Our Verdict
The Kuat NV 2.0 is heavy and takes some dedicated space to store so you’ll want to leave it mounted most of the time. If that works, you are sure to appreciate the excellent quality, tons of features and attention to detail
For
- Integrated workstand
- Easy to tilt
- Integrated holder for 8mm wrench to adjust trays
- Hitch cam lock keeps rack from wobbling
- Stable when standing vertically for storage
Against
- Large and awkward to manoeuvre when storing
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Riding out of your front door is great but there's a whole world of riding. If you want to be able to drive to the ride then you need a good solid bike rack that you can depend on and one of the easiest ways to make that happen is with a hitch (or tow ball) mounted rack. Tow hitches are available for almost every car and they make for an easy-to-load, easy-to-remove option. Choose the right one and you can be sure your bike and your car will arrive looking as good as when you left.
One of our favourite options in this category is the Kuat NV 2.0 two-bike hitch rack. We included it in our list of the best bike racks for cars and now we've had a chance to spend some time with it. If you are looking for a bike rack that uses a hitch interface then keep reading to see what we think Kuat has done well.
Design and aesthetics
A rack is just a rack, right? When you take a look at the Kuat NV 2.0 2-bike rack you might feel a little different. This rack sits at the top of the food chain in the Kuat lineup and it shows it. In a way this is the expectation but it's worth mentioning anyway.
In the modern world, even low-quality products tend to nail reasonable welds. It's not done by hand and factory welds are almost always good quality, however, what does sometimes happen when a company cuts corners are defects in the powder coat. For the NV 2.0, Kuat starts with a black base then there are contrasting areas of silver, and there's also an option for a lighter grey base paired with contrasting orange details. Spend some time looking and the powder coating appears even with full coverage, there are no globs and there are no missed spots or flakes. The rack carries a quality construction that matches the price tag.
The real story of the Kuat NV 2.0 isn't the construction though. What sets it apart is the detail, the little design considerations that show how well thought out everything is. The hitch interface itself is an excellent example of this. Slide the rack into the hitch on the vehicle and there's no fighting with it. To lock it, slide the hitch pin through and install the lock. Move your hand back and you can find the hitch cam system, tighten it up and a small ball inside the hitch interface gets forced out from the rack. This tightens the rack to the hitch and ensures no movement as you drive. It requires no tools.
Pushing the rack into the hitch is best accomplished with the rack in its vertical position. From that position, put your foot on the spring-loaded pivot lever and it's now free to lower into position for use. Once in a flat position reach over to the same lever and grab the top with your hand. It pulls towards you, giving you plenty of leverage, and once released the rack will lower further for trunk access with a bike on the rack.
Bring the rack back to a flat position and it's ready for bikes. The 1.25in version means two bikes max, although if you've chosen the larger hitch there is an extra one-bike or two-bike extension available. The front tyre sits in the tyre cradle while the rear tyre sits on a bar with a slight curvature. This design means the rack handles up to a 50 inch / 1,270mm wheelbase and tyres as large as 4.8in as shipped or 5in with the Phat Bike Adapter Kit. Max weight per bike for the two-bike rack is 60lbs making e-bikes a possibility. There's also an available ramp if getting a 60lb lifted onto the rack sounds like a chore.
At the rear of the rack is the feature that sets the NV 2.0 apart from the NV Base 2.0, the Traildoc. The Traildoc is an integrated repair stand that stores at the rear of the rack. It is available for purchase later if you start with the Base version but there is a slight discount if you start with the package. You can also remove the Traildoc and use the included cover if you want to leave it at home.
Performance
The first time you open the box you'll have a rack in pieces and you'll need to budget time for assembly. Not much time though, this is an easy build and it's a one-time event. The only tool you'll need is a single hex wrench and there's a quality version included. Follow the instructions and in about 20 minutes you'll have a complete rack. Most of the time goes to positioning the rack and lining up the four bolts that hold everything together. There are only a few pieces and the whole job couldn't be easier.
With assembly out of the way the first thing I noticed was the weight. In my part of the world, these are the racks you see more than any other. I counted ten in a single midweek ride across the city. After spending time with the Kuat NV 2.0 I can attest to one of the reasons that they are so visible is because they are best left installed. With no bikes installed the rack is 52lbs and awkward to carry. If you plan to use the rack regularly then make use of the locking hitch pin and leave it installed on your car. The ease of tilting for trunk access makes living with it on your car easy enough to justify never removing it.
