Differences Between Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and NV 2.0 Bike Racks

Updated 05/13/2025 | Published 08/04/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray

(475)

$989.00

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray

(596)

$759.00

Question:

Hi. Other than the wheel trays and locks, Is there any difference in stability or the holding mechanism between these two? I’ll never have a fat bike so if theyre the same I guess I’d prefer the lighter weight. Suggestions? Thanks.

asked by: Michael C

Expert Reply:

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 with either option.

As you mentioned, the NV does have wheel cradles that can support fat tire bikes with up to 4.8 inch wide tires and does have a higher weight capacity of 60 pounds per bike (40 pounds per bike on the Sherpa). The NV does also feature a built-in bike repair stand that lets you perform on-the-go maintenance, which may or may not be important to you. There is no difference between the two in terms of their ability to firmly secure the bikes and their stability during travel. They will both do an excellent job.

If you don't plan on carrying heavier fat tire bikes, I do recommend going with the Sherpa 2.0 # SH22G both for its lighter weight (32 pounds vs 52 pounds on the NV) and more economical price point. I have attached a short video demonstration on this bike rack so you can get an even closer look at all of its features.

expert reply by: Chris R

Frank

6/15/2020

are older hitch rack models just as good than the new models

Chris R.

6/18/2020

Are you asking about a specific rack model? Every year bike racks are trying to out-do the carriers that came before it (both their own and those from other brands) so in theory current racks are of better quality and have more features than older units. This of course also depends on the specific model though....if you're comparing a high-end rack from 10 years ago to a current entry-level carrier the better option may still be the older rack.

Bill

4/17/2024

What about lighter e-bikes? What is the weith load of the Sherpa? Can it handle an ebike and one regular bike?

Chris R.

4/18/2024

@Bill The Sherpa can handle bikes up to 40 pounds each. If your e-bike happens to fall under that weight, then it certainly could be used. Each bike has to be under that 40 pound limit though (you can't have one 20 pound bike and one 60 pound bike on the rack).

Greg

10/21/2024

Chris, Having seen the new RAMPS for the Kuat Bike Racks, I'm wondering if these ramps can be retrofitted onto my Kuat Sherpa 2.0? Please let me know. My Sherpa rack is NOT an NV model. Thank You for your time in answering Chris! Greg McLochlin, [email protected]

Steve P.

5/13/2025

Back in 2018 when I bought my Sherpa™ 2.0 2-Bike Hitch Rack I was told it would support my trek verve 2 electric bike 52 lbs... did the specifications change? Thanks, Steve

Chris R.

5/13/2025

@SteveP Hey Steve, I'm not aware of the capacity ever changing on the Sherpa 2.0. It looks like it's always been rated at 40 pounds per bike. If you're able to remove the battery on your e-bike, that could get it closer to the carrier's limits.