Kuat NV 2.0 vs Saris MTR

[@stephansondregger4668]

After owning so many other racks...1Up USA is the undisputed winner. No plastic, no corrosion no issues. Bonus - fastest load/unload and fits all the families bikes. Love the rack and the company!

[@jltrack]

Here in my area, 1up’s are a huge target for theft unfortunately

[@lanyouree8532]

Love my kuat nv 2.0, and it carries a lifetime warranty. Their service is great too. If you have a problem they take care of it.

[@benwithrow5044]

Nice review, as always. I have the NV and don’t need the adapter for 24” bikes. I only use the adapters for 20” and smaller bikes. I love the rack. My only quibble is the bar touching the fork.

[@axxxxman]

my 2 cents. I have had the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 since summer 2016, it is a 2 bike only rack, with no adjustments but I can say it has been trouble free for me. I went with it over the NV 2.0 because I did not need the possibility for 4 bikes and also it is only 32lbs, since I live in a Townhouse without a garage, I have to carry it through the front door to put it away. I understand your concern about the bike rack arm touching the front fork, but I can say in my 4.5 years I have never had an issue with it rubbing marks or scratches on any of my bikes including a full Suspension MTB, a carbon road bike with fenders installed, (doesn't do anything to the painted fenders either) and a hybrid with front shock, and a carbon gravel bike without fenders. I use it mostly locally then every year I drive from MD to Citrus cty FL and back. I think either of these two racks are great choices for someone who needs to carry more than 2, especially different sized bikes. Cheers

[@ClintGibbs]

Thanks for the feedback

[@spiffpilot2589]

The problem with the Sherpa is that it won’t take bikes with a longer wheelbase- ie most mountain bikes. That rack is SEVERELY limited in that regard.

[@baddriversofcolga]

Great review, Clint! Another thing I like about the Saris is it's made in the U.S. and still costs the same as the Kuat. And I agree, I'm not a huge fan of the way the Kuat (and Thule as well) clamps onto the tire at the fork.

[@AndreLaurentMTB]

Well alrighty then! Now you've gone and done it!!! Lol. I'm now committed to getting a Kuat NV2 for our 3 XC & fat bikes. Big problem, nothing to be found in the Great White North at this time with 12 weeks expected delivery time.... Stress less, ride more! Stay safe...

[@ashevillescarborough]

Didn’t know so much about the Saris. Really nice design features, esp how the arms fold out of the way, and like the upward angle of the second bike.

[@frankstrobel4350]

as far as changing the wheel size on the saris. I did this on my oneup(would apply to the saris). I use those plastic knob screws/nuts with the nylon nut inside. got them cheap on eBay..might find them at Acehardware. and a slightly longer bolt. that way you can remove the bolt without any tools.

[@DN-iz4qh]

I got a similar bike rack and I use a second strap (from local hardware store) to tie the other tire to bottom of the front wheel holder. It helps to reduce sideway movement.

[@dankelly6927]

Enjoyed the review. I bought a Kuat NV 2.0 Base a few years ago, mostly because it'll fit a 5" fat tire bike. So, it may be worth mentioning tire widths in future bike rack reviews. Also, my son's 24" hardtail fits just fine in it without the adapter. I've only had to use that adapter for 20" bikes. Another thing to note is that the locks don't slide in quite so smoothly when the temperature is below freezing, but that's probably obvious. I agree that Kuat's service is great. All in all, it's a great bike rack and I'm happy with it.

[@ClintGibbs]

Thanks. Both of these racks fit 5-in tires.

[@daledowrey5565]

My e bike fat tire the strap was to small waiting for the new ones to come. Kurt well made.

[@James-qq2vq]

On the kuat I use a velcro strap around the hook and upper part of the rim so it won't slide back onto the fork.

