Does The Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes # NV22G-NA22G Interfere With Bike Fenders

Question:

Does this bike rack work with bikes with fenders? We have 2 beach cruiser type bikes in addition to two mountain bikes and are wondering if it will work with the fenders.

asked by: Rebekka

Expert Reply:

Hi Rebekka,

The Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes # NV22G-NA22G has a ratcheting arm that will interfere with front fenders so it unfortunately wouldn't be the best option option for hauling your bikes. If you wanted to stick with the Kuat brand then you'll need the Kuat Piston Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes # KU58ZR instead, which does mount via the wheels but the arms don't have to rest against the forks and interfere with the fenders. Inno offers a similar style rack # INH142 that's quite a bit less expensive than the version from Kuat if the Piston Pro is a bit more than you were wanting to spend.

There's also the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 4 Bikes # HR1400Z, which is one of the more popular choices for a 4-bike rack. It doesn't look as fancy but it's a nice sturdy rack that's made to get the job done.

If you have some input on features you'd prefer to have I'd be happy to narrow down the search a bit more so that you can get the best option to fit your needs.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Rebekka

3/11/2024

I would love one with a tilt-away feature to still be able to access the trunk while bikes are on the rack. I have a Honda CR-V. I like the idea of the platform racks as they seem easier for putting the bikes on and off and since I have 2 cruisers, I wouldn't have to mess with the adaptors (for the hanging type racks). I am a bit concerned about overall weight of the platform. Can you speak to the weight of each of these options. I'm concerned I wouldn't be able to install it on the hitch myself if it's too heavy. Or maybe there's an easy solution to lifting it into the hitch that I'm not thinking about?

Kevin C.

3/12/2024

@Rebekka With these being designed for 4 bikes they are going to be quite a bit heavier with the Kuat Piston Pro # KU58ZR being 133lbs and the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE # HR1400Z being 95lbs. Both do tilt down to allow for better access to the rear hatch. Kuat offers a sway-away adapter # PVD20B (driver's side) or # PVP20B (passenger's side) that would give you full access but you'd be adding 45lbs onto the hitch. With you having a CR-V you most likely aren't going to have enough capacity in the hitch to haul a super heavy bike rack, swing-away adapter and all four bikes so the lighter # HR1400Z would be the better option in this scenario. Whenever I'm stuck lifting something heavy by myself I'll usually set out a crate/block or two and step them up like steps so that the gap I have to lift is smaller and I can rest if needed without the object dropping to ground.