Kuat user here. Their customer service is EXCELLENT. The few times I've needed support, I pick up the phone and they answer. Parts arrive a few days later. No cost. They are awesome.
Guy
Guy
Mountain Bike Racks
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1up usa Heavy Duty 2, plus 2 add-ons here - while I was waiting for it to come in (7 week lead time this past summer!) I had a Kuat NV 1.0 on there, 2 bike rack - also excellent.
Both dropped down with ease to get the tailgates fully open, no problems. The 1up is heavy w/ 4 bikes on there, but with a helper and the release handle extender accessory they sell - easy solo or easier w/ a helper. Note, we do not have a rear bumper w/ tire swing out. That would change the equation.
Both dropped down with ease to get the tailgates fully open, no problems. The 1up is heavy w/ 4 bikes on there, but with a helper and the release handle extender accessory they sell - easy solo or easier w/ a helper. Note, we do not have a rear bumper w/ tire swing out. That would change the equation.
LOL, I had to look up DORBA. True, there are some but I will tell the trail etiquette is not on par with CO or ME where I grew up riding. If you do this sorry, but every time I go riding there is at least 5-10 people playing music on external speakers for all of us to hear. Drives me nuts.
1UP user here with 2 add ons. With the rack fully loaded and tilted, you can still open the top hatch which is nice. I might look into one of the swing arms just for more accessibility.
The race team I'm on gets a new Audi suv (Q7 or Q8) every year for a team car and every time the 4 tray 1UP works seamlessly with those too.
The race team I'm on gets a new Audi suv (Q7 or Q8) every year for a team car and every time the 4 tray 1UP works seamlessly with those too.
Yea that's not cool at all.
Scotch
SILVER Star
about to pull trigger on velocirax... family of 4 boys, all 6 of us mountain bike. Obvs these decisions come down to everyone's personal setup and preferences. For us the following factor in:
-6 bikes (any type, road, bmx, mountain, ebike)
-damper assisted
-garage mode allows for storage of all our bikes when not on the cruiser
-kids can load their own bike
-held by tire... less wear on bike parts like frames and handlebars
-"camp mode" great for overlanding or when parked at airbnb as roll in bike storage
www.velocirax.com
-6 bikes (any type, road, bmx, mountain, ebike)
-damper assisted
-garage mode allows for storage of all our bikes when not on the cruiser
-kids can load their own bike
-held by tire... less wear on bike parts like frames and handlebars
-"camp mode" great for overlanding or when parked at airbnb as roll in bike storage
VelociRAX | Vertical Bike Racks
VelociRAX vertical bike racks are the only self lowering hitch bike racks that provide the easiest vehicle access with roll in and roll out bike loading.
www.velocirax.com
I like that I don't have to deal with removal/storage of the front wheels. The 1UP clamps down on the tires well enough, I drove several thousand miles in November with my bikes as pictured and zero problems. No doubt that it can be a bit awkward lifting a 35 lb fat bike onto (and off) the roof, but I'm ok with my decision to go this route.
ATwoZ
SILVER Star
I have the Saris MTR and generally it's been quite good. The staggered height means you can maintain some semblance of departure angle depending on where you go. It is approved for off-road use. I do like the swivel trays as it makes it a lot easier getting into the back with them out of the way. Everything clears great with it and it can be extended if you need to.
Kuat as a company and their customer service have a top notch reputation. My brother needed spare parts for a 10 year old rack, they sent him parts for free and a 6-pack of beer. Who does that?
I went with 1-up simply because the rack can be configured for 2, 3, or 4 bikes to meet our needs. If you try and remove the 4 bike rack, Kuat or 1-up it'll be around 100+ lbs. With the 1-up you can somewhat quickly remove a section knocking 30 lbs. off the rack.
There is a new player in the rack business, QuikRStuff - Proudly made in the USA. - QuikRStuff - Home of the Quik Rack Mach2 Bicycle Rack Designed by the guy that made the 1-up rack, but they have had all kinds of problems coming to market.
