Kuat NV Bike Rack

[Knot Kracker]

I received an NV rack today, assembled and installed on car. I wanted to use it with my Optibike, which has a Talus 36" front fork and fenders - front and back.

Without removing the fenders, I tried to mount the bike in reverse with the clamp over the rear wheel. I was not able to get the wheel clamp tight enough between the tire and fender against the swing arm. Also the front strap around the opposite tire while snug, still allowed wobble.

Here in the Northwest the fenders help with keeping all the deicing and other road debris down to a minimum. has anyone had experience with this rack or similar design that can help me with how to "lock" this bike into the rack properly. The front fender can come off but requires the removal of 4 screws each time and I'm attempting to avoid that process.

[Garbonz]

Send it back and get a Swagman. It clamps down on the main fuselage, very
secure and much better than the wheel clamp..

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[Paul_G]

500lb rack for $40 will not damage the Optibike frame.

You just need to have a trailer hitch. It was $69 when I bought mine.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E2WQE4/ref=s9_simh_gw_p263_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=09VH64MFMVYQAV3KVNZ2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

A shortened link in case thats broken:  http://goo.gl/rwjIA

Paul G

[Paul_G]

They also make it in aluminum $119 +$7 shipping

http://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-receiver-mount-motorcycle-carrier-99721.html

I put a dent in my Optibike when I used a car carrier that supported the the bike under the frame.

Odd that a MC carrier is also cheaper than a bike carrier.

Paul G

[Garbonz]

The Swagman clamps nicely on top AND has a real cushy top bar, and folds nicely and goes in the front of my jetta truck where I have it always.  It is a wonderful thing.

 

Interesting about the price compared to the cheap chinese crap.  NOT

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[Jeb Bateman]

Swagman looks nice and lightweight compared to the Kuat NV we have also. The super heavy duty design of the kuat and integrated bike lock cable are handy though. I've done several things so far to make it work. 1st removed fender (works fine but can be a pain as noted). 2nd looked for another type of fender that mounts to the top of the fork, (but haven't found one to fit yet). 3rd, tried clamping the swing arm above - over the fork cross member - since it is soft rubber, (but that was sketchy without extra protection on the smooth fork pieces, and ended up coming loose without an extra tie - luckily still held vertical by fender and no damage).  Finally, I just clamped the swing arm tight against the front tire BELOW the front edge of the fender. (Not recommended, but seems to work ok because of the way the front wheel mount is shaped to hold the front tire on the kuat.)

Check it out if you're ever in Reno/Tahoe - https://relayrides.com/car-rental/reno/dodge-durango/15213

[Garbonz]

SWAGMAN XTC CROSS COUNTRY 2-BIKE HITCH MOUNT RACK.  It is a great rack,  and folds up to fit right in the trunk of my VW Jetta.  I use the front set of wheel receptacles and just roll the Opti up on them put up the vertical bar and cinch the clamp down.\

 

Easy Peasy

 

I got mine off of EBAY for $160.00, not too bad for a really nice piece of equipment. And easy to store, no assembly.

 

I need a motorcycle rack like I need a hole in the head (another one that is).

Garbonzo

 

From: Garbonz [mailto:gar...@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 8:22 AM
To: 'Paul_G'; 'optibike-o...@googlegroups.com'
Cc: 'Knot Kracker'
Subject: RE: Kuat NV Bike Rack

 

The Swagman clamps nicely on top AND has a real cushy top bar, and folds nicely and goes in the front of my jetta truck where I have it always.  It is a wonderful thing.

 

Interesting about the price compared to the cheap chinese crap.  NOT

 

From: optibike-o...@googlegroups.com [mailto:optibike-o...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul_G
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 7:55 AM
To: optibike-o...@googlegroups.com
Cc: 'Knot Kracker'
Subject: Re: Kuat NV Bike Rack

 

They also make it in aluminum $119 +$7 shipping

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[Knot Kracker]

Thank you all for the posts on the Kuat/Swagman/Motorcycle Racks.  I received a reply almost immediately from Kuat, and am going to try and stick it out with their rack use it as they suggested.  The reason for choosing the Kuat over the Swagman initially was because of a couple negative reviews.  I should have posted the forum prior to choosing a rack.  I will mention that the Kuat does have a rubberized top bar, so hopefully it won't damage the Opti while using.  My plan is to lock down the bike with the swing arm holding down the top of the Monocoque Aluminum Frame and have both wheels strapped to the carrier.

Also, the motorcycle racks that were mentioned are a good idea.  I already had one for a KTM, but needed a rack that would carry 2-4 bikes without using the clunky straps I had used with the motorcycle.