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The epitome of Rack Love the Kuat NV

Review: KÜAT NV Hitch Mounted Rack

We Liked

• Best Looking Hitch Bike Rack Period
• The Built-in Repair Stand
• Integrated Cable Lock
• Included Locking Hitch Pin
• Lever to Fold Up 90 degrees and Tilts down 25 degrees
• Hand Tight Cam System – No Rocking this Rack

REVIW: There are a few things in this world I love as much as riding my bikes, one of which is a great looking rack. In this case it is the KÜAT Pronounced Koo-at, NV hitch mounted rack. While at Interbike this last year I’m walking back to the media center and out of the corner on my eyes I see the contrasting grey and copper on the NV rack and had to investigate. Guys you can understand sometimes you just can’t help it, though in this instance I was in no trouble from my girlfriend about my head being on its perpetual swivel. So less than a hot second later I’m at the KÜAT display and I’m standing there, basically in lust almost salivating at how gorgeous the NV is up close. Soon I am talking with Aaron and P.J from KÜAT about the many features of the NV, the history of KÜAT and the other offerings from KÜAT. One thing I can say these guys are passionate about all things KÜAT and explained all the benefits of the features, construction and materials used for all the products.

A few weeks later the NV arrived at my door, I chose the 2” receiver version there is also a 1.25” version as well, though the 2” version is upgradable to 4 bikes with the 2 bikes add on. Right away I’m opening the box and pulling everything out and in less than 20 minutes I have the NV completely assembled, every thing needed for assembly is included in the box. The KÜAT site has several detailed instructional videos. I do suggest reviewing them first if you do your rack will be assembled and ready to mount to your vehicle in less than 10 minutes once out of the box.

Besides being what I think is the best looking hitch mounted rack there, so good in fact it even can make an Aztec look great al least from behind. The great looks are part of the construction of the NV as well the receiving mounting arm and assembly is steel that is powder coated shinny grey, most of the NV is aluminum that is ether powder coated the shinny grey or anodized copper/orange, with black plastic composite for the tire scoops, arm hooks and straps finished off with stainless hardware throughout.

The KÜAT NV is arguably the most functional as well holding just about all single rider bikes from 20” wheels with included adapter that goes on and off in less than a minute, 29rs, DH rigs up to 51” wheelbase my Trek Session is 46” the only bike I have seen that even came close to 51” is a large DH9 out of production for many years now.

The standout features of the NV include a built in repair stand perfect for the pre-ride check quick lube or post ride cleanup that works so well I use in place of my floor model most of the time especially when loosening or tightening BB cups, facing shells or cutting steer tubes. I do feel a bit uneasy leaving the repair arm installed when not in use, risking thieves, it would be great to have some sort of internal lockable cam.

There is a built in cable lock for security of your bikes though for some frames was lacking in length for total security but I do feel that cable locks mainly keep the honest people honest and is more of a visual theft deterrent. There is an included 1/2"-5/8" Locking Hitch Pin in a burlap bag, dust cap, a bunch of keys that also lock the cable lock, and a KÜAT keychain bottle opener.

The NV folds up when not in use and tilts down 25 degrees for easier access into the cargo area. One of the riders I lent the NV to did have interference issues with his vehicles (FJ Cruiser) swing out tail gate and the tire scoops, though never an issue with the more prevalent hatch style cargo opening.

One feature on the KÜAT NV usually goes unnoticed at first glance but was always commented on by who ever used it, being the Hand Tight Cam System, this great addition really makes the rack a simple hand tightening of the knob keeps the NV rock steady in the hitch receiver. No Rocking this Rack, check out the video of the rack on the FJ 4 wheeling in Moab with two big travel bikes on the back. Video URL.

We Didn't Like

Really very little I didn’t like or find incredibly useful with the NV, these are more like suggestions for further improvement.

The cable lock could be a bit longer maybe by a spring-loaded mechanism like a pull starter would make it easier to get all around the bikes and still be out of the way when not in use.

A cam lock for the work stand arm to foil thieves.

Adjustment positions for the tire scoops.

The Final Say

The KÜAT NV hitch mounted rack great looks improve any vehicles appearance with rock solid construction, standout features like the Hand Tight Cam System, the intergraded repair stand and cable lock, plus extras you normally would pay more for and a lifetime warranty you can’t go wrong. If the very minor issues were addressed the KÜAT NV would be an 11 and when I brought it home to mom even she would comment that the KÜAT NV is quite possibly out of my league. Get hitched with the KÜAT NV rack. One long-term relationship with looks that will never fade and performs as great as the day you first met. To find rack love for yourself and inspire jealousy to all you ride with, go to www.KUATracks.com or ask for KÜAT at your local bike shop.

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