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First Look: Kuat NV Platform Bike Rack
Kuat Racks sent us over their latest and greatest platform bike rack for review. To be honest, I have been a Thule user for so long that the conversation about reviewing this rack was the first I had heard of Kuat. But…after doing some checking around, I saw that they had been picked up by several bike shops locally. Yesterday, the Kuat NV showed up at Bike198.com headquarters and we were ready to unwrap this rack and get it mounted.
The Kuat NV Platform Bike Rack
The Kuat NV has some pretty cool features that I don’t see on a lot of racks. The feature that probably stands out the most is the use of an integrated bike repair stand that telescopes out of the racks base. Gone are the days of balancing your rig in the stand to do field repairs as you now have a repair stand built into the rack! I can’t tell you how many times I have wanted something like that.
Over the coming weeks, the Kuat NV is going to get some abuse. My bike racks never leave the truck, so they get banged around 24/7 with multiple sized bikes racked and unracked on a weekly basis. It’s time to get out and see if this rack from Kuat can handle serious mountain biking abuse. So far…it looks like a quality unit that has the possibility of replacing my T2 for full time duty.
More info on the Kuat NV from KuatInnovations.com:
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- Kuat NV Bike Rack Tilted Down
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- Kuat NV Bike Rack Ready for Bikes
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- Kuat NV Bike Rack Repair Stand
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- Kuat NV Bike Rack Folded Up
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7:59 am
What’s the price?
9:58 am
About the average price online is 475 with all of the bells and whistles. This one is loaded out with all of their options.
9:19 am
man i _really_ like the look of that rack. I have a hanging bike rack now and wish I’d gone with something like this one, so I could open the Outback hatch w/o dropping the rack. It looks like this one would do that perfectly.
Any idea on price? And is it actually made for 1.25″ or 2″ receivers? I prefer the 2″ for added structural security.
9:59 am
About 475 with everything included. They have another platform model as well that is less expensive.
You can get it for either…just depends on what hitch you have installed.
11:04 am
Do you have to reach down between bikes to hit the release to get it to tilt?
Would be cool if someone made a telescoping rack instead of a tilt. Heard it here first.
joe
8:07 pm
I haven’t racked up two bikes yet. Was going to do that tomorrow but it looks like my area is calling for rain again. I can tell you that there is more room than the T2.
1:25 pm
I have a new NV!!! It has been a great rack for me. I hate to say this but it replaced my T2. There is a lot of space in between the bikes, so it’s not a problem getting to the lever to drop the bikes down. Great rack!
5:34 pm
I live in Springfield, MO where Kuat is based. My NV replaced a Yakima 4-bike hanging rack. If you search for Kuat on MTBR.com you will see my reviews including pictures. I have been very happy with the NV’s build quality and features. You can get the NV in both 1.25 & 2″ hitch sizes. They make an entry-level tray rack, the Sherpa, that lacks the repair stand and a few of the fancy anodized bits. It runs around $420 retail, but I wouldn’t trade my NV for anything. I have had Thule owners tell me they wish the NV was around when they bought their T2′s.
Kuat also sponsors a couple of regional racing teams.
8:08 pm
I have a feeling I am going to convert a couple as well. So far…I am liking this one better than my T2.
2:37 pm
This looks like a great rack. I love the built in work stand. How do you keep people from stealing it though? looks like it is just a qr to remove it.
9:10 pm
So, from a functionality standpoint, it looks like the only thing the T2 has on it is the adjustability of the rails – do you see bike interference as a potential issue? Also, how’s the integrated lock?
4:17 pm
I don’t see that as a potential issue as there is plenty of room between bikes. Also, the arms have A LOT more clearance for 29 inch wheels. All of the rain in the SE United States has prevented any real testing at this point. Over the course of this week it will get more use.
11:52 am
So, any updates? I’m seriously considering the NV to replace my Doubletrack, but I can get a T2 for $320, so I’m wondering if the NV is worth the extra cost.
12:48 pm
Recall Notice:
SPRINGFIELD, MO (BRAIN)—Küat Racks has issued a voluntary recall on select Küat NV 2 Bike Carriers (N101, N102).
The NV racks involved in the recall are limited to 450 units that shipped from the Küat DC between November 1, 2009 and March 24, 2010. Küat has discovered a rare defect in the front tire ratchet arm that may cause the affected product to fail.
As a precaution, Küat asks owners of Küat NV racks that were shipped from Küat from October 15, 2009 to July 31, 2010 to stop using their rack until it is determined if replacement parts are needed. Owners of affected products will receive appropriate replacement parts free of charge.
“Küat apologizes for any inconvenience this causes,” said Justin Kosar, operations manager of Küat Racks. “This voluntary recall reflects our commitment to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers.”
Contact Küat Racks toll free at (877)822-5828 or email recall@kuatinnovations.com. For the fastest resolution, go to http://www.kuatracks.com (click on link) and fill out the Recall Form. This will allow the Küat team to determine if the rack is affected and to quickly provide necessary replacement parts.