Travel & Storage
Bike rack certainly built well. The rack weighs in at 70 lbs and the 2 bike addition weighs nearly 50 so you need to be able to lift 115-120 lbs to place into hitch. Took a bit to assemble as it really needs 2 people due to weight and awkward attachment but looks to be built as a long term investment.
I waited over a year for this bad-boy to be restocked� So glad I did. This thing is a super smooth operator! My current bike rack didn�t have enough tilt to free up my rear hatch window from opening. With the Kuat Pivot V2 it swings WAY out of the way, and effortlessly supports my 4 bike hanger style rack. Plus� I can now use my cargo deck in the hitch receiver without getting mentally taxed on what to pack where. I can just throw stuff in the back, load up the cargo deck, and have free access to it all! Works great!
I replaced an older Yakima hitch rack that was a workhorse but not built for fat bikes. Given its age, I decided to move to the Mercedes of racks, the Kuat NV 2.0 rack.
From the initial unboxing, I noted the quality build of this rack. It is very solid and all metal surfaces are covered with a thick paint that should hold up to corrosion from rain or NY salted winter roads.
The features are excellent as well, from the built-in cable lock (that would only be used to lock the bikes for quick stops while transporting, not for overnight or otherwise lengthy stops), to the fat tire compatibility and the sliding rear tire strap that adjusts to the bicycle's length. There is even a ball bearing on the bar that slides into the hitch, making installation and removal much easier.
My Yakima had to be screwed into the hitch very tightly with its included hitch bolt in order to prevent the rack from wobbling. The Kuat provides a dial on the outside of that bar that you simply hand tighten to prevent rack wobble. So much easier.
You definitely get what you pay for with this rack.
Bought this rack a few months ago and am wholly impressed with the style, function, safety, and sturdiness. I was forced into the 1.25" version which I expected to be not as sturdy as the 2", but I was pleasantly surprised. The integrated hitch stabilizer makes it super sturdy and can be tightened with the provided 8mm hex. I wish the lock was integrated, but it also comes with a lock that doesn't make any noise despite it being a bit oversized and loose when installed. There is some small movement while holding two 30lb mtb's but overall very sturdy. The profile is perfect. I can see straight out my hatchback window without any obstruction from the rack. It folds down easily with a push of the lever and you get a very audible click when it's in place. Bikes go on quickly and secure tightly with the arm and rear wheel strap.
