RM on Kuat rack?

[Jeff McLean]

Sorry for the newbie post. I'm thinking about acquiring a Supercharger one of these days and wonder if that will fit on my existing Kuat trailer hitch rack. Our two Trek Lifts fit, though I concede that at about 48 pounds it's a bit of a hoist.

Thanks!

Jeff

 

[Nova Haibike]

Which model Kuat rack?

 

[Jeff McLean]

Oh, it's the NV 2.0 which I think EBR reviewed at some point (though now I can't relocate it.) Via Amazon here:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G7PTMQ4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Chris Nolte]

That rack can definitely handle it. I have the 4 bike version and I regularly loaded it with 60+ lb bikes. I would recommend removing the batteries to save a little weight, but really either way you should be fine.

I attached a photo of one of those experiences. I have since gotten rid of that car. It was a diesel buyback.

 

[Alaskan]

Chris how do you avoid deforming the fenders on your bike with the Kuat or do you just use it for bikes without fenders? It is a gorgeous rack and the work post feature is way cool but I ended up going with the Thule Easyfold XT2 because it holds the bikes anywhere on the frame and has a more secure locking system.

 

[Chris Nolte]

Chris how do you avoid deforming the fenders on your bike with the Kuat or do you just use it for bikes without fenders? It is a gorgeous rack and the work post feature is way cool but I ended up going with the Thule Easyfold XT2 because it holds the bikes anywhere on the frame and has a more secure locking system.

I put some thick foam under the fender and on top of them to give a firm mount. I’ve carried hundreds of bikes on that rack with no trouble, but I have now switched to the Easyfold as it works better for me in City living.

 

[PBVideo]

I also have an Easyfold and bought it exactly for the fender issues with the Kuat and my Delite. The Easyfold works very well and I love the size of it once it's folded up!

 

[Dionigi]

Chris how do you avoid deforming the fenders on your bike with the Kuat or do you just use it for bikes without fenders? It is a gorgeous rack and the work post feature is way cool but I ended up going with the Thule Easyfold XT2 because it holds the bikes anywhere on the frame and has a more secure locking system.

Is the Thule Easyfold XT2 available in the USA? I have not been able to get a firm availability.

 

[Chris Nolte]

@Dionigi the Easyfold is, but the Easyfold XT 2 is a European product not available in the states.

 

[Dionigi]

@Dionigi the Easyfold is, but the Easyfold XT 2 is a European product not available in the states.

It’s advertised for preorder on the REI website and Thule shows March 2018 USA availability.

 

[Chris Nolte]

It’s advertised for preorder on the REI website and Thule shows March 2018 USA availability.

I apologize, I guess I was missing something. I’ll be sure to reach out to Thule to see what’s up and update here. This is pretty exciting.

 

[Chris Nolte]

It’s odd because the European version is different than the US one. I got a little excited because I thought for a minute we were going to get a rack with lights. It’s really just a slightly updated version of the Easyfold.

 

[Dionigi]

It’s odd because the European version is different than the US one. I got a little excited because I thought for a minute we were going to get a rack with lights. It’s really just a slightly updated version of the Easyfold.

It seems to be more robust, particularly the ramp. The existing USA ramp seems flimsy for a 60 pound bicycle, the European version looks constructed of thicker materials

 

[Alaskan]

I ordered it at outdoorplay.com in Hood River Oregon. (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

They only show the older model in their catalogue which is what I originally ordered. However they contacted me to let me know that they have a shipment of the XL2 coming in mid April. Before writing this I double checked with them and they did confirm via part number that Thule is shipping them some of the the new models within the next ten days. I'll report back when I see how it works out.

 

[Alaskan]

It’s odd because the European version is different than the US one. I got a little excited because I thought for a minute we were going to get a rack with lights. It’s really just a slightly updated version of the Easyfold.

Chris, From what I have been able to glean the difference between the Euro version and the US version is that the euro version is set up to clamp on to a fixed euro-style trailer bar with a fixed ball on the end of it rather than the US style square socket. Added to that, the Euro version is fully lit with turn signals, tail lights and reverse lights as well as a mount for a license plate. I've not seen any of the ball mount units for sale over here.

The main difference between the old us version and the new one is that the ramp used to be telescoping with no integrated place on the rack to stow it. Now it is heavier duty, folding and there is a recessed storage spot in the middle of the rack for it. There may be other minor changes but it looks largely the same. There are several good video reviews of it on youtube.