HTH.
I went with 1-up simply because the rack can be configured for 2, 3, or 4 bikes to meet our needs. If you try and remove the 4 bike rack, Kuat or 1-up it'll be around 100+ lbs. With the 1-up you can somewhat quickly remove a section knocking 30 lbs. off the rack.
There is a new player in the rack business, QuikRStuff - Proudly made in the USA. - QuikRStuff - Home of the Quik Rack Mach2 Bicycle Rack Designed by the guy that made the 1-up rack, but they have had all kinds of problems coming to market.
HTH.
Wow - That looks slick.
1up w/additional add-on (not pictured)....no rack rattle.
Impressive quality!
Impressive quality!
| 2" Super Duty Single - Silver | 1 | $379.00 |
| Add-On - Silver | 1 | $219.00 |
| Wheel Locks - Short (Standard Bikes) | 4 | $64.60 |
| Subtotal: | $662.60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping: | Free Shipping | |
| Tax: | $59.66 | |
| Payment method: | ||
| Total: | $722.26 | |
| Note: | Needs 2.5″ hitch pin |
Anyone looking to get a Kuat try Als.com. 20% off coupon on home page. Price has gone up since I bought mine for $486 a couple years ago.
$599 if you use the 20% off and free shipping too... order enough and they eventually add you to their vip program for even better pricing. My vip price is $561.
$599 if you use the 20% off and free shipping too... order enough and they eventually add you to their vip program for even better pricing. My vip price is $561.
North shore rack is the best IMO. There are other threads on this topic As well.
I have to respectfully disagree. Back in the day, most bike racks touched the frame, but over the bike community and rack manufacturers have realized that frame mount bike racks are bad for your bike. Granted, the only place the NS really touches is the headtube, but there are a lot of racks that don't touch the frame at all...
I've mentioned it in another thread, but my buddy junked his NS after it rusted out. It also caused damage to the paint on two of our bikes. According to him, they wouldn't do anything for him. He took his NS to a scrap yard. I'm not sure if the rust was a powder coat issue that has been fixed, but their lack of service for him is what spoke to me. (only a 2 year warranty and void if you ever take off the pavement)
I"m not sure what the customer service is with other brands of shuttle racks, but I have been blown away by Kuat's customer service. Thule was also very good.
When you have racks that are just as functional (Recon, velocirax, LOLO (only touches handle bars, Alta, Yakima Hangover (only touches fork) ) I've seen threads where the NS has bikes bump off the rack on bumpy roads (mine didn't fall off, it just got scratched to hell). The NS also doesn't work with road bikes for the roadie folks. Alta is expensive, but they have a lot of cool accessories (pull out table, hammock, etc.)
I know a lot of people like the NS, but IMO, there are currently much better options for a shuttle rack. The NS is lower profile (as is the LOLO), which is a nice feature, but the frame touching trade off is not worth the risk of damage from rubbing with the NS.
I personally think that the attachment straps for the Velocirax, Alta and Recon are much better than the NS or LOLO.
North Shore Rack -- Major Rust Problem
I purchased a North Shore Rack 4-bike carrier in June 2014 and have found the rack to be great for hauling my Salsa Mukluk, Ibis Ripley and friends' bikes. The rack is simple to use, very versatile in the types of bikes it carries. Only problem is, it is a complete rust bucket -- it has...
North Shore Rack Review: Rust - Pinkbike Forum
North Shore Rack Review: Rust in Bikes, Parts, and Gear
If I wanted a shuttle type rack, I'd probably lean towards Lolo if I wanted to get a compact rack and Alta if I wanted the best features and warranty. The 6 bike LOLO and NS are about the same price, and the NS is a bit cheaper for the 4 bike.