[@Cause4Alarm]

Just got a new e-bike and had to get a new bike carrier and the bike shop try to sell me a Solaris kind of looked it over was thinking about getting it. Then I saw another bike owner drive up to the shop with it and the thing was wiggling all over the place it had too much play it looked like a cheap Chinese bike carrier, you could buy from Amazon for 70 bucks which I already had and right then & there it told me I had to get the Kuat 2.0 that's all I had to see to be sold on that. The Kuat is a great carrier my Pedigo bike shop said they were having a hard time getting those and asked me when I got mine and I said right during Christmas he was surprised.

[@drmoynihan]

I really like the Kuat but own a wonderful (very solid) Thule which has a 2 to 4 bike kit. If you have any concern about the shifting clamps, you can secure them by winding an old tube around the rack and using the elasticity to pull the clamp tighter, which is what I do with my wife's thin tired grandma bike. 😉 Those cable locks are absolutely worthless as they can be snipped/cut so quickly. I run an Austrian padded chain around my truck frame and then woven through my bikes frames and wheels.

[@robindale9319]

My Kuat rack eats fork decals!! Looking at the 1up to replace my ship anchor

[@Todd_Monson]

Do it. You won’t regret it.

[@tatojanc]

I have the Kuat and if you tied the rear wheel strap behind the spoke it will avoid the bike slide back and the arm touch the forks .... simple solution ... thanks Clint

[@newttella1043]

My bike has been damaged more by those tray style bike racks than from crashes. Ten hour drive to Moab with a pedal rubbing through a carbon frame really hurt. Also, mysterious oil leaks on brake levers correlate with how many trips the bike has had on a bike rack. This last point was mentioned by a smart Shimano tech tasked with understanding causes of brake lever warranty requests.

[@kel5944]

I have the nv 2.0 for a 1-1/4 hitch. Mine doesn’t tighten in the hitch with a knob. Mine has a T shaped plastic handle that I’m constantly concerned will get damaged on my garage floor.

[@heyg7819]

The Saris looks as you mentioned a bit of a copy of the 1Up although I do like how the tray swings out. Is there any plastic on the rack? Nice to see it's made in the USA and comes with that price tag as well, but if the quality matches 1Up it will be the last bike rack you buy.

[@ClintGibbs]

The handle is plastic but it's very thick. Looks very durable. The bridges that make contact with the tires are also plastic

[@JulianoGSF]

One up no plastic. Get it now.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@JulianoGSF or the Mach 2...

[@heyg7819]

@@JulianoGSF I have one! I like the fact that I can use it as a single which is around 90% of the time and fits in the trunk of my car.

[@rc51bigdaddy]

I had a Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and it was too short for my Santa Cruz Megatower, size XL. The Saris MTR was fine. Not sure if the Kuat NV 2.0 fits the longer wheelbase enduro style bikes.

[@993mike]

Kuat all day long - it’s great

[@ericthatcher]

I have a Saris Superclamp EX 4 and love it. It has a different clamp then the one shown in this video. There is no need for changing the clamp for different size bikes.

[@xcaliber_gaming]

Does the Kuat NV 2.0 have a weight cap ? I have 52 lb E-Bikes.

[@thim8009]

Nice job, I almost bought a rocky mount like them that swings around to passenger side. I modified my Northshore rack to work with my truck and topper instead.

[@alsayers]

Are saying that because the Kuat front wheel clamp butts up against the front fork that it touches the frame?

[@ClintGibbs]

I'm saying it touches a part of the bike other than the tires. Especially on road & gravel bikes, the frame&fork are typically viewed as a continuous chassis.

[@twowheelslater7112]

Both pretty nice racks. I dig the way the 1up i mean saris hugs the wheels. Nothing to really compel me to ditch my dr tray though.

[@HeyElliott]

Thank you for this great overview! Not related - but what is the watch face you are using on your Garmin watch? Ha .. Thanks! :)

[@ClintGibbs]

It's called titanium

[@mtnbikerva1]

How is the plastic doing in the weather?

[@philjones4903]

I will have go admit he noted a couple of items about the rack I did not know. Great display.

