Have you heard about the KAROORAK bicycle rack?
I love it when a plan comes together. KAROORAK bicycle rack is a proudly South African invention by Big John Swanepoel from MTB Africa in Prince Albert. I’ve known John from Shoprite days (two decades ago, yikes) and we continue to transport riders’ bicycles to-and-from his gravel grinder rides in Prince Albert, Graaff Reinet and Montagu.
Bicycle Couriers sent off a heavy-duty hanging bike rack from Commencal in Stellenbosch last week, and this reminded me to share something about the KAROORAK project, which I follow with keen interest. Manufacturing is in full swing, and they are currently shipping 6 KAROORAKKE per week.
Why use the KAROORAK?
- It’s tough — tried and tested over harsh Karoo terrain over 4 years
- It’s fast to load — just a few seconds, as in the video demo below
- It’s easy to use — and still provides access to your luggage area
- It’s perfect for e-bikes — the hydraulic system does the heavy-lifting
- Local is lekker 🙂
KAROORAK lets you safely load up to 6 bikes or 100kg in mere seconds.This is why we like it —
KAROORAK specifications:
- Comes in 2 or 4 or 6 bike versions
- Takes just 15 seconds to load a bike
- Hydraulic drop-back helps with loading
- Tilts so you can access your load-bay
- Loads up to 100kgs of bicycles
Meet the tough and functional KAROORAK
Love the videos? See more from KAROORAK…
- History behind the KAROORAK and a quick bike load demo
- How to load an e-bike onto KAROORAK with the hydraulic loader
- What is the KAROORAK hydraulic drop-back and e-bike loader
- Loading multiple bicycles have never been this quick and easy
Note: KAROORAK doesn’t work on all hitches
Why does the KAROORAK not work on all hitches? Easy. Because of the weight. It is intended to take your heavy e-bikes over rough terrain and gooseneck simply won’t cut it (not the towbar itself, but the friction mount onto the ball). Hence KAROORACK only works with a plate that bolts in behind the towing ball (the same as my very first Holdfast hanging bike rack from years ago, but that is another story). The plate remains on the vehicle and does not interfere with normal trailer towing. And KAROORAK also supports a 50mm receiver hitch found on many SUV’s and trucks.
KAROORAK pricing, what does it cost?
What does the KAROORAK cost? Between R21k and R25k depending on whether you select the 2 or 4 or 6 bike version. Looking at the pricing, and the small difference between the versions, it makes sense to always opt for the most expensive one that is the 6 bike versions (however in relative per bike