Küat NV 2.0 Rack - Review
Hitch-mounted bike racks may not get the salivary glands running like the latest carbon wonder-bike does, but they're a key component in making bike transport as hassle-free as possible. Küat have been at it since 2009, and the NV 2.0 currently sits at the top of their lineup, the culmination of three years of development.
The NV2.0 is available for 1.25” and 2” receiver hitches, and an expansion kit is available for the 2” version that adds the ability to carry two more bikes.
The NV2.0 is available for 1.25” and 2” receiver hitches, and an expansion kit is available for the 2” version that adds the ability to carry two more bikes.
Küat NV 2.0 Details
• Folding hitch-style rack
• Fits 2'' and 1.25'' receiver hitches
• Two-bike add-on (2'' only)
• Tool-free expanding wedge
• Locking receiver connection
• Retractable rear wheel / frame locks
• MSRP: $629.00 USD
• www.kuatracks.com
• Folding hitch-style rack
• Fits 2'' and 1.25'' receiver hitches
• Two-bike add-on (2'' only)
• Tool-free expanding wedge
• Locking receiver connection
• Retractable rear wheel / frame locks
• MSRP: $629.00 USD
• www.kuatracks.com
As Küat's flagship rack, the NV 2.0 has all the bells and whistles, including integrated cable locks for each bike, a hitch lock, the ability to accept bikes with up to a 48” wheelbase and a weight of up to 60 pounds each, and there's even a built in bike stand for those last minute trailside repairs. All of those features do come at a price, and the NV 2.0 will set you back $629 USD.
The NV 2.0 doesn't take up much room when it's not in use.
A built-in repair stand clamps around a bike's top-tube for quick repairs at the trailhead.
Performance
Installation is a straightforward process, and although there is some assembly required, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the necessary allen wrenches are included with the rack. It's a solid feeling rack, weighing in at roughly 50-pounds. All told, assembly and installation took less than 30 minutes, and that was working at a casual pace.
Getting bikes loaded up is a quick and easy procedure: place the bike on the tray, lift the ratcheting arm over the front wheel and pull it down, and then use the ratcheting strap to secure the rear wheel in place. The surface that the rear wheel sits on isn't as cupped as I would have expected, but the myriad of bikes I carried all stayed in place, everything from downhill sleds to 29ers with long wheelbases. I'd say that maximum wheelbase number of 48” is on the conservative side, but if you ride a size XL or longer bike it's worth keeping that number in mind to avoid any issues.
There are three positions for each tray to help prevent bike-on-bike contact.
A ratcheting arm holds the front wheel securely in place.
The wheel trays can be set at one of three positions by loosening the 8mm allen bolt and then moving the tray up or down. This helps maintain enough room between two bikes to keep brakes levers and seats from making contact.
The NV 2.0 is remarkably sway-free. Every time I looked in the rear view mirror the bikes I was transporting were securely in place, without any of the drunken wobbling that can occur with other racks. Over the course of eight months of use I've only needed to turn the knob to tighten the hitch cam system once, and even at that point there was barely any movement.
The rear strap has a rubberized portion on the underside to keep it from scratching rims.
A long cable lock can be deployed to help deter thieves. The rack also comes with a locking hitch mount to prevent anyone from taking off with the whole unit.
Raising and lowering the rack is also completely hassle free – the release mechanism is designed in such a way that a light push of the foot it all it takes to lower the rack, and pulling it by hand will release the rack, in order to fold it up and out of the way, or down to open a rear hatch.
The only signs of wear, to date, are on the rubberized portion of the front arm, where it sits against the fork; otherwise the rack has held up extremely well, especially considering that it's been outside and exposed to the elements from the very first day it was installed.
The only signs of wear, to date, are on the rubberized portion of the front arm, where it sits against the fork; otherwise the rack has held up extremely well, especially considering that it's been outside and exposed to the elements from the very first day it was installed.
What about that built-in bike stand? In all honesty, it didn't see that much use. I tried it out a few times, and it will work in a pinch as long as your frame fits – it's designed to clamp around the top tube, and certain frame designs, the Specialized Enduro for instance, aren't compatible. I can see it coming in handy if you needed to do a quick tune while out on an extended road trip, but personally I'd rather just bring a folding stand and be able to work on my bike without staring at the back of my vehicle. On that note, Küat does make a stand that converts the Trail Doc into a standalone, portable unit, an accessory that's available for an additional $90.
Pinkbike’s Take:
 | It's hard to imagine how a hitch-mounted rack could get much better than the NV 2.0. The ease of operation, ability to accommodate a wide range of wheel and tires sizes, and the rock-solid construction all serve to make this an excellent option for getting your bike safely to the trails time and time again. - Mike Kazimer |
Author Info:
Member since Feb 1, 2009
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Not in the US. They appreciate when they get more miles.
Tried all three, chose 1up. Right off the bat 1up allows for 1.25" or 2" receivers with an adapter vs. buying a whole new rack if you ever need to switch vehicles/hitches.
I know PB has already used the Thule, so not mentioning it here seems odd. If I had tried 2 products, I would immediately/naturally be comparing them in my head and if asked for purchasing advice, would give the pros/cons of each to a buddy.
