Platform bike rack

[grench]

I finally pulled the trigger on a bike rack after too much research. I went with the Kuat NV 2. The features on this rack are hard to beat. The toughest part was installing a receiver hitch on my transport car a Mini Cooper. I had to disassemble the entir back of the car...quite a project. Anyway here are a couple of pics of the completed project. I love the ease of use and the rack. The frame is never in contact with the rack...it is held in place with a front tire arm and a back tire strap. The bike repair stand is a cool feature. It also has a retractable cable lock. Anyway let me know if you would like any specifics. List was $529 I found a coupon online for $465.

 

[stevenast]

Kudos for doing it yourself! The local bike rack shop recommended we go to U Haul for a hitch installation, said they were the best price.

 

[Ann M.]

Normally, UHaul is an ok option; however, UHaul just recalled all 2014/2015 hitches and mounts a couple of days ago due to manufacturer issues with weakend steel. The maker changed the process during the steel rolling and that has reduced the structural integrity. There are other brands of hitches that will work.

Note: The Kuat is one of the slickest designs for a tray style rear car rack, but the trays don't accommodate wider balloon style tires like what comes on the Izip Zuma, IZip Metro and some Pedego models. Had a customer get the Kuat and return it for a nice Thule that could handle the tires without a problem (was gonna say without a hitch, but...)

 

[J.R.]

Very thorough job grench! Nice photo essay as well. Like that rack.

 

[grench]

Note: The Kuat is one of the slickest designs for a tray style rear car rack, but the trays don't accommodate wider balloon style tires like what comes on the Izip Zuma, IZip Metro and some Pedego models. Had a customer get the Kuat and return it for a nice Thule that could handle the tires without a problem (was gonna say without a hitch, but...)

Ann
I have been hauling a friends Norco Fat bike on this Kuat with no issues?? The front tire sits high in the shoe (I add a Velcro strap) and the back tire strap requires an extension but it handles the Fat bike fine? I am not sure what your customers issue was? I will take some pics when I get back from Houston and get access to friends bike.

 

[Ann M.]

Thanks, it was a nightmare for this older guy to get his Metro on the rack with the heavier electric stuff on it making the bike unstable. Maybe Kuat has modified the system. Hope you're staying dry! 500 water rescues in Houston and my place outside Elgin has had flooding on the land from more than 15" rain over the last week.

 

[stevenast]

500 water rescues in Houston and my place outside Elgin has had flooding on the land from more than 15" rain over the last week.

Every e-bike commute is that much less co2 in the air!

 

[Greg A]

Good job Grench!

That's a nice looking rack - and an even better looking bike!!!

 

[GatorBob]

Normally, UHaul is an ok option; however, UHaul just recalled all 2014/2015 hitches and mounts a couple of days ago due to manufacturer issues with weakend steel. The maker changed the process during the steel rolling and that has reduced the structural integrity. There are other brands of hitches that will work.

The UHaul recall is for "trailer hitches" that tow trailers.

 

[Ann M.]

Its the same hitch mount; whether it hauls a trailer using a 2" hitch mount or a bike rack, just make sure that you verify the brand.

 

[grench]

Ann
I have been hauling a friends Norco Fat bike on this Kuat with no issues?? The front tire sits high in the shoe (I add a Velcro strap) and the back tire strap requires an extension but it handles the Fat bike fine? I am not sure what your customers issue was? I will take some pics when I get back from Houston and get access to friends bike.

@Ann M. Finally got back to town and hooked up with my FAT Bike friend to show some pictures off the FAT Bike on the Kuat NV II. The front tire sits on top of the 'tire shoe' but hauls just fine. The back tire strap requires the extension (we just use a generic Velcro strap).

 

[KenM.]

Hi Grench . That bike looks HUGE behind your car. Ken.

 

[Deleted member 803]

I too pulled the trigger on a 1UP rack. Top Notch build quality and rock solid. Like the fact that it folds up to a very small unit and that I can configure it as a one bike rack. Great wall storage unit for the rack as well.

 

[Deleted member 803]

I too pulled the trigger on a 1UP rack. Top Notch build quality and rock solid. Like the fact that it folds up to a very small unit and that I can configure it as a one bike rack. Great wall storage unit for the rack as well.

Here is a video of the rack which I purchased:

 

[PowerMe]

That's what I purchased ( in anodized black) and George S. has it too. Actually, I have to thank @George S. for finding this and sharing it several months ago.

 

[GatorBob]

I am ordering the 2" hitch single. A brilliant, simple design. Retiring my original 100% serviceable heavy steel Sport Rack 1-or-2-bike carrier (essentially same as those used in front of commercial buses).

 

[Operator7]

Curious where you guys purchased your racks from? In other words, Amazon? REI?

 

[Deleted member 803]

Curious where you guys purchased your racks from? In other words, Amazon? REI?

Direct from 1UPUSA. Fantastic rack.