[@TheArsenalGoonship]

Still think that the 1Up USA rack is the way to go. So much easier to install, remove, and add trays. Built like a tank and super durable too.

[@lenbata]

I agree. I put my E-MTB on my 1Up super duty

[@mtnbikerva1]

The 1up and the one in the video are The only ones you can use on a bike with a fender or fenders.

[@alexdi1367]

Wouldn't laud the security of the Kuat. The only thing holding each cable to the rack is a plastic endcap with a couple of standard bolts. It'd take about ten seconds to remove an endcap or two to snip the cable. The arm design is also super annoying for rim-braked road bikes; you're essentially locking it against the front brake. With my Lefty mountain bike, the cable attachment for the front caliper lines up with the arm and damages it.

[@EpicRev1]

Great review. A friend has the new updated 1Up USA rack and he hates the fact it requires two hands to open and close the end fenders (still a great rack). A few months back I watch a bike shop review both the Kuat and Thule racks. The one Kuat issue they pointed out was the fact you can LOCK both the rack onto the car or lock the bikes using the onboard lock system WITHOUT a key. What happens when you discover you don't have the keys onhand to unlock? Being forced to lock with the keys ensures you have keys. There are steps to mitigate this issue simply make extra keys and carry an extra set in the vehicles that use the rack. For what's worth I own a 1Up USA rack, Thule XT Pro, and the new VelocriRax vertical rack, and without a doubt my favorite of the 3 racks is the VelocriRax. The issue I worry about is not the rack capacity but rather the TWC of the hitch (tongue weight capacity) and extenders. I'm not a fan of 4 bikes stacked horizontally away from the vehicle. As the load gets further away from the hitch the greater the force on the hitch. This is the main reason why I prefer a vertical bike rack, the load of the bikes is much closer to the hitch. It's more about the piece of mind knowing my rack is over spec'ed carrying $15k of bikes and 3 of them are not yours.

[@ClintGibbs]

So is the VelociRax your favorite one? It was hard to tell by the way you stated it. I've been thinking about trying that one so would love to know. And regarding the locks, I keep the bike rack key on my keychain so if I have my car keys, I have the key to the bike lock.

[@awesomexistence]

The VelociRax is a heavy beast of a rack at 85lbs and looks to be heavy drag in the wind behind most vehicles. The garage storage looks great on it. Off and on the vehicle might be a factor. I’ve got the 1up USA. Leaving or pulling one wheel brace close to upright position and then lifting the bike setting the rear wheel in it leaves it hands free for the moment for my experience anyway. Then set the front wheel brace and adjust if needed.

[@EpicRev1]

@@awesomexistence So is the Thule, 1up USA and Kuat when you want to carry 4 bikes. Most 2" hitch base bike rack models that carry two bikes weight close to 45lbs, add ons for two extra bikes is close to another 35-40 lbs.

[@awesomexistence]

@@EpicRev1, valid point. I transport 1 bike 90% of the time now and the 1up 2” Super Duty Single (28lbs) is so quick to convert to 3 bike it makes for ease of on and off the vehicle. A friend has the 1up Heavy Duty Double (46lbs);with 2 bike add on. Add ons are 18lbs each tray. Add ons are so quick and easy on/off it has the effect of being a very light rack. One advantage not mentioned is the 1up will hold a recumbent long wheel base. So technically your point is valid but put to practice the 1up is versatile and very quick to convert (2 minutes max).

