SEMA 2022 CURT ActiveLink Ultra Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack

December 13, 2022 Utah Channel 3

I had the pleasure speaking with the folks at CURT and interview Terra regarding their entry into the 2022 NEW PRODUCTS SHOWCASE GALLERY.

This new ActiveLink model holds up to four bikes at once and has a capacity of 180 lbs. It has a strong, powder-coated steel construction and features rubber cradles to protect against scuffs and scratches.

ActiveLink uses a convenient resting point to make installing the bike stress-free. I was able to demonstrate this and found installation as simple as it can get. I especially enjoyed the tool free removal by using a simple pin and clip. See a few photos of all this in action at the end of this review.

A Curt hitch bike rack is a type of bike rack that is designed to attach to a vehicle’s trailer hitch receiver. Curt is a well-known manufacturer of automotive towing and hitch products, and they produce a range of hitch-mounted bike racks for carrying bicycles safely and securely. Here are some key features and information about Curt hitch bike racks:

Hitch-Mounted Design: Curt bike racks are designed to be mounted on the vehicle’s trailer hitch receiver. This design allows for easy installation and removal, and it provides a sturdy and stable platform for carrying bicycles.
Bike Capacity: Curt offers various models of hitch bike racks with different bike-carrying capacities, typically ranging from 2 to 5 bikes. The specific model you choose depends on how many bikes you need to transport.
Easy Loading and Unloading: Curt bike racks are typically designed with user-friendly features for easy loading and unloading of bikes. This often includes adjustable cradles or trays for securing the bikes and convenient tie-down straps.
Tilt-Away Feature: Many Curt hitch bike racks are equipped with a tilt-away feature. This allows you to tilt the rack away from the rear of the vehicle, even with bikes loaded, to access the vehicle’s trunk or rear cargo area without removing the bikes.
Anti-Sway and Stability: Curt bike racks often include features like anti-sway cradles or straps to prevent bike-to-bike contact and minimize sway during transportation, which helps protect your bikes and the vehicle.
Locking and Security: Some Curt bike racks have integrated locks to secure the bikes to the rack and the rack to the hitch receiver. This provides added security against theft.
Compatibility: Before purchasing a Curt bike rack, it’s essential to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle’s hitch receiver. Curt typically provides information about hitch size compatibility, such as 1.25-inch or 2-inch receivers.
Durability: Curt is known for producing durable and high-quality products. Their bike racks are often constructed from sturdy materials and built to withstand the rigors of travel and exposure to the elements.
Assembly and Installation: Curt bike racks usually require some assembly before use, and they come with installation instructions. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper setup and installation.
Accessories: Curt may offer additional accessories, such as bike rack extension kits to increase the carrying capacity or replacement parts for maintenance.

When choosing a Curt hitch bike rack, consider your vehicle’s hitch receiver size, the number of bikes you need to transport, and any specific features or requirements you have for bike transportation. Make sure to also consult the product documentation and reviews to ensure it meets your needs and expectations.

By, Richard Berk, Executive Producer, & William Johnson Intern Reporter.

William Johnson, Intern Reporter specializes in Mountain Sports such as biking, skiing, fishing and is leading the Utah Channel 3 review team’s Off Road Vehicle testing/demonstration department.

Richard Berk is the Executive Producer for Utah Channel 3. Richard’s field of expertise is the medical field and covers medical conventions when he is not producing Utah Channel 3 content. Richard also shares the passion of outdoor sports as do all members of BHTV.