Comparing Kuat NV 2.0 and Kuat Sherpa 2.0

Question:

im looking at the platform racks from kuat models nv22g and sh22g. I like the feature on the nv where I can take out the shank by tighten a wedge in hitch. is there any benefit between these two models that are best for a carbon bike? thanks in advance.

asked by: Sean

Expert Reply:

Both the Kuat NV 2.0 # NV22G and Kuat Sherpa 2.0 # SH22G are wheel-mounted bike racks that grasp the bikes by the front wheels with ratcheting hooks and the rear wheels with ratcheting straps, which makes either a great choice for a bike with a carbon fiber frame.

The two racks are similar in many ways but if it were me I'd go with the more economical Kuat Sherpa 2.0 # SH22G which also has the convenience of just twisting a hand knob to tighten the shank in your hitch, which was one of the features you said you liked about the NV 2.0.

Both racks have other quality-of-life features, including a foot lever on the front that you can press which allows the rack to be tilted down, as well as a hitch lock to secure the rack to your hitch and a cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack.

The biggest differences are that the NV 2.0 # NV22G comes with a built-in bike repair stand, has a 60 lb per bike weight capacity and weighs 52 lbs. The Sherpa 2.0 # SH22G does not have a repair stand, has a 40 lb per bike capacity - though that won't be an issue with a carbon frame bike - and is lighter at just 32 lbs, a 20 lb difference that makes it easier to handle and another reason why I give it the slight edge over the NV 2.0 for a carbon frame bike.