[@EpicRev1]

@@awesomexistence In my experience with hitch mounted bike racks most high-end racks are all very good, but never perfect. They all have different "goods" and all have their minor nuisances. I wouldn't use my VelociRax rack on a car, it's more suited for vans, trucks or large SUV's. The 1Up is the best at securing the bikes without touching the frame (and l like the quick change out to more or less trays), but I don't care that it takes two hands to move up and down the fenders requiring you to either put the bike down or lean it up against something. The Thule I can setup with one hand while hold onto my bike. Clint should do a video on hitch capacity especially if you ride e-bikes. For example Clint's Honda Passport AWD the hitch has a rating at 500lbs, however the non AWD version is rated at 350 lbs. 4 bikes plus the weight of the rack with rating of 350 lbs is most likely over the spec weight if you factor in the physics of the weight of the last two bikes being upto 30" away from the hitch. Saris, Thule, Kuat, 1Up, Yakima all make great horizontal bike racks. But if someone is really wants/needs to carry 4 or more bikes, the VelociRax in my opinion is king of vertical racks plus is half the price compared to the traditional horizontal racks. Again everyone has their own needs and wants hence why so many options.

[@shwndh]

Thank you so much for this review. Have you had any issues with the ratchet system of the arms? I see that it is a plastic on plastic system and that's my only cause for pause on buying it. Love everything else about it.

[@ClintGibbs]

No issues at all

[@benward6038]

Great job ! Thankyou

[@bikeninja956]

great review! thanks for sharing! I'm still researching, too many choices, think I'll default to throwing it in the trunk :P

[@WowRixter]

The Kuat is made in China I believe, which is a deal-breaker for me. Nice comprehensive review. Cool analog license plate cover Clint. ;-)

[@pwittouck8707]

Can you buy these racks in europe? I cant seem to find racks with these clamping styles..

[@ClintGibbs]

I honestly don’t know. I’ll let someone else chime in for this…

[@MTB_Rider_96]

I bought the Kuat 2.0 last year and it’s a well-made, high quality rack for what it is (and it looks great). Unfortunately the Kuat engineers, for some reason, FAILED to account for the handlebar interference! It’s like the Kuat designers don’t ride bikes and have no clue how bikes actually get mounted to the rack. Like Clint said, even after moving the front tire holder to the lowest position, they Still interfere! It would only take about 4 inches more spacing between the bikes to resolve this. WTF kuat - figure this out!

[@Joshmess]

Curious if you have tried the Thule T2 Pro Clint? This seems like an equal contender.

[@ClintGibbs]

I have not. I did have a Yakima Dr Tray for a while.

[@Joshmess]

@@ClintGibbs Thanks Clint!

[@MTB_Rider_96]

Converting the Saris to a 4 bike is not a problem for 99% of people cuz you likely only have to do it once. If you have it as a 4 bike, you can still use it as your daily 1 or 2 bike rack.

[@BicMichuM]

Im sure its ok to rub the plastic part of the fork...it wont damage the fork. My yakima dr tray has the same mechanism and 4yrs of use its fine...all the way 2k miles and back trip

[@AndrewSmyk]

How much of the Saris MTR is plastic?

[@ClintGibbs]

Just the piece that contacts the tire

[@tomordr]

Thanks for the review! Do you think it would work with a road bike with fenders?

[@ClintGibbs]

Probably not unless you had a really short fender (the part that extended past the fork), or you brought the clamping arm on top of the fender.

[@mtnbikerva1]

1up USA or the Saris.

[@bullcity5057]

I know this is an old review. But what do you think about the Kuat vs Saris Superclamp EX-4

[@ClintGibbs]

I have not tried the superclamp but it looks like a pretty cool rack. My main concern would be bike to bike contact. Not sure how much lateral adjustment you can do to avoid that. Also don't know if you can remove the two bike add-on to keep it a two bike rack for a day-to-day use.

[@CogMarks]

The Saris MTR rack is no longer made because the bolts that hold the moving trays will come loose frequently until one of the trays falls off. Saris is no help at all with this problem. They just recommend spending another $550 buying their new MHS version which has trays that don’t fold up eliminating the loose bolts.

[@koukimonzta]

I love my Kuat single bike rack

[@michaelbattista1334]

Can you put a real heavy E-Bike on that rack?

