with S&S couplers so that it can be taken apart (airline checkable). Equipment includes Dura-Ace triple drivetrain/brakes/shifters, Alpha Q carbon seatposts, Alpha Q X-2 full carbon fork, FSA Gossamer Mega Exo bottom bracket and crankset, Chris King headset, FSA OS-115 stem, FSA RD250 handlebars, Rolf Prima Vigor wheelset and Continental 4000 rubber. We added a Shimano Flight Deck computer,a Thudbuster seatpost in the stoker position, and Shimano XTR pedals. Co-Motion put it at 30 lbs, but that is without the couplers and pedals. Suffice to say it is a nice and light tandem, pretty close in weight to a lot of single mountain bikes, excellent handling, and faster than we are. We were cruising at 32-36 km/hr, and peaked at 48 km/hr today on the flats. Downhill it is fast enough to terrify anyone.

I don't do many mods to my BMWs, but bikes are a whole different story....

Single bike not shown, but it is a Trek OCLV carbon 5200 with Ultegra components. I keep thinking about a new Madone performance fit, in white, with a Project One paint scheme. Maybe next year.

[E61Silver]

I have Lemonds steel bike (full Ultegra carbon fork) which I have owned for about five years, I am replacing the tires and tubes this year.

I continue to look at the carbon bikes and think about getting one.