Another detail that helps with leaving it on the car has to do with ground clearance. Most pictures you can find will show the two-inch version of the rack. With that version of the rack, there is a long straight run from the hitch with a round cam at the end. The smaller hitch version stays at the same height as the hitch for about half as long before curving up. That means more clearance to avoid scraping as you enter, and leave, driveways. If the rack outlasts your car and you end up needing to change hitches, they are both available as an accessory.
If you do decide to move it, storing it will take some dedicated space. Kuat sells an accessory that mounts a faux hitch to the wall and I can see the appeal. Without buying anything though, it will stand vertically. You can fold one of the tyre retention clamps out for a third point of ground contact and even better stability.
While the weight is noticeable off the car, the thing I noticed most about using the NV 2.0 is the stability. There are racks that use a bolt to retain the rack in the hitch. If you don't tighten them down fully then the rack will sway in the hitch. With the cam system that the NV 2.0 uses you never have to crawl under the car to install it and it's easy to tighten it. The rack won't move and the bikes are solid. If you've got kids' bikes, the available adapter for smaller wheels will make sure their bikes are just as stable as yours.
There is an included cable lock but this is not a safe system to use. Cable locks are so fast, and silent, to cut that you will want to use something more secure in almost every situation. You might be okay at a trailhead but for any other situation, take a look at our list of the best bike locks for something more robust.
The Traildoc system fares better. It's not going to replace most of the options in our best bike repair stand list but it will generally work at the trailhead if you need to check something. Even if that seems like an unlikely scenario for you, one thing I found myself doing with it was just using it to hold my bike while hanging out at the trailhead.
Verdict
I've used Kuat racks for years. The bike retention system means no frame contact and your bike is safe. The NV 2.0 is what happens when you combine the best design considerations Kuat is capable of with that same great retention system. There is compatibility with almost every car, courtesy of a 1.25-inch hitch option. There is also compatibility with almost every bike owing to adjustable front wheel trays, add-ons for bigger or smaller tyres, and a high per bike weight rating. If you are thinking about the base vs the standard version, the high buy-in cost plus small discount for the Base means it's worth getting the repair stand just in case.
The downside to all the features is that it's so heavy that the Kuat NV 2.0 becomes somewhat unmanageable off the car. Removing and installing is a chore and storing it takes some space. If you expect to only use a rack occasionally there are other options but for those who use it regularly, Kuat has a winner.
Tech Specs: Kuat NV 2.0 2-bike hitch rack
- Price: $849 / £NA / €NA
- Available Colours: Grey Metallic with Orange Anodise, Black Metallic with Silver Anodise
- Carry Capacity: 2 Bikes, 3 Bikes with 1-Bike Add-On, 4 Bikes with 2-Bike Add-On
- (1-Bike and 2-Bike Add-Ons only work with the 2" version)
- Hitch Sizes Available: 1.25in (Fits 2in with Adapter), Dedicated 2in
- Rack Weight: NV 2.0: 52lbs, NV 2.0 & Add-On: 91lbs
- Max Wheelbase: 50-inches
- Max Tyre Width: 5-inches
- Compatible wheel sizes: 20- to 29-inch, Adapter needed for 20- to 24-inch
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Josh Ross
Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutia of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes.
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 140 lb.
Rides: Cannondale Topstone Lefty, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx
More about tech
Latest
FAQs
When was Kuat NV 2.0 released? ›
Springfield, MO (June 1, 2016) Küat Racks, manufacturer of lightweight, stylish and easy-to-use racks and accessories has released their latest offering, the NV 2.0, today.
Why is the Kuat NV 2.0 Not RV compatible? ›The reason the Kuat NV 2.0 Platform Bike Rack # NV22G that you referenced can't be used at the back of a motorhome is simply because the manufacturer has determined that mounting the carrier in this manner could potentially cause damage.
Where is Kuat manufactured? ›Research and development takes place in Springfield, and manufacturing is handled in China and Taiwan. U.S. Product is shipped back to Kuat's warehouse in Springfield, 4520 W. Kearney St., Ste. 100, and stored until distributed.