[@ClintGibbs]

Both of these carry bikes up to 60 lb

[@noniespam]

I don’t know but I think the 1UP tops both of these. Made in the USA, machined aluminum, nothing touches the frame and so, so simplified. No swinging arms.

[@ClintGibbs]

Or even better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3yqgGSBit6thMk

[@noniespam]

@@ClintGibbs I agree, Quikstuff is made by the same man/ company that produced the 1UP, he seems to know what he’s doing.

[@Wheelsanstuff]

I have the Thule t2 pro xt, which is much more versatile, accepting fat tires without adapters etc

[@kristenb7380]

Did you decide to keep your Kuat?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, I still have it

[@Yoomichael1]

What grips are those on the patrol and pbj

[@ClintGibbs]

Cromag Wax grips. Dawson says they're the best grips he's ever used. They're not lock-ons so they're not great in wet weather.

[@Yoomichael1]

@@ClintGibbs thanks

[@kel5944]

That Kuat trail dock is NOT secure. It can be easily stolen. I NEVER leave it on the rack at the trail. I love it though. It is very handy. I even use it at home.

[@spiffpilot2589]

Fork on blue Transition - absolutely beat to crap with major scuffs and scrapes. Parts of brake housing shoddily wrapped in electrical tape. Clint: “I like that the Saris doesn’t contact the frame or fork.” 😂😂😂

[@ClintGibbs]

Trust me, those scuffs were not from the bike rack. That’s my son’s bike and he rides a bike very hard.

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

What do you think about the new racks that have that have the bikes vertical, they usually come as 4 bike rack's any opinions or thoughts yet?

[@ClintGibbs]

I actually reached out to VelociRax yesterday to see if they would send a review model. Haven't heard back yet.

[@rosevillemtbdad302]

1Up USA - there is no comparison. Price variance is minimal to these, and the quality is on another level. Go with 1Up USA, you won't regret it; worth every penny. PS - be sure to get the bottle opener!

[@ClintGibbs]

I'm actually looking at the Mach 2...looks like the perfect rack.

[@tuswm1]

The NV 4 bike rack has 81 combinations not 100s.

[@ClintGibbs]

If you consider that every bike has different wheelbases, handlebar position, saddle position...then there could be hundreds in combination with the wheel tray positions. But that makes it sound more complicated than it really is. Bottom line is it can take up to 20 to 30 minutes of trial and error to dial in the right settings for getting 4 bikes in the right configuration.

[@tuswm1]

@@ClintGibbs "long time listener first time caller" I have the same rack. While I still like it I have had nothing but problems with it. The bike stand broke, but customer service was great. But if the rack has ANY water in it and the Temps drop below freezing over night the telescoping parts do not work. I've missed rides because I was un able to get my bike on the rack on a cold morning. Also as an engineer (that why I know its 81) having the PLASTIC WHEEL to clamp the rack on to the car, be the part that sticks out the furthest when the rack is folded up, is a HORRIBLE design. You back up to far, or a car taps you in a lot and that rack is now stuck on your car. Also somewhere around 2017 they went from a welded "H" design to a far inferior extruded and screwed together design. Its so weak I broke part of the rack trying to compress my dropper post while the bike was on the rack. Again customer service was great. Why does it come with a 1/⁴ inch locking pin when the rack and hitch use a 5/8 " pin. Probably bean counters. Again a major design flaw. Durability vs profit margin. When using the 2 bike rack stand you can not pedal the bike to adjust the drive train became the pedals hit the folding mechanism. Again a MAJOR design flaw. My clamp that hold the bike stand has also now broken twice. I didnt bother with customer service and used a cnc machine to make my own out of aluminum instead of plastic. I hope you have better luck.

[@tommoss2436]

Thank you, Clint, I want to know if we can chat more about the bike rack through email?

[@ClintGibbs]

You can use Instagram message @clintg37

[@karlasolano7794]

Sturdy Bike Rack.

[@philjones4903]

The adapter came with my rack.