What are the advantages of the 1up??
Couple weekends ago I didn't watch where I was reversing and backed my F150 with 1Up rack right into the driver side of a parked Toyota Camry.
Camry: super f'd up, can't open the doors.
Rack: unscathed.
Hardly a repeatable and useful rack test, but testament to build quality and materials. The only plastic part is the little adjustment knob that really doesn't even get used.
I should have known better to post on opinion, facts or personal experience in Pinkbike. What was u thinking?
In the 3 years I owned my Kuat rack, I broke a strap a couple times, and cracked a tray once.
All I had to do was call/email them and no questions asked. The replacement part was on its way lickety split-
FREE OF CHARGE!
And the last piece I broke-a strap- happened almost 3-full-years after I bought the rack.
All this is, of course, in addition to the stellar rack they make.
No contest Northshore is a better deal.
It appears to be an all black carbon Specialized S-WORKS ENDURO 29/6FATTIE:
www.specialized.com/gb/gb/men/bikes/mountain/trail/sworks-enduro-296fattie/118405
Am I alone though in thinking it looks a million bucks better in two-tone carbon grey?!
I rode the last enduro 29er for 3 years and just sold it last summer. I totally miss that bike so I think I will buy the new one.
I think it turns well enough given the amount of travel it has for a 29er. There is a slight learning curve but it feels natural after a few rides. Compared to my Evil Following the enduro 29 doesn't turn as well because the following has 30 mm less travel. But when I take it down rough terrain I sure do miss the enduro 29. I plan on keeping my following and saving up for the enduro as my "enduro" bike.
Sorry. Should've been more specific. The new E29 rips, by far the fastest bike I've had the opportunity to ride. Never rode the prior generation, but the slacker HTA is great.
I was more predicting how someone will say 29ers can't turn, most likely from an individual who has never spent more than 20 minutes on a 29er, and never ridden a E29. Then most likely hastag something along the lines of #275forlife, even though 27.5 is only a few years old. Save for some old Pacenti or KHS stuff.
I've always bought Thule and when I decided to upgrade I found a kuat nv 2 for 500.00 which was cheaper than the Thule pro so I thought I'd give it a shot.
It's as bad ass as everyone says and the customer service will melt your face (someone will understand that)
I left my lock hanging from the rack and dragged it home 20 miles. Called kuat to buy a new one and they just gave me one, no questions asked..
Sold for life!!!
If You can't afford it, that's cool just don't be a douche and bash a great product because you live in your moms basement.
"The wheel trays can be set at one of three positions by loosening the 8mm allen bolt and then moving the tray up or down. This helps maintain enough room between two bikes to keep brakes levers and seats from making contact. "
Regarding getting a ticket for blocking the licence plate on the vehicle;
I was on the highway in N.Vancouver a couple of weeks ago and what did I see?
A silver Nissan Pathfinder with a hitch mounted rack (Thule I think) pulled over by the police. The surprise here was that the the cop was in the Pathfinder!!!! Full ghost-car kit, hidden lights and all, wish I had a picture of this...
Has anyone else seen this?
What is the legitimacy of these tickets if the cops are rolling with the same set up?
"The wheel trays can be set at one of three positions by loosening the 8mm allen bolt and then moving the tray up or down. This helps maintain enough room between two bikes to keep brakes levers and seats from making contact. "
When will the enduro review be coming up?
It''s hard to beat the quality and ease of use. And the key point for my purchases was having a Toyota Tacoma (3rd Gen specifically), you can have 2 bikes loaded on it and tilt the rack down and the tailgate completely flat. So for those having a need for only 2 bikes, its worth every penny.
The problem is when needing 4 bikes...... and throwing another $300 down for the 2 bike attachment on top of the $600 and then having a rack that sticks out the back of your truck that the length of a small car and I decided to get the North Shore NSR 4.
You'll need a wrench to install it on the hitch which is the only bummer, but it's SOOOOOOO much smaller in the space it takes up, super easy to load and couldn't be happier. Plus total cost was $650 and it's bombproof.
Has anyone any experience of this?
(Because otherwise this rack looks great)
The rack that fulfill those 2 requirement are not compatible with all frame design and wide tire.
Damn rack manufacturer please build something for the Européen market this market is huge and we need real bike rack not shitty stuff for roadies!
www.pinkbike.com/news/scorpion-bike-rack-first-look-2017.html
To avoid light issues.
Ok, they are quite expensive, but they are all EU proof.
They don't do racks for such hitch system
s150.photobucket.com/user/tpierce0000/media/photobucket-5960-1333984547163.jpg.html
Unlike thule and yakima racks where the 1.25in racks come with the adapter.
Theses things are bomb proof though.
Ever try getting that Enduro into the repair stand? Would love to see a pic of that!
I can assure you. I own it.
I *literally* googled "Kuat NV 2.0 review", clicked on the very first result (www.outdoorgearlab.com/Bike-Rack-Reviews/Kuat-NV-2-0) and it shows it right there with a picture and everything.
Nobody is offended. The internet is a great tool.