Need hitch bike rack
05-04-21, 09:53 AM
#1
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Need hitch bike rack
I just got a new SUV, and need a bike rack to fit a 2" receiver. Most likely I will need a 4 bike carrier, but the most important thing is finding something that is stable and won't harm the frame on my carbon Salsa Warbird. Preferably $400 or less. Suggestions?
Dave
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05-04-21, 09:56 AM
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Last edited by 10 Wheels; 05-04-21 at 10:06 AM.
05-04-21, 12:51 PM
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05-04-21, 01:12 PM
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Not sure of a quality 4 bike 2" rack that doesnt clamp to the frame and costs less than $400.
Raise your budget, lower your standards, or buy used.
Raise your budget, lower your standards, or buy used.
05-04-21, 01:40 PM
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+1 for the 1upusa rack - but you are not going to get a new one for under $400. Even a quality rack that is used may still be over your budget.
05-04-21, 01:52 PM
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05-04-21, 03:21 PM
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Don't get a Kuat, they eat through your fork. Sold mine to get a 1Up. And you won't get anything quality for under $400.
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05-04-21, 04:55 PM
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05-04-21, 08:20 PM
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My Kuat doesn't even touch the fork.
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05-04-21, 09:01 PM
#12
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Yeah those racks are fine- Thule, Saris, etc have similar ones to that. A few friends use the 4 bike versions and they've lasted the years I've known em.
05-05-21, 08:54 AM
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That connects to the frame, which it seemed like you didn't want since you mentioned harm to your frame. Pretty sure everyone figured you want a rack that doesn't attach to your frame.
Yeah those racks are fine- Thule, Saris, etc have similar ones to that. A few friends use the 4 bike versions and they've lasted the years I've known em.
Yeah those racks are fine- Thule, Saris, etc have similar ones to that. A few friends use the 4 bike versions and they've lasted the years I've known em.
I think a lot of the hesitation with carbon frames and bike carriers are with the non-platform type of bike carriers. I think one that has a padded frame support like that, where the weight is still on the platform, is fine.
05-05-21, 09:12 AM
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I have a Transit four bike rack that is similar/identical to the Home Depot rack - less than $200 on sale at Performance Bike 8 years ago. It has carried carbon framed bikes on more than thirty thousand miles of road trips without incident - with plenty of snow, rain and wind thrown in. On matte paint, the padding against the top tube will create a shiny spot, but that's been the only issue.
If I had to do it again, I'd go with a two bike expandable to 4 set-up. Very rarely need to carry four these days.
If I had to do it again, I'd go with a two bike expandable to 4 set-up. Very rarely need to carry four these days.
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05-05-21, 09:55 AM
#16
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Agree with others -- the 1up USA or Kuat NV 2 along with the add-ons are the best options. I like the Kuat personally, especially if you have a bike with fenders - the 1up doesn't work especially well with fenders on the rear, though it can be fine if needed. The Kuat shouldn't even be touching the fork unless you have a fat bike or something (my Trek Farley's suspension fork barely clears on the Kuat NV 2). Kuat looks nicer IMO and is faster to fold too.
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05-06-21, 07:35 AM
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You and Rolla must not be using the Kuat NV version. Which model do you have?
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05-06-21, 06:50 PM
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+1 for the Kuat. No problem with damage to the fork if you use it correctly. The Transit 3-bike is less than $400. The Sherpa 2-bike is less. I own both. 4-bike racks tend to be quite a bit more expensive due to the extra reinforcement needed to support that much weight.
05-07-21, 09:03 AM
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+1 for the Kuat. No problem with damage to the fork if you use it correctly. The Transit 3-bike is less than $400. The Sherpa 2-bike is less. I own both. 4-bike racks tend to be quite a bit more expensive due to the extra reinforcement needed to support that much weight.
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05-07-21, 01:08 PM
#21
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The aluminum arms don't corrode and peel and get stuck to the point where you can't use the adjustable arm at all?
You and Rolla must not be using the Kuat NV version. Which model do you have?
You and Rolla must not be using the Kuat NV version. Which model do you have?
05-09-21, 01:37 PM
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Here is the user guide. Pages 8 - 11. Be sure no grit remains between bike and holding arm and be sure holding arm is as tight as it will go to eliminate any movement between the arm and the bike. https://www.kuat.com/wp-content/uplo...user-guide.pdf
05-10-21, 10:16 AM
#23
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Hollywood Hitch Racks
I have found them reliable and cheap. They do rust if you leave them on in the winter with salt on the road. Lots of clones around too with different names.
https://hollywoodracks.com/collectio...rm-hitch-racks
https://hollywoodracks.com/collectio...rm-hitch-racks
05-10-21, 01:13 PM
#24
Senior Member
Küat Sherpa 2.0 vs NV 2.0
I’ve been lusting for a Küat Sherpa 2.0 for years. Those of you with a Küat NV 2.0 - what in your mind makes the NV 2.0 worth $200 more than the Sherpa 2.0?
Either way, gorgeous bike racks.
Either way, gorgeous bike racks.
05-10-21, 01:21 PM
#25
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I don't have an NV 2.0 but I can tell you that the main differences are the Sherpa is designed primarily for road bikes (low weight) whereas the NV is built for mountain bikes (higher weight). It also has the available extension to give it a 4 bike capacity, and it also has the built-in repair stand. Which one you get simply depends on what your needs are. If you just want to carry a couple of road/gravel bikes then the Sherpa would be fine.