[@trevorschroeder6745]

1 up all the way

[@JJJ5.7]

Why dont reviewers give therack and bikes a shake so we know how stable the racks are?

[@marcelahurtado4100]

I was very nervous putting my brand new beach cruiser on this rack. kzbin.infoUgkxG6JIgwJhur8_Rg8UeQ3EmePzi_wSncL8 But after reading many reviews I decided to get this one and take a chance. When arrived it was very simple to adjust and put together. I also added spike tape over the metal hooks before securing and tightening the straps, and no scratches. I also purchased the top bar made by the same company so that my cruiser sits straight on the rack without having to turn upside down. Extra bungee cords are used to secure the front wheel from flapping and even piece of mind knowing your bike is secure. Definitely recommend...

[@davesup5059]

1up-USA is the best. The saris was copied from the 1up. Plus it has too much plastic. The locks on the Kuat are cables and easy to cut. Locks for the 1up are steel and much harder to cut

[@bigturkeyvulture]

Kuat rocks

[@MillerRL96]

Way to much plastic in this video.. never had one of these but had a rocky mounts and the plastic was all fading and getting worn out and play in it within 2 years. I don’t think I’ll ever own anything besides 1up or north shore rack.

[@rob3812]

Kuat seems a lot nicer and better built. The saris better be $200 cheaper

[@d_rok_n]

1up

[@JulianoGSF]

One Up hands down! Saris copied from One up rack. No frame contact. One up is all aluminum, sturdy and made in USA.

[@chris4853]

I think you should you know your product before you do a review on anything. First off you could have put the dirt jumper in the third position and third position bike at the end (4th position) which may have prevented any type of touch point, or you could have taken 2 seconds to move you brake lever up a half inch on bike two. Instead you make it sound like it was such a huge problem that you would not feel comfortable taking it on the interstate without even rendering some simple solutions. Secondly you stated that the smallest wheel size the Kuat NV 2.0 will accommodate is 26 inch… this is false, it will accommodate a 24 inch wheel! If you have a kids bike with a 20 inch wheel then you will need the add on feature. Not sure why companies send products to people that don’t take the time to fully understand the product before they do their reviews.

[@ClintGibbs]

No, the NV 2.0 will not fit a 24" wheel without the adapter. I have a 24" Redline cruiser that I take to the BMX track often and I have to use the adapter. I tested the Kuat NV 2.0 for over 2 years now. So I know the product...very well actually. Most of the times when we go on trips we're not bringing a dirt jumper. We're bringing trail bikes and Enduro bikes. It takes trial and error with different configurations to get the bikes in the right position. Usually we end up having to rotate one or two saddles sideways. So I stand by everything I've said in the video.

[@chris4853]

@@ClintGibbs I load up both my kids 24 inch wheel bikes many times per week with no issues at all so you are 100% wrong. Last year i had to use the adapter on their 20 inch bikes only, the 24 inch does not require the adapter! This is exactly what I’m talking about when people don’t do their due diligence to fully understand the product prior to posting there reviews on KZbin.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@chris4853 lol...I guess Kuat is 100% wrong too shop.kuat.com/20-24-2.0-Wheel-Adapter What model year is your rack? If yours fits 24-in wheels then obviously the newer ones are different.

[@ctk3873]

@@ClintGibbs My NV 2.0 is 9 months old so it’s probably outdated. I guess all the other people on here that tell you that your wrong and that is does fit a 24 inch wheel are delusional also. Maybe take the time to read all your comments and respond accordingly and then ask yourself “ why are so many people telling me that the Kuat will fit a bike as small as a 24 inch wheel without the use of the adapter”? Don’t take my word for it or everyone else’s word as far as that goes, we’re all probably wrong and your the only one that’s right.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@ctk3873 honestly, I don't think either one of us are wrong or right. I think it's a matter of tire size. For smaller race tires on a 24-inch bike you need the adapter. For fatter tires you don't. I looked at it tonight to verify that.