Alta has a lifetime warranty, which is a great selling features, has ski/snowboard adapters, bike work stand,, mobile floor stand, table, hammock, etc. Pretty cool, and a lifetime warranty. Price is high for the larger racks.
I have to respectfully disagree. Back in the day, most bike racks touched the frame, but over the bike community and rack manufacturers have realized that frame mount bike racks are bad for your bike. Granted, the only place the NS really touches is the headtube, but there are a lot of racks that don't touch the frame at all...
I've mentioned it in another thread, but my buddy junked his NS after it rusted out. It also caused damage to the paint on two of our bikes. According to him, they wouldn't do anything for him. He took his NS to a scrap yard. I'm not sure if the rust was a powder coat issue that has been fixed, but their lack of service for him is what spoke to me. (only a 2 year warranty and void if you ever take off the pavement)
I"m not sure what the customer service is with other brands of shuttle racks, but I have been blown away by Kuat's customer service. Thule was also very good.
When you have racks that are just as functional (Recon, velocirax, LOLO (only touches handle bars, Alta, Yakima Hangover (only touches fork) ) I've seen threads where the NS has bikes bump off the rack on bumpy roads (mine didn't fall off, it just got scratched to hell). The NS also doesn't work with road bikes for the roadie folks. Alta is expensive, but they have a lot of cool accessories (pull out table, hammock, etc.)
I know a lot of people like the NS, but IMO, there are currently much better options for a shuttle rack. The NS is lower profile (as is the LOLO), which is a nice feature, but the frame touching trade off is not worth the risk of damage from rubbing with the NS.
I personally think that the attachment straps for the Velocirax, Alta and Recon are much better than the NS or LOLO.
North Shore Rack -- Major Rust Problem
I purchased a North Shore Rack 4-bike carrier in June 2014 and have found the rack to be great for hauling my Salsa Mukluk, Ibis Ripley and friends' bikes. The rack is simple to use, very versatile in the types of bikes it carries. Only problem is, it is a complete rust bucket -- it has...www.mtbr.com
North Shore Rack Review: Rust - Pinkbike Forum
North Shore Rack Review: Rust in Bikes, Parts, and Gearwww.pinkbike.com
If I wanted a shuttle type rack, I'd probably lean towards Lolo if I wanted to get a compact rack and Alta if I wanted the best features and warranty. The 6 bike LOLO and NS are about the same price, and the NS is a bit cheaper for the 4 bike.
Alta has a lifetime warranty, which is a great selling features, has ski/snowboard adapters, bike work stand,, mobile floor stand, table, hammock, etc. Pretty cool, and a lifetime warranty. Price is high for the larger racks.
fine that you disagree, but your assertion that the rack touches your frame is wrong. It only touches the fork CSU, with padded rubber, so no issue. Either they changed their design > 3 yrs ago, or you’re mistaken on that front, or your buddy was using the rack wrong.
how where you using it so it was touching your frame? What part of the frame?
the warranty may not cover off road use, but I’ve used mine off road extensively and it’s a strength.
As stated in my post above, it can rub on the head tube. The top forks of the NS mount can rub on the head tube as the bike moves back and forth, particularly on bumpy roads. It can rub the fork too.This pic gives an idea how the top portions sits next to the head tube. I wish I had pictures of the damage to show you, but it was a few years ago, hopefully the design is better.
A quick Google search says I am not the only one:
Vertical Carry Racks - Advice sought
We have 2 kids (4 and 7 now) and do 3-4 family trips/year, plus I usually do a boys trip every year. So, 4 bikes minimum, plus, if we were to grab a kids friend for the trip, I'm guessing the 5 or 6 carry options are looking tempting and if we're dropping this type of coin, might as well go big...
www.tetongravity.com
North Shore Racks NSR 4 Bike Rack user reviews : 4.6 out of 5 - 12 reviews - mtbr.com
North Shore Racks NSR 4 Bike Rack user reviews : 4.6 out of 5 - 12 reviews. Read it's strength, weaknesses, find deals and pricing - mtbr.com
Northshore Racks and YT tues - Pinkbike Forum
Northshore Racks and YT tues in YT Industries
Review: North Shore Racks NSR-6 - Pinkbike
The NSR-6 offers a proven way to safely transport six bikes, even on rough roads.
