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Kuat
NV Base 2.0 Bike Hitch Rack

4.25 out of 5 stars
16 Reviews
$798.00
Color:Black

Size:

Quantity


Why We Like The Kuat NV Base 2.0 Bike Hitch Rack

All we need is Kuat's NV Base 2.0 Bike Hitch Rack and we'll be heading out on adventures with less packing time, reduced stress, and fewer messy consequences for the car's interior. Adjustable cradles accommodate wheelbases up to 50 inches and tires ranging from skinny road slicks up to 5-inch fat tires. The entire rack installs via a simple tool-free cam system, and it includes a hitch lock and integrated cable locks for peace of mind at travel day lunch stops.


Details

  • Two-bike hitch rack to free up interior cargo space
  • No-tool installation with hitch cam system
  • Includes hitch lock and individual bike cable locks
  • Pivot lever lets you easily access your trunk or tailgate
  • Adjustable front cradles accommodate a plethora of bikes
  • Sleek-looking powder coat finish offers long-term durability
  • 2-inch model can carry up to four bikes with the NV Base 2.0 Add-On (sold separately)
  • Item #KUA000Q
Bike Capacity
2
Compatibility
[max] 50in wheelbase, [max] 5in tires, [2in] NV Base 2.0 Add-Ons
Locks Included
yes, hitch, integrated cable locks
Part Number
(black) [1.25in] BA12B, [2in] BA22B
Claimed Weight
52lb
Manufacturer Warranty
lifetime
Activity
travel

Overall Rating

4.5 based on 16 ratings

Review Summary

1 Stars - 1 reviews
2 Stars - 1 reviews
3 Stars - 1 reviews
4 Stars - 3 reviews
5 Stars - 10 reviews

Fits True To Size

Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.
Runs smallTrue to sizeRuns large

What do you think about this product?

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5 out of 5 stars

October 28, 2023

Solid hitch-mount bike rack

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I've been wanting to get a hitch-mount bike rack for years and finally picked this one up prior to a trip where we wanted to be able to ride some nature trails. The build quality of this rack is very nice, and the price is really reasonable compared to other racks on the market. The trip was a 4+ hour drive away from home and despite my initial concerns due to never having used it before, the Kuat NV Base 2.0 rack held tight onto our bikes. I checked them at each of the 3 stops we made along the way to make sure the bikes hadn't jostled loose and to my relief neither the front nor back attachments had moved at all. Both bikes stayed stayed put without any trouble for the whole trip. Another reviewer commented that their 43mm tires were too small for this rack on their gravel bikes, but I was hauling two 2021/3 Trek Domane AL's with 40mm tires and had no issues. I don't know what was different with my setup, but I found the rack perfectly suitable for smaller tires. I haven't tried to use the rack with a bike running road tires, but the front attachment seems to be able to handle it just fine. There are built in cable locks for the bikes to act as a basic theft deterrent, but they have some caveats. Cable locks are fairly trivial to cut through, but as a basic deterrent they work ok. One thing I struggled with was that I couldn't figure out a way to lock the bike with the built-in lock without the possibility of the lock banging against a critical component (brake rotor or derailleur). I ended up just unlocking the bikes while on the road, but it would've been nice to be able to keep them locked for the whole trip. It'd also be nice if there was a hard point where you could lock a more substantial lock (such as a heavy duty chain/lock combo) to keep the bikes safe when unattended for longer periods. Pros: Super secure bike attachment, even at 70+ mph I prefer the color to either of the non-Base options You can add-on a trail doc, but if you don't need/want it, you don't have to pay for it The hitch attachment is super secure and never budged Built in locks are good for basic theft deterrent. Customer service was quick and helpful Can be expanded by 1 or 2 additional bikes if needed with additional purchase Cons: Somewhat expensive, although cheaper than many other options Locks are a bit awkward to use and could damage bike during transit

Ryan S
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

5 out of 5 stars

August 25, 2023

No Regrets with the Kuat NV Base 2.0!

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Compared to my previous bike rack, the Kuat NV Base 2.0 fufills all my MTB transporting needs. Its quality built, definitely sturdy and is very functional. Despite what other may say about assembly, I didn't have any issues with it. The feature I especially like is how the rack is secured via ball bearing. That feature wasn't available with my previous bike rack which was nerve-wracking when transporting my e-MTB. The tilt up and down feature works smoothly and doesn't get hung up in movement. The pivot lever for hand or foot use is also a nice touch. Overall, I don't regret purchasing this rack and give it a 5-star rating.

