Kuat Racks NV 2.0 Bike Rack Review

Since Kuat Racks recently released another installment in their high-end Kuat bike racks, we wanted to take a look at the new model and present you with a comprehensive guide on this particular hitch bike rack. Having in mind that Kuat is a highly respectable company, with years of experience, it is no wonder that this new version of the Kuat NV bike rack seemingly does the impossible – it improves upon perfection!

Of course, we have examined other hitch bike rack models as well, and that is why we have the confidence to say that Kuat NV 2.0 bike rack is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship and that this accessory is worth every penny.

Key Features

When it comes to hitch bike racks, they come in all shapes and sizes, but Kuat Racks have been making them for years and this company has a certain reputation to prove with every new model. That is why their newest release looks like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, i.e. the new Kuat bike rack is a sophisticated hitch bike carrier that comes equipped with unique features and ergonomic design.

Kuat NV 2.0 weighs around 50 pounds, and the dimensions of the bike rack are 30x23x11 inches. The second edition of the Kuat bike rack is available in two colors – black metallic and grey metallic. Also, it comes equipped with a re-designed pivot, cable locks, intuitive front tire clamp, theft-preventing bolt, and so on. Additionally, the rack comes with a TrailDoc bike stand, a helpful and useful little gadget which can help with the maintenance and repair of your two-wheel pet.

Assembly and installation

Unlike some other types of bike racks, which we also compared and reviewed recently, hitch bike racks are well-known for their convenience and user-friendly nature. In other words, the bike-lovers and enthusiasts should not experience any problems with assembling and installing any hitch bike rack. When it comes to the Kule bike rack in particular, here is a short video for those of you who are already tired of reading.

For the rest of you, we have one important advice – just use the instruction manual and follow the guidelines! The Kuat NV bike rack is super-easy to assemble and then mount on the back of your car, but we also suggest that you do not do it alone. Because of the overall weight of the bike carrier, it is advisable to seek out a helping hand. Aside from that, the installation of the Kuat bike rack will be a breeze. Once in position, the rack will stay nice and snug, and the entire construction should stand firmly in place.

Design

We already mentioned that Kuat Racks has a lot of experience in the industry, and they have been creating bike carriers since 2008. Due to the years of accumulated knowledge, their team of designers has been able to create innovative solutions for Kuat bike racks. Similarly, Kuat NV 2.0 is packed with unique features, which are all intertwined within the stylish and sleek body of the rack.

For instance, this Kuat bike rack comes with a gloss powder-coated paint job, which is immune to scratches. The combination of colors is attractive as well, and it is evident that Kuat Racks always keeps the aesthetics in mind when producing their refined transportation solutions. Also, this particular bike rack comes with the possibility of carrying two bikes. Needless to say, both of them will fit like a glove, and the safety of your bikes will never come in question with Kuat NV 2.0 bike rack.

Safety and security

Speaking of safety, all Kuat bike racks are renowned for the highest levels of protection that they offer, and Kuat NV bike rack is no exception. We have already mentioned some of the elements of this bike carrier which contribute to its overall safety, but let’s examine them in more detail.

For example, the second generation of Kuat NV bike rack has a front tire cradle system with adjustable clamps, and this means that the front wheel of your bike will stay put at all times. At the end of the bike, the rear wheel is locked in place with a durable rubber strap. Of course, the bikes are positioned on a heavy-duty and robust platform, which further improves safety. In addition to all that, the Kuat bike rack comes equipped with a fully integrated cable lock, and this sturdy and durable cable can be locked around the frame of the bike, preventing thieves from running away with your beloved bicycle.

Usability

All the bells and whistles on a bike carrier will be of no use if the customer cannot use the bike rack in a convenient and hassle-free manner. That is why the guys at Kuat racks invested a lot of effort into creating a hitch bike rack that offers top-notch usability features. Since the Kuat NV 2.0 is a platform rack, they designed a functional and durable surface for bikes to lay on, and we already explained how the bikes are kept in place.

Furthermore, this Kuat bike rack has a highly useful feature – a re-designed pivot which allows the users to tilt the bike rack with a press of the foot. Yes, you don’t need to bend down and grab several bars at once! By pressing a simple lever, the users can lower the rack and bring it down, allowing free access to the trunk of the car. Not to mention the fact that the rack is several inches away from the vehicle at all times, and there is no contact between the body of the Kuat bike rack and the rear end of your car.

The final word

With all that we saw during our review, it is clear the new generation of Kuat’s flagship is a remarkable hitch bike rack. It is built to last, keeps the bicycles in place with absolutely no wobble or rattle, prevents the thieves from stealing the bikes, and also looks good when mounted to your vehicle. Also, Kuat NV 2.0 is easy to install and remove, and it supports a wide range of tire sizes and bike frames. All in all, this Kuat bike rack is a once in a lifetime investment, and even though this bike carrier is a bit pricey – it offers the best bang for your buck.