Do kuat racks rust? ›The Kuat Transfer is steel which means that it is susceptible to corrosion but only if the powder coating gets scraped off. If that happens then spraying some paint on it will help stop corrosion from starting.
What kind of hitch do I need for a kuat bike rack? ›All Kuat™ 2-bike hitch racks are approved for use on Class I hitch receivers. Our 3-bike Transfer and NV with Add-On will not work on Class I hitches.
How much weight can a Kuat bike rack hold? ›Capacity: Two bikes, up to 60 lbs. each (40 lbs. per bike with the 4-bike add-on)
Why are some bike racks not rated for RV? ›Expert Reply: Only certain bike racks are rated by the manufacturer for use behind RVs or trailers. This is simply because the ride at the rear of an RV is significantly rougher when compared to the rear of a standard passenger vehicle.
Can the kuat bike rack carry an ebike? ›Carry your electric bike safely and securely on the Kuat NV Base 2.0. Haul your bikes safely in style with Kuat lightweight hanging style rack with tilt down mechanism for easy vehicle access.
What are kuat bike racks made of? ›Luke Kuschmeader and his fellow co-founder first got the idea to design and sell aluminum bike racks when they saw a friend welding aluminum four-wheeler racks that attached to receivers. They couldn't find anyone else in the market making this type of bike rack, so they decided to give it a shot and created Küat.
What bike racks are made in the USA? ›- 1UP USA.
- Alta Racks.
- LOLO Racks.
- North Shore Racks (Canada)
- Pipeline Racks.
- QuikR Stuff.
- Saris.
- SeaSucker.
Can kuat bike rack go through car wash? ›
Many bike rack manufacturers recommend that you should remove the bike rack from your vehicle before going through an automatic car wash. The car wash brush might tangle or snag onto the bike rack, which could damage your vehicle, rack, or another person's car.
Where is Thule racks made? ›Where are Thule bike racks made? Thule is a Swedish company. Even so, while some of Thule products are actually manufactured in Europe 75% of them are made in the USA. Thule factories are located in Seymour, CT and Chicago, IL.
How do I keep my bike rack from rusting? ›Apply a small amount of oil to all moving parts.
Products like Boeshield T9 that are geared towards preventing metal from rusting or corroding are ideal. A small drop in all your locks and any pivot points on the rack will help keep them clean and moving like they are intended.
The Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack though features an aluminum construction, which is completely corrosion resistant so it's not something that will ever be an issue.
Is round or square hitch better? ›A round tube provides a sleeker look and will typically be a bit more hidden than a square bar. The particular design does not necessarily refer to its strength or capacity. There are trailer hitches available (for other vehicles) with a much higher capacity that feature s square crossbar.
What class hitch is the strongest? ›Class 4 Trailer Hitches
They are typically installed on heavy duty, full sized trucks. Curt Class 4 trailer hitches have a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds and a tongue weight capacity of approximately 1,000 pounds. These are heavy duty hitches for heavy duty hauling.
Class 5 Hitches Explained
Class 5 trailer hitches have the highest weight ratings of the receiver hitch classes, offering as much as 20,000 lbs. GTW. They are typically used on full-size pickups and commercial trucks. CURT offers two types of class 5 hitches.
If you're searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the way to go. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use.
What kind of bike rack is easiest to use? ›Hitch bike racks: These racks mount on the trailer hitch at the rear and allow you to easily get to your bikes with moderate lifting (unlike roof racks). They're simple to install and easy to use. They extend the length of your vehicle so backing up or maneuvering may be a concern for some.
Does a bike rack affect insurance? ›Adding a bike rack increases the risk for your insurer, which is why they will want to know about it and adjust your policy to cover the increased risk if deemed necessary.
Which is better roof or hitch bike rack? ›
While roof racks are a great choice for their versatility, they aren't the best option when it comes to accessibility. A hitch rack, on the other hand, is easy to access. If you need something from your hitch rack while on the road, you simply hop out and get it.
Do bike racks damage your bike? ›As long as you take good care of your hanging bike rack, there won't be any problems with leaving it outside. The bad things about hanging racks are that they can damage the finish of your bike, especially matte black ones. The paint will chip off if the metal components on the rack touch it repeatedly.