Cef C
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

1 out of 5 stars

June 12, 2023

Not a fan

I think that rack would be OK for a MTB or Fat tire, but my gravel bike tires are simply too narrow at 43cm and the clamp on the arm does not tighten down nearly tight enough to hold the bike upright and steady (with confidence). I've got a 1up rack and it is FAR superior to this thing. The cost of this rack does not support its design...

ken3430349 k
5 out of 5 stars

January 18, 2023

This is an excellent bike rack

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

The Kuat NV Base 2.0 Bike Hitch Rack is excellent. I was very impressed with the quality and ease of use. I have had racks where you had to shim the receiver so the rack did not bounce around. Kuat has a knob that you can turn that moves a ball bearing and tightens the rack in the receiver. My only suggestion would be the addition of a rubber piece where the back tire is on the platform. I used studded tires in the winter on my Fat bike and 29" MTB and the studs will destroy the surface finish. Otherwise, I wish the description on the Backcountry site was a little better between the NV Base and NV. After the purchase, I noticed the bike stand option. It appeared the only difference was the finish. My mistake for not doing more research.

Jim B
5 out of 5 stars

May 20, 2022

Very sturdy and easy to maneuver

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Surprised how easy it is to move up and down and it's very study. I'm very happy with this rack after a month and a long road trip.

Gretchen B
5 out of 5 stars

September 24, 2021

NV Base 2.0 Bike Hitch Rack

This is a really nice rack. It comes with everything you needed for assemble, tools and all. It's really simple to put together. I didn't even need the instructions. Looks great and is exactly what I need. Functionally it operates really smooth with a precise feeling when actuated. I like it!

John B
4 out of 5 stars

September 4, 2021

Heavy as hell

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I've owned this tack for about 4 trouble free years with only one complaint really. iTS HEAVY. Stupid heavy. I've seen many people complain about the extending lever that locks on to the front tire rubbing against the bike. These people are likely placing the rubberized or plastic hook against the fork. This is not correct. Place the hook a inch or two away from the fork and press is down hard onto the tire. The bike remains secure and the rack is no where near to touching the bike or fork.

the3723480 t
Competitivecyclist.com

Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com

4 out of 5 stars

August 19, 2021

Heavy duty bike rack

I'm very much impressed with the quality of the build of this rack, it is very strong and sturdy, although, is a bit heavy and hard to load the bikes by myself. When watching the video, it shows that the rack swings to the side which was the major reason I purchased it to begin with. I hope that there is an adapter for this rack so it can perform both functions.

Robert R
2 out of 5 stars

May 10, 2021

Starts out nice, becomes totally useless

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I've had this rack for several years and put it through lots of miles. I figured it looked well built and top of the line and I wanted the best rack. Well, that has not been my experience. We started with the 2 bike rack and added the 2 bike extension. After a few long road trips, the thing started breaking apart at the hinge and eventually, when we were 600 miles from home, the hinge broke completely and we had to hold it together with rope and duct tape to get it home. Kuat warrantied all the broken parts, but I had to spend about 3 hours totally disassembling the mechanism and rebuilding it, which was difficult with all the bent bolts and corrosion. After the rebuild, it wasn't long before it started to fall apart again. The hinge got stiff and hard to actuate, the retractable locks all became corroded and useless. We've not been able to get one to reliably lock or unlock for a few years now, despite tons of grease and cleaning. We ended up removing the 2 bike extension because the main pillar developed a bend in it just bouncing down the highway. We've only ever loaded sub 18lb road bikes and sub 24lb mountain bikes. Now the bars won't fully retract or telescope and only one of the 2 remaining bars will even hold a 29" wheel. We have to bungee the bike to keep it from moving. And to add insult to injury, the bars rub the paint off your road bike forks so all our bikes have helicopter tape where they touch the rack. Overpriced, poorly designed eye candy. Sorry I ever bought this thing. Going to a OneUp or similar design that only touches the tires.

Matheson H
5 out of 5 stars

April 29, 2021

The Real Deal

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Just received, assembled, and installed it, but can already tell how well built it is. With the exception of the rear wheel strap ratchets, which feel a little flimsy, everything else is super solid. I've read some negative comments that it is hard to assemble, but that was not my experience. I got it together on my own in about 20 minutes or so, and that included unpacking and then breaking down the box for recycling after. It's literally just 5 bolts required to put it together. Yes it would be easier to assemble with two people, but if you can't do it by yourself, you'd have no chance with a piece of furniture from IKEA! Literally, just read the instructions (or use common sense) to figure out that putting it together upside down is easier. And no, all of the parts will not lie flat even when it is upside down, but a few rolled up towels, or riding shoes, or whatever else you have lying around the garage strategically placed under the base and rails will line everything up without a second pair of hands. Oh, and note that the adapters for fat tire bikes and small wheels are included in the box, so there is no need to contact Kuat for them after purchase. This is a seriously solid and nice rack. Looking forward to lots of adventures with it.

Ruben A