Comparing the Swagman Quad 2+2, Hollywood Racks SportRider SE4, and Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Racks

Question

Question:

I have a 2010 Subaru Outback and Im trying to decide between the Difference between Swagman Quad 2 + 2, Hollywood Racks Sports Rider SE4 and Kuak NV 2.0 4-Bike Platform. I am looking for 1 durability 2 ease of placing bikes and taking them off. Im 52 with two pre-teen daughters and we all have adult sized bikes. Also, I prefer that the clamps and such be part of the rack, so we have as few little pieces that we might lose en route. If cost wasnt a factor, which rack would you pick? If cost was a factor, which one would you pick? Thanks!

asked by: ABK

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Expert Reply:

I will be happy to help you out with the 3 platform bike racks you are looking at. I will go over each one for durability, ease of use, and what I would recommend. I might even throw in a surprise 4th option!

In terms of durability there are a couple of things to look at. The Swagman Quad # S64FR and Hollywood Rack Sport Rider # HR1400 are primarily steel. Steel is strong but also heavy and susceptible to corrosion. These racks also use hand knobs to move the wheel cradles and those can wear out if they are over tightened.

The Kuat NV 2.0 # NV22G-NA22G is primarily aluminum with some steel components. Aluminum is strong and light weight compared to steel. being a 4-bike rack with a steel spine though still makes it heavy. But aluminum won't rust so corrosion is much less of an issue. This rack does not have hand knobs so the adjustments won't wear out like the others. All 3 racks have limited lifetime warranties.

As far as loading and unloading bikes the Quad and SportRider are on par with each other and tie for second place in this category. To load bikes you would lower the center mast, lift the bike into place, hold it there, lift the mast back up, and lower the hook. While not all that difficult it can be awkward; especially when loading the 2 bikes closest to the vehicle.

The NV 2.0 is similar but the wheel hook is easier to operate and there is a decent amount of space between the bike trays so it is a bit easier to load bikes.

All of the parts of the bike racks stay fixed to the bike racks so there is nothing on any of them you would have to worry about losing.

If cost was not a factor I would go with the Kuat NV 2.0 hands down every time. If cost was a factor I would choose the SportRider because people I know who have them or a similar Hollywood Racks bike rack like them and they perform well. I have linked video reviews of these three racks for you as well.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

I can help you choose between the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and Kuat Transfer V2, as both are really nice bike racks. Let me start off, since you mentioned 3-bike rack, if that's what you were after you would need the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 3 Bikes…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

To me it makes the most sense to put a Bike Rack #HLY64FR on the flat towed vehicle rather than above the tow bars. Especially on heavy e-bikes as they are difficult to lift that high onto the rack, but also as it only makes sense to have the rack on…

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Answer 4

There are some subtle difference between the Kuat Piston Pro Bike Rack for 2 Bikes #KU76ZR and the Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack for 2 Bikes #KU98VR. Overall the two racks are very similar, there are just some subtle differences/upgrades on the Piston…

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Answer 5

The Kuat Sherpa 2.0 #SH22G and the NV 2.0 #NV22G that you referenced are both excellent platform-style racks that will hold your bikes by the front wheels with no frame contact. These are top-of-the-line carriers and you really would not go wrong…

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Answer 6

Hey Dave, so the best option for carrying your carbon frame bike and e-bike is the Swagman Escapee part #S39SR with the ramp #S59SR . It has the capacity for carrying an e-bike, is rated for travel trailer use, only touches the bikes by the tires…

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Answer 7

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 8

I have the perfect bike rack for your Electra Townie and for this I recommend the Saris Freedom 2 Bike Platform Rack part #SA4412B. The reason I recommend this bike rack over the Malone rack is because you don't need to use an adapter bar at all.…

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Answer 9

Hey Michelle, the Hollywood Racks Destination bike rack part #HLY94FR that you referenced is a really great bike rack that is compatible with Class I hitches like the Curt part #C11200 that you have installed on your 2011 Lexus CT 200H. It's very…

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Answer 10

Yes, it does. The Hollywood Racks LED Light Bar item #HLY54RR is wired for a 4-way but comes with an adapter that will plug into a 7-way like yours to power the lights.

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Answer 11

Either the Kuat Tranfer 1 #KU64FR or the RockyMounts MonoRail Solo 1 #RKY10007 would handle the bikes you describe easily. Both would hold the bikes by the tires, so the fact that the rack won't come into contact with the frame will work well…

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Answer 12

The Tow Defender #RM-4700 you found is really our best option to protect the front of your 2024 Chevrolet Trax. This screen helps to deflect any road debris back down to the ground to keep it traveling under your Trax. This particular cover is…

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Comparing the Swagman Quad 2+2, Hollywood Racks SportRider SE4, and Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Racks

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