"It's also worth mentioning that the rack does touch your frame, and there's a chance of ending up with scuffed paint on your bike's head tube, especially you're doing a lot of loading and unloading on wet, muddy days. It's best to check the fit before heading out, and a protective sticker or two on the frame should prevent any possible paint rubbing."
I read that Pinkbike article when they posted it and it’s a positive review. Curiously omitted from the excerpt above here is the whole para:
“It's also worth mentioning that the rack does touch your frame, and there's a chance of ending up with scuffed paint on your bike's head tube, especially you're doing a lot of loading and unloading on wet, muddy days. It's best to check the fit before heading out, and a protective sticker or two on the frame should prevent any possible paint rubbing. Shuttling rub is one of those things that can happen with almost any setup, and overall I'd say the NSR-6 is one of the more frame friendly options out there.”
Having owned the rack for a couple of years, using it 2-5 days a week and taking multiple off road centric trips a year, I can recommend. My families head tubes are pristine.
if you’re worried about that, you could add a tiny frame protective sticker as noted by Pinkbike. Is it worth mentioning?
the positives of the setup compared to others are many:
in context of an LC owner:
- maximized departure angle with bikes
- tail gate can be used without interference. I can open my drawers with the bikes on
- light weight my wife can easily take the rack off and put it on her highlander (I think it weighs about 1/2 other options recommended here)
Also NOrth America made.
“It's also worth mentioning that the rack does touch your frame, and there's a chance of ending up with scuffed paint on your bike's head tube, especially you're doing a lot of loading and unloading on wet, muddy days. It's best to check the fit before heading out, and a protective sticker or two on the frame should prevent any possible paint rubbing. Shuttling rub is one of those things that can happen with almost any setup, and overall I'd say the NSR-6 is one of the more frame friendly options out there.”
Having owned the rack for a couple of years, using it 2-5 days a week and taking multiple off road centric trips a year, I can recommend. My families head tubes are pristine.
if you’re worried about that, you could add a tiny frame protective sticker as noted by Pinkbike. Is it worth mentioning?
the positives of the setup compared to others are many:
in context of an LC owner:
- maximized departure angle with bikes
- tail gate can be used without interference. I can open my drawers with the bikes on
- light weight my wife can easily take the rack off and put it on her highlander (I think it weighs about 1/2 other options recommended here)
Also NOrth America made.
I'm glad it has been good for you, but many have had rubbing issues with the NS.
Is head tube rubbing a deal breaker? Maybe not for some. Perhaps the rubber was different on my buddy's old rack (hopefully they improved it). Honestly, a bit of protective sticker may work well.
The issue for me was the rust and lack of customer service and my buddy had to junk a rack that was rusting apart. Couple that with multiple newer shuttle racks that don't touch or rub the frame in any way, and others that have lifetime warranties and also work with road bikes. The NS begins looking less and less attractive. NS pioneered a new rack design, and it simply has been improved upon.
My buddies was much worse that this (the mounting forks were going to break due to rust through). Hopefully they are doing better powder coating jobs these days. After my old riding buddy's experience, I'm glad I don't own one.
And most if not all of the shuttle racks are made in N. America. Kuat's manufacturing is in MO.
I really like the Alta, just very expensive. They even convert to carry ski/snowboard racks and even a roof box in the rear. They also have a table option. It may be my choice if I needed a shuttle rack. If my two kids start riding I may eventually need something that holds 5 bikes, but for now I love the Kuat because I can get access to my rear hatch even with the rack up. Very convenient to leave the rack on and still get rear access.
Those photos do look terrible! That’s some serious rust!
