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eric
Since 13 Jan 2006
1804 Posts
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Sat May 16, 15 8:15 am OT: hitch tray bike racks |
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I have a long wheelbase so I'm limited to either the Kuat NV2 (Sherpa tray too short) or Thule T2. Since 99%of the time one loads groceries into the hatchback, which is easier to tilt up and down? I tried the Yakima and the pull pin is a PITA in HMO.
Thans,
Eric
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wylieflyote
Since 30 Jun 2006
1634 Posts
Puget Sound & Wa. Coast
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Sat May 16, 15 8:31 am |
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Not certain but it looks like I have been carrying my road bikes on a rack similar to that Kuat. It came from Performance Bike. I need to get rid of this thing ASAP before any more drives in rural Mexico. With all the rough roads and speed bumps this rack has the lowest hanging fruit as the wheels of your bike. This has given my bike irreparable tire damage upon arrival at my destinations. I'm researching more expensive hitch carriers where there is an actual protective "tray" covering the tires.
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Kip Wylie |
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stringy
Since 23 Jun 2006
1726 Posts
vancouver
XTreme Poster
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Sat May 16, 15 8:52 am |
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hi eric, I checked out the kuat and it is a nice rack. probably the most stylish and functional out there. I was ready to throw down for this but was alerted local guys yakima are coming out with a hitch rack built to work with any bike even the fatties. it will be available in 2 carriers or 4. due to the longshoremen strike, they are still listed as on order at rack attack. unfortunately the rack release pin looks the same as the other yakima offerings
http://press.yakima.com/index.php/tag/twotimer/
_________________ www.jimstringfellow.com |
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Nak
Since 19 May 2005
4203 Posts
Camas
XTreme Poster
CGKA Member
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Sat May 16, 15 9:01 am |
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Like this?
I bought this back when I was travelling to triathlons. Before I could use it I was run over by a caddy, ending my Ironman career. Anyways, it has never been used and has sat gathering dust in my garage ever since. Either of you guys want it you can have it for $100. I'll be Craigslisting it for $150. The only issue is it needs to be gone by Wed.
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wylieflyote
Since 30 Jun 2006
1634 Posts
Puget Sound & Wa. Coast
XTreme Poster
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Sun May 17, 15 9:14 am |
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Nak,
Although yours is a quality rack, I think for my winter of 6'000 miles of rough rural Mexico road yours has too many hinges and moving parts. I need simplicity, security, and ease. My current rack is bouncing all over and damaging.
This is cheap Junk (not yours):
Story: Pulled into Mazamitla a high mountain village in Central Mexico. As we came into town at each intersection we heard "Amigo!" "Amigo!". Thought, how sweet the folks are up here. Finally someone was shouting Amigo and pointing at the same time..... wife's bike had bounced off the rack and was dragging by security cable. OOPS. Typical Gringos.
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JeffT
Since 07 Jul 2012
238 Posts
Deep Southern Portland
Stoked
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Sun May 17, 15 1:06 pm |
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I 've been using the Kuat NV for the past 5 years. It's a very nice rack and they take very good care of you if you ever need any spare parts (i broke a rear wheel strap when I dropped my car's winter tire on it). However, it is very heavy. It requires a 2" receiver. If you plan to take it on an off it's kind of a beast (about 50 lbs). I added the 2 bike extension this spring and now can carry 4 bikes. It's still rock solid over the bumps even with all 4 bikes. It's all aluminum and stainless. Holds up very well in the PNW weather. This is probably the best hitch carrier made. It also has the best resale value.
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eric
Since 13 Jan 2006
1804 Posts
XTreme Poster
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Sun May 17, 15 2:18 pm |
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Thanks all. Just pulled the trigger on a Kuat nv2
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ericvs
Since 05 Jul 2008
133 Posts
Stoked
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Mon May 18, 15 7:19 am |
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Glad you got that one. I like the built in bike stand.
Just to add to this post for anyone else, you should seriously consider the vertical mount bike rack.
Northshore makes one, but you are limited to bikes with suspension. I was able to retrofit mine a bit to work with road bikes, but it isn't ideal.
http://www.northshoreracks.com/
There is a dude in Bellingham who is making a killer vertical rack that work with all types of bikes, is burly enough to shuttle the gnarliest of trails and when you put 5 bikes on it, it doesn't stick out 35' behind your rig.
http://recon-racks.com/
(if it matters, I am not affiliated with any of these dudes, just like their racks)
_________________ http://northwestriders.com/
http://www.slingshotsports.com/slingshot-kite
http://www.urbansurf.com/ |
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Nak
Since 19 May 2005
4203 Posts
Camas
XTreme Poster
CGKA Member
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Mon May 18, 15 7:39 am |
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That Kuat is a nice looking rack. The recon looks great for trail bikes, but not so good for road bikes with carbon fiber wheels...
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JeffT
Since 07 Jul 2012
238 Posts
Deep Southern Portland
Stoked
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Mon May 18, 15 10:51 am |
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That North Shore rack is a really clever design for mtb bikes. I like it.
_________________ Jeff |
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Windance Crew
Since 18 Apr 2008
473 Posts
Hood River Kite Shop
Obsessed
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Mon May 18, 15 12:47 pm |
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I am a Thule dealer so my answer is slightly biased....and a little late by the looks of it. However I personally use the Thule T2 and often the add on to make it 4 bike compatible.
Does everything it's supposed to do. We are 10% off all the time. Let me know if any of you need further info.
Dave
Windance 1-800-575-4020
_________________ Windance Boardshop- Hood River
www.windance.com |
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user124
Since 02 Aug 2012
390 Posts
Portland
Obsessed
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Mon May 18, 15 2:09 pm |
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I went through this decision last year. I went with the Thule T2. It functions very similarly to the Kuat and surprisingly weighs about the same. The main difference is that the T2 for a 4 bike carrier is about $630 (20% off right now at REI), vs the Kuat at $940 for 4 bikes, and doesn't seem to go on sale. I have been very happy with the T2 - it is very stable even with 4 bikesand very easy to use. But I will admit the Kuat looks cooler with the anodized parts.
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macgruber
Since 06 Dec 2011
490 Posts
SE PDX volcano
Obsessed
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