+ 3 on the Kuat NV. It is an awesome looking rack that performs even better!! I definitely like the tray style racks as opposed to the racks that you hang your bikes on, especially since our 2 bikes don't have top tubes.
Reid
What trailer hitch Bike Rack are you using
- Thread starter dclark2171
- Start date
+ 3 on the Kuat NV. It is an awesome looking rack that performs even better!! I definitely like the tray style racks as opposed to the racks that you hang your bikes on, especially since our 2 bikes don't have top tubes.
Reid
dougfoglesong
New member
I just bought a Yakima Swing Daddy. 4 bikes and swings away to access the back. I also have had a old Thule that is on an extended hitch so I can haul a trailer. Works great but you have no access.
I have extremely wide handlebars on my large Enduro (I think the widest Specialized puts on any bike), and the Kuat NV still clears everything when it is tilted down. Tailgate opens fine.
MTN4RNR
New member
Still waiting on the 4Runner purchase, but while I stalk all of your information and opinions, I may as well weigh in on something that I can help with!
I have been running the 1up USA rack (single plus 1 add-on) for a while now and have fallen in love. It's brutally simple, rock solid, and built with quality materials (IN the USA). Plus, if you're looking for some extra storage, that your bike rack can attach to when you want, they just released their cargo carrier which is very good looking. (https://www.1upusa.com/product-cargocarrier48black.html) I typically carry the single bike rack on the hitch (because I have no friends) and the add-on in the back seat of my current truck. When the 4Runner comes, I will load a photo with the rack and bike for anyone who cares.
I have been running the 1up USA rack (single plus 1 add-on) for a while now and have fallen in love. It's brutally simple, rock solid, and built with quality materials (IN the USA). Plus, if you're looking for some extra storage, that your bike rack can attach to when you want, they just released their cargo carrier which is very good looking. (https://www.1upusa.com/product-cargocarrier48black.html) I typically carry the single bike rack on the hitch (because I have no friends) and the add-on in the back seat of my current truck. When the 4Runner comes, I will load a photo with the rack and bike for anyone who cares.
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Those locks don't provide much security. The cables can be cut in seconds with bolt cutters (standard bike thief tool) or cable cutters, and the lock cores can easily be broken with a big screwdriver.
My rack doesn't have locks, so I use a 6ft Onguard armored cable lock:
Armored Cables ? OnGuard Bicycle and Motorcycle Locks
Even that can probably be cut by bending it to separate the armor links, but most thieves haven't seen one before and don't know that. Maybe I shouldn't even mention it here. U locks are the best, and I think the bigger chain locks are hard to cut with regular tools.
I have a 1upusa rack. I like it, but it's really heavy for aluminum. It's expensive, but I got it for my last car because it was a tray style rack that could hold 3 bikes on a car with a 1 1/4" hitch and fold up to fit in the trunk when not in use. If I had to replace it, I would probably get a Kuat rack, which is surprisingly light even though I think it's mostly steel.
codyHTX
Member
i also have a Kuat, but the Sherpa 2 Bike Rack not the NV.
Pros:
- less expensive than NV
- fits 1.25" or 2" receivers (fits the 4R and the gf's forester) NOTE::: Also fits TRD PRO!
- hand-tight cam system (no mounting tools required/staying tight in receiver)
- tilts up 90deg / tilts down ~25deg? to access cargo (was able to open liftgate with bikes on rack)
- super easy to load/unload bikes
- locking hitch pin and bike cable lock for peace of mind
- looks pretty badass
Cons:
- only carries 2 bikes (can't add 4 bike extension like on NV)
- not equiped with integrated repair stand
- bulkier/heavier than my old school Yakima Big Horn 4 Bike Rack
Pros:
- less expensive than NV
- fits 1.25" or 2" receivers (fits the 4R and the gf's forester) NOTE::: Also fits TRD PRO!
