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Kuat NV 2.0 Vs Thule T2 Pro XT
When you’re going on any kind of outdoors adventure with your bike, one of the most important things is getting where you’re going.
A hitch-mounted bike rack can carry your bike so you have more room in your car for people and other items.
Whether you’re going to a mountain trail, campsite, the beach, a race, or some other outdoor venue, a bike rack makes it about a thousand times easier to care for your bike.
The Kuat NV 2.0 and Thule T2 Pro XT bike racks are two hitch-mounted offerings with a variety of similarities and differences. We’ve reviewed each and compared them so you can pick the best option.
Thule T2 Pro XT Vs Kuat NV 2.0
| Product | Carrying Capacity | Weight | Wheel Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1. Thule T2 Pro XT Our Best Pick  Check Price | Fits 2 bikes up to 60 pounds each | 41 pounds | 20 to 29 inches |
#2. Kuat NV 2.0 Check Price | Fits 2 bikes up to 60 pounds each | 52 pounds | 20 to 29 inches |
#1. Thule T2 Pro XT
The Pro XT is a bike rack that’s available in two colors: neutral black or sparkling silver. The original rack is capable of holding 2 bikes, each of which can weigh up to 60 pounds.
If you have a 2-inch receiver and purchase the Thule XT Pro Bike Add-on, you can place up to 4 bikes on the rack.
The rack fits wheels between 20 and 29 inches in diameter. It can also accommodate fat bikes whose tires are up to 5 inches. Any hub spacing 197 millimeters or less is compatible.
The rack is best suited for mountain bikes, downhill bikes, carbon frames, and fat bikes. One thing to note, though, is that it won’t fit with 27.5-inch fat bikes.
The dimensions of the rack when in use are 54 by 15 by 43 inches. When it’s folded for storage and portability, the dimensions become 54. by 22.5 by 33.8 inches.
The manufacturer has issued a warning that you shouldn’t install the rack on a trailer or any other vehicle being towed by your hitch.
One convenient feature is that the rack is designed for tool-free attachment. It comes with an AutoAttach knob that lets you secure it easily to your trailer hitch. Removal is just as simple.
There’s a built-in lock cylinder to add stability and security. Also built into the design is a HitchSwitch lever, which allows you to tilt the rack downward and upward so it’s easier to load and unload.
There’s a frame-free ratcheting arm included. You can use the arm to quickly secure the bike without having to come in contact with a frame.
The arm fits tires up to 5 inches and wheels from 20 to 29 inches. You can have up to 197 millimeters of hub spacing between your bikes, and there’s the option to adjust your bike mounts so they’re side-to-side. This helps minimize interference and prevent potential damage.
The integrated 24-inch cable lock helps secure the bike to the rack. When it isn’t being used, it retracts into the rack’s ratcheting arm so that it doesn’t fly around and cause potential vehicle or rack damage.
#2. Kuat NV 2.0
The Kuat NV 2.0 is a hitch-mounted bike rack offering that’s packed with features. It comes with a 2-bike capacity, with each bike being up to 60 pounds.
If you use the Phat Bike Kit that’s compatible with the rack, you can hold wheelbases at up to 48 inches and tires up to 4.8 inches.
The rack itself fits tires between 20 and 29 inches, though you’ll need to purchase a compatible wheel adapter for tires between 20 and 24 inches.
It’s available in 1.25-inch and 2-inch hitch sizes. If you add the optional NV 2.0 Add-On to the 2-inch model, you can increase the carrying capacity to 4 bikes.
The Kuat has fully integrated cable locks and an adjustable cradle system for the bike’s front tires. In comparison to earlier models, it’s been given a pivot redesign with foot assistance.
There’s an integrated front tire ratchet along with a molded tire strap for added security.
The design includes a tightly created hitch cam system. Each rack is treated with a premium glossy metallic powder coat, which adds shine and aesthetic appeal while helping to protect against rust, wear-and-tear, and the elements.
You can choose from gray metallic coloring with orange anodize or black metallic coloring with gray anodize. A hitch lock is included.
Bike Racks Compared
There are a number of similarities and differences between the two bike racks. If you’re an adventurer, either of these bike racks will get you where you want to go.
They’re both in a similar price range, so the one you prefer really depends on the type of bike you have and the convenience features you want.
Both of the racks come with optional add-ons that increase their carrying capacity from 2 to 4 bikes. Both can accommodate bikes with wheel sizes from 20 to 29 inches. The base model of each holds two bikes, each of which can weigh up to 60 pounds.
Each comes with a hitch lock to secure the rack to the trailer hitch, along with locking and securing mechanisms for the bikes themselves.
The Thule is best for fat bikes, though. You also need to get a wheel adapter if you use the Kuat with tires between 20 and 24 inches. The up-and-down adjustment system of the Thule makes it easier to load than the Kuat.
Each bike is available in gray and black coloring, though the Kuat also has orange and gray anodize. The Thule includes a no-tool setup system that makes it easy to attach and detach.
Final Thoughts – Kuat NV 2.0 Vs Thule T2 Pro XT
The Kuat and Thule are both good bike racks, but the Thule comes out ahead in terms of convenience features and security. It’s easier to set up, load, unload, and secure than the Kuat.