Why are some bike racks not suitable for electric bikes? ›Most standard TowBar bike racks can carry 2 - 3 bikes with a weight of up to 15kg each. However, electric bikes are usually around 20kg due to the battery and motor which can put a lot of the usual contenders out of consideration.
What kind of bike rack do you need for an eBike? ›The best solution to accommodate the weight of an eBike is to use a hitch-mounted platform bike rack. If your vehicle does not currently have a hitch installed, it can be added to most vehicles with a visit to your local mechanic or dealership and can even be a DIY activity.
Where are Yakima bike racks made? ›Our products are made in several locations. We have company owned factories in Taiwan and mainland China. We also build our cargo boxes, and do final fitting on a number of products at our facility in Southern California.
How much weight can a Kuat Sherpa hold? ›The Sherpa is built to handle 2 bikes with a max weight of 80 lbs (40 lbs each). The bike is secured to the Sherpa via a strap for the back wheel. And in the front is an arm that ratchets down to lock it securely in place. Now the Sherpa 2.0 is an all new design.
Where are rocky mount racks made? ›RockyMounts is a Colorado company and we love to call it home. It is a place that makes you appreciate where you've been and where you might go. Relocating to Grand Junction and the Western Slope has given us a little more elbow room and new backyard trails.
Is Trek made in USA? ›Most Trek bicycles are manufactured outside the United States, in countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan, and China.
Where are Allen sports bike racks made? ›Our products are designed, built and tested to the highest standards of quality, earning top-rated reviews for their ease of use, value and rock-solid reliability. We're based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with facilities across the United States and abroad.
Is Rhino Rack made in USA? ›Where are Rhino-Racks made? We are proud to be an Australian-owned and operated company who employ over 150 people at our Head Quarters facility in Eastern Creek, NSW.
Should you remove bike rack when not in use? ›
I've had several trunk mounted racks before finally getting a roof rack. Yes, the sun and weather will degrade the nylon straps over time. It's best to take off the rack when not in use.
Are bike racks theft proof? ›Unless you encase your bike in concrete and chip it out whenever you need to use it, there's no way to 100-percent guard your cycle against theft.
Is car soap OK for bikes? ›While there is some debate as to what soaps are good and bad for certain areas of your bike (like brakes), any car soap that doesn't contain wax is generally a good choice. What is this? Soap is great at carrying away dirt, but as a best practice try to avoid getting liquid wax on areas like brake pads.
Is Thule better than Rhino-Rack? ›They have similar crossbar designs and features but Rhino-Rack has crossbars that are 7" longer at 54" versus the 47" for the Thule system. Both Rhino-Rack and Thule offer a limited lifetime warranty. As far as noise, they are both similar and much quieter then most competing brands.
What company owns Thule? ›Thule Group AB (/ˈtuːliː/) is a Swedish company that owns of a collection of brands related to outdoor and transportation products. These include cargo carriers for automobiles and other outdoor and storage products, with 4,700 points of sale in 136 countries worldwide.
Who owns Yakima racks? ›When Steve Cole and Don Banducci purchased Yakima Industries, it was just a small machine shop in Yakima, Washington. As kayakers and cyclists, these two pioneers saw a better—and bigger—future for hauling recreational sporting equipment.
Can you go through a carwash with a hitch bike rack? ›Step one, part one: Do not take your bike rack through an automatic car wash. This type of car wash will damage your rack, and is not covered by our warranty.
Should I take my bike rack off my car in winter? ›If you're not going to be hitting the roads or trails with your bikes for a few months, take off your bike mounts. Roof bike mounts, as well as Hitch Mount Bike Racks, have lots of moving metal parts and whether you encounter salt or sand in the winter, the cold wet environment can lead to rust and premature aging.
Does WD-40 prevent rust on bike? ›The regular spray can be used on larger areas like the wheel and frame. Simply spray it on, leave for about ten minutes, and wipe it down with a cloth. WD-40 is also great for temporary rust protection, so any area you've sprayed will help prevent further corrosion.
Is it normal for bike rack to wiggle? ›Bike racks should only move minimally. They may rock back and forth slightly, even to the point of being worrisome, however they should never move more than a couple of inches back and forth.