- hand-tight cam system (no mounting tools required/staying tight in receiver)
- tilts up 90deg / tilts down ~25deg? to access cargo (was able to open liftgate with bikes on rack)
- super easy to load/unload bikes
- locking hitch pin and bike cable lock for peace of mind
- looks pretty badass
Cons:
- only carries 2 bikes (can't add 4 bike extension like on NV)
- not equiped with integrated repair stand
- bulkier/heavier than my old school Yakima Big Horn 4 Bike Rack
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Bootleg
New member
Never had an issue opening the hatch with the Kuat NV and Sherpa. I have the NV on the 4R and the Sherpa has been on my wife's Forester XT and TSX Wagon. Unlike some others, I use the workstand on my Kuat several times a month. I do agree that the cable lock needs to be about 1' longer (6" per side) and aside from that the only gripe I have is a squeak coming from somewhere in the rack that I can't chase down. Small potatoes if you ask me. I freakin love my Kuat racks.:thumb:
mrevilandy
New member
Are there bike racks that has built in security at all?
codyHTX
Member
sounds like y'all have similar taste to me (2015 4R) and my girl (2014 XT Forester)
I know there are lots of options that do, what i can offer is:
the Kuat NV has a locking hitch pin (key type) and integrated cable lock that pulls out from the rack
the Kuat Sherpa has a locking hitch pin (key type) and a separate cable that wraps around the bikes and secures to the locking hitch pin
Kuat NV
I have and like the Kuat NV. Folds down allowing me to open the tailgate, which is good for a short guy like me. Also good for post ride tailgating.
Security wise, it's ok. The obvious hand tools can defeat any locks I've seen if somebody wants your bike bad enough.
I'd imagine the appropriate stickers on the rack would do more to deter folks than the actual cable locks and hitch lock
One thing, it's heavy enough my wife can't easily mount or dismount it from the hitch.
T
I have and like the Kuat NV. Folds down allowing me to open the tailgate, which is good for a short guy like me. Also good for post ride tailgating.
Security wise, it's ok. The obvious hand tools can defeat any locks I've seen if somebody wants your bike bad enough.
I'd imagine the appropriate stickers on the rack would do more to deter folks than the actual cable locks and hitch lock
One thing, it's heavy enough my wife can't easily mount or dismount it from the hitch.
T
I have trouble with my NV and the 800mm+ wide handle bars (uncut Sixc) on my downhill bike when it's in the closest tray, but that's where loading order or the sliding rear glass comes in.
Bikes are my number one passion, so I'll share how I use my rack, and my experiences with different racks. I have 4 bikes and very regularly take 2 or more of my own bikes on a trip, I say this because it doubles the $$ on the rack and therefore the pucker factor. A standard summer weekend usually involves me loading up the trail bike and the downhill bike to drive from Denver to Winter Park, rallying pretty hard through I-70 and over Berthoud Pass. I've had the T2, sold it for the Kuat NV, well worth the upgrade. I didn't like watching my bikes wobbling around on the T2, especially once I bought the extension. I've never seen my bikes move at all on the Kuat, including my 37lb downhill bike, even with tires squealing on the turns (sometimes I get a little too rad in the T4R after riding the bike park). I'm very happy with the NV, but he grass is always greener right? My buddy got a Recon Rack which I've been drooling over. Here is a pic on a 4th? gen:
It's a little easier to load, you can use the rearview camera when it's folded up, and it puts the weight closer to the bumper. Depending on what he thinks after some time I'll likely buy one. I don't like the impact that a 100lbs platform rack with 4 bikes averaging ~35lbs has on the handling of the vehicle. That being said Kuat makes great platform racks, I would reccomend them, only other one I'd consider is 1UP.
There's no such thing as theft proof and any lock can be cut/broken. Locks are nothing more than a deterrent. I'd rather have a rack with some built in protection vs. none at all. I don't ever leave my bikes unattended on the car or otherwise for anything longer than a quick food stop but there's a good chance someone will move to an easier target than try to break 2 separate locks per bike.
In my experience, cable locks are hardly even a deterrent. They deter casual thieves, but bolt cutters are tools of the trade for bike thieves. They expect to cut cable locks, and they can do it without attracting attention even in a crowded area. The thin cables on racks can be cut with cable cutters (like the ones for installing new shifter cable and housing) as easily as scissors cutting a piece of paper. I've tried it with my cable cutters on some old lock cables. It would be like saying a door, for which you can buy a universal key at any hardware store, is a deterrent. Maybe it is a little, but not much.
