How to Choose the Best Küat Bike Rack

Known for being at the top of the industry for the quality and features of their bike racks, choosing a Kuat bike rack is a pretty easy choice to make. The hard part is figuring out which Kuat is the best rack for you, your bikes, and your vehicle.

We suggest asking yourself these three things:

1. What kind of vehicle do you have?
2. What kind of bike(s) do you have?
3. What's your budget?

The correct rack should fit your vehicle properly, transport your bike securely, and fit within your budget. On top of all of those, it has to look good! Küat makes three different types of bike racks. Hitch racks, roof racks, and trunk racks. Depending on the type of vehicle you have certain racks may be better than others.

Our reccomendations for choosing the best Küat Rack for your vehicle starts with hitch racks. If your vehicle has a hitch receiver or you intend on getting one (we have them in stock and can install them for you), consider The NV 2.0, The NV Base, The Sherpa 2.0 and The Transfer.

NV 2.0

The NV 2.0 is our most popular hitch rack and is packed with features, style, and durability. Need security? Integrated cable locks make sure your bike stays off Craigslist while you enjoy that post-ride beer. Plus, a built-in repair stand makes field maintenance easy.

NV 2.0 features:

• Adjustable front tire cradle system
• Redesigned pivot with foot assist
• Fully integrated cable locks
• Trail-doc included
• Intuitive front tire ratchet
• Co-molded tire strap
• Hand-tight hitch cam system
• Premium gloss metallic powder coat
• Gray metallic with orange anodize
• Black metallic with gray anodize
• Hitch lock included
• Patent pending design
• Add-on (sold separately) increases the carrying capacity to 4 bikes
• Phat Bike adaptor kit available

NV Base 2.0

The NV Base 2.0 is loaded with features that make it one of the most equipped platform racks on the planet. Many of the same features as the NV 2.0, minus the built-in repair stand and color options. The Base 2.0 comes in a ballistic black powder coat that will stand up to years of abuse. Option to add the trail doc kit, phat bike kit, and four-bike add-on at any time is available as well.

Sherpa 2.0

The Sherpa 2.0 isn't just an “NV 2.0 lite.” The all-new aluminum Sherpa 2.0 resets the standard for user-friendly adventure. Folding tire cradles and our foot-activated pivot lever lets you bask in the glory of carrying a bike or eating a breakfast burrito while unfolding your rack at the same time. With features designed around your lifestyle, this lightweight rack is as easy to take off as it is to leave on.

Sherpa 2.0 Features:

• Redesigned pivot with foot assist
• Semi-integrated cable locks
• Co-molded rear tire strap
• Intuitive front tire ratchet
• Folding front cradle
• Hand-tight hitch cam system
• Premium gloss metallic powder coat
• Gray metallic with orange anodize
• Black metallic with gray anodize
• Pearl metallic with silver anodize
• Low profile arched design
• Phat bike adaptor kit available
• Patent pending design

The Transfer

The Transfer is our most affordable hitch rack with one, two, three bike options. This budget-friendly beast boasts stout steel construction, PerfectFit adjustments that ensure a secure bike fit and spring-loaded foot pedals that make loading and unloading easy. Plus, the no frame contact keeps your ride looking good all for as little as $219.

The Transfer features:

• 1, 2, and 3 bike options
• 1-Bike add-on (For 1-Bike Transfer rack only)
• No contact with the bike frame
• Spring-loaded foot pedal at pivot
• PerfectFit™ adjustment system ensures your bike will fit
• Phat bike adaptor kit
• Available security upgrades include locking hitch pin and integrated cable locks

If you would rather put your bike on your vehicle's roof Kuat has rooftop bike rack options as well.

The Trio

The Trio features the 3 Way fork mount system that can handle any bike you own. Top that off with a slim design, security system and rugged good looks all for a price that's hard to beat.

Additional features of The Trio:

• 1 bike capacity (45 lbs. max)
• Gun metal gray or black and polished chrome powder coat finish
• Adapters available for additional fork sizes
• Optional adapter kit for fat bikes
• Mounts to most factory and all aftermarket cross bars
• Integrated cable lock (locks both frame and rear wheel)
• Sliding rear tire strap

The Mini Skinny and The Vagabond X

Other roof rack options are The Mini Skinny and The Vagabond X. Both cargo baskets offer fit options for the best of both a bike rack and a cargo carrier. The Mini Skinny's distinct design provides the same load surface as other “fat” cargo racks while leaving 50% of usable cross bar space for, you know, whatever you need. The Vagabond X is the perfect combination of form and function, increasing your vehicle's load capacity by a staggering 160 pounds – and that can include up to two bikes with 9mm skewers.

The Mini Skinny Features:

• Roof bar mounts come equipped with lock cores
• Comes fully assembled
• Matte black powder finish
• Fairing included with silver accents
• Mounts to most factory & all aftermarket cross bars

The Vagabond X Features:

• Locking mounts provided
• Silver decals on front and side
• Ability to add Xtender making the rack 73″ long
• Mounts to most factory and aftermarket roof bars

Finally, the final bike rack fit type is a trunk mount. Best for short and infrequent trips, these racks are the most affordable, but aren't made to be a perminant fixture for your vehicle.

The Highline

Let's start with The Highline. If your vehicle doesn't have a hitch or roof bars, this rack is your best bet. The Highline mounts easily to almost any vehicle. It's rugged construction, user-friendly design and sleek aesthetics make The Highline trunk rack a staple in any cyclist's garage.

The Highline Features:

• 2 and 3 bike options
• Intuitive arm pivots
• Aluminum constructions
• Anti-sway bike cradles with integrated ratchet straps
• Easy set up with 6 nylon straps
• Clear, adhesive vinyl strips protect vehicle's finish
• Patented design
• Bike capacity
• 2-Bike: 35 lbs a piece
• 3-Bike: 30 lbs a piece

No matter which Küat Rack you choose, Rack Attack will help you through the process. And, Küat will have your back as well with their No Worries Warranty and face melting customer service.