How do you tighten a kuat rack? ›
The tension on the lever can be adjusted using a 3mm allen wrench. align the hitch pin holes, then insert the hitch pin and lock. Push or pull the rack in the hitch receiver to remove rattle caused by the hitch pin and turn the knob until tight.
Is Thule a Swedish company? ›Our history. In 1942, in the deepest forest of Småland, Sweden, Thule was founded by Erik Thulin, a true lover of the outdoors. Since then, our focus has been designing and developing quality products that help you carry your gear wherever your passion takes you.
Is a Thule bike rack worth it? ›Buying Options
Whether you need to transport heavier bikes, including some electric models, or you just want a rack that's easy to load and store, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 is hard to beat. It's expensive, but this rack has luxury features that make it one of the best overall models we've tested.
Aluminum. The most common bike frame material, aluminum is known for being corrosion resistant, fairly light (though typically not as light as carbon fiber), and having a high strength-to-weight ratio. It's also reasonably affordable, making it a popular choice for riders and racers on a budget.
Can a kuat carry an eBike? ›Carry your electric bike safely and securely on the Kuat NV Base 2.0. Haul your bikes safely in style with Kuat lightweight hanging style rack with tilt down mechanism for easy vehicle access. Kuat all aluminum hitch adapter. Enables 1.25 hitch to be used in 2.0" hitch opening.
Who owned Kuat Drive Yards? ›Founding and early history. Kuat Drive Yards was founded in the early days of the Galactic Republic by a group of Human aristocrats known as the Ten. These merchants, led by the Kuat family, joined together with the intent to create the largest, most efficient shipyard in the galaxy.
What ships did Kuat Drive Yards make? ›Notable starships including the Acclamator-class transgalactic military assault ship, LAAT/i gunships, the formidable land-based AT-TE walker, and the Venator-class Star Destroyer were all produced by KDY, making it one of the most influential companies in the galaxy.
What is difference between Thule XT and XTR? ›NOTE: The Thule T2 Pro XT has been discontinued and replaced by Pro XTR. The only difference between these two models is that the XTR has Rolling wheels to make it easier to move the rack while off the vehicle.
Who makes kuat? ›Luke Kuschmeader and his fellow co-founder first got the idea to design and sell aluminum bike racks when they saw a friend welding aluminum four-wheeler racks that attached to receivers. They couldn't find anyone else in the market making this type of bike rack, so they decided to give it a shot and created Küat.
How does kuat bike rack work? ›The Kuat NV 2.0 utilizes a heavy duty locking cable that deploys from the tray to secure a bike from theft. The cable slides back into the tray and clicks in place with a magnetic system.
Where are Star Wars ships built? ›
There were many shipyards in the galaxy, with the three largest located at Kuat, Corellia, and Fondor. An Imperial-class Star Destroyer docked at a shipyard in the Colonies region.
Who builds the ships in Star Wars? ›According to West End Games' Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game sourcebooks and other texts, Imperial-class Star Destroyers are constructed by Kuat Drive Yards and hold a distinguished place in the Imperial Navy, symbolizing the Empire's military might with a peak number of more than 25,000 vessels.
How much does the Kuat NV 2.0 weight? ›Weight. Checking in at 52 pounds, the Kuat NV 2.0 is right in line with most of its competition. For comparison, Thule's T2 Pro XT is identical at 52 pounds, while 1Up's Equip-D Double weighs slightly less at 48.5 pounds (for the 2-in. receiver version).
What system is kuat in? ›Kuat was the fourth planet from the star Kuat, located in the Kuat system of the Kuat sector in the Core Worlds region of the galaxy.
Who is the biggest ship builder in the world? ›| Rank | Company name | Primary Industry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation | Shipbuilding |
| 2 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | Conglomerate |
| 3 | Hyundai Heavy Industries | Shipbuilding |
| 4 | China State Shipbuilding Corporation | Shipbuilding |
They have similar crossbar designs and features but Rhino-Rack has crossbars that are 7" longer at 54" versus the 47" for the Thule system. Both Rhino-Rack and Thule offer a limited lifetime warranty. As far as noise, they are both similar and much quieter then most competing brands.
Is Thule made in Sweden? ›A majority of the foot packs and individual vehicle fit kits are manufactured in our Hillerstorp, Sweden factory.