In less populated areas where the bike thief density is lower you can get away with cable locks for a short time, like a quick food stop. You never know who's hanging out at gas stations and roadside food places. I try to keep an eye on my bikes when I'm on the road.
Of course no locks are theft proof, but I prefer ones that are difficult to break, taking time or attracting attention. For example, to break a U lock you either have to use a scissor jack or breaker bar to force it apart, use an angle grinder on it, or hit it with a huge hammer (maybe). If you get a strong mini-U lock then there is no room for a scissor jack or breaker bar, and hammering it probably won't work, and cutting it is impractical. I think some of the bigger hardened chains resist bolt cutters, and they can't be levered, so again the only thing that can cut them is an angle grinder. Good quality bike locks have lock cylinders that are hard to pick, by the way. They are no longer vulnerable to bic pens, and they don't use normal flat keys where you can rake the pins.
Having two separate locks helps, but as I mentioned those lock cores are easily broken, too.
You're probably fine with your setup for quick food stops and things like that, and built in locks are convenient. But weak locks give people a false sense of security, and I'd hate to see someone rely on them then have their bike stolen.
In less populated areas where the bike thief density is lower you can get away with cable locks for a short time, like a quick food stop. You never know who's hanging out at gas stations and roadside food places. I try to keep an eye on my bikes when I'm on the road.
Of course no locks are theft proof, but I prefer ones that are difficult to break, taking time or attracting attention. For example, to break a U lock you either have to use a scissor jack or breaker bar to force it apart, use an angle grinder on it, or hit it with a huge hammer (maybe). If you get a strong mini-U lock then there is no room for a scissor jack or breaker bar, and hammering it probably won't work, and cutting it is impractical. I think some of the bigger hardened chains resist bolt cutters, and they can't be levered, so again the only thing that can cut them is an angle grinder. Good quality bike locks have lock cylinders that are hard to pick, by the way. They are no longer vulnerable to bic pens, and they don't use normal flat keys where you can rake the pins.
Having two separate locks helps, but as I mentioned those lock cores are easily broken, too.
You're probably fine with your setup for quick food stops and things like that, and built in locks are convenient. But weak locks give people a false sense of security, and I'd hate to see someone rely on them then have their bike stolen.
It's funny to me that this is even a debate.
Something is better than nothing. Period.
How is having some built in security a bad thing? You do realize you can still chain it up with a heavier duty lock just the same as you would with a rack that has no built in security right...
Something is better than nothing. Period.
How is having some built in security a bad thing? You do realize you can still chain it up with a heavier duty lock just the same as you would with a rack that has no built in security right...
Yakima holdup
I bought a Yakima holdup on Craigslist for cheap and haven't looked back. It's been great for my dh bikes as well as my street bikes. If I ever have to grab anything I just roll down the back window but I do know it drops. I also have the extension to add up to 2 more bikes. Just sucks cause it makes the vehicle super long.
*just checked and you cannot open the gate fully with bikes mounted*
I bought a Yakima holdup on Craigslist for cheap and haven't looked back. It's been great for my dh bikes as well as my street bikes. If I ever have to grab anything I just roll down the back window but I do know it drops. I also have the extension to add up to 2 more bikes. Just sucks cause it makes the vehicle super long.
*just checked and you cannot open the gate fully with bikes mounted*
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ScoMey
New member
I've owned a SportWorks / Thule T2 for about 10 years now...bought it right when Thule bought SportWorks out. I remember the box contained two sets of identical instructions - one provided by Thule, the other by SportWorks. I also remember being disappointed that the Thule key locks could not be retrofitted to it. That said, I've always just used a cable lock, and (knock on wood) not lost a bike. Yet.
The rack is a heavy beast, but it's held up well over the years. And to answer the question here... it does have a fold down feature to allow access to the rear hatch. Unfortunately, it doesn't fold down far enough to clear the hatch on the 4Runner with my 29'r on the inside mount. If I had my ex's 26" mtb on, it cleared. Newer ones may be different.
Anyway, mine at least has been solid since day one. I expect to get many more years of use from it. I've definitely gotten my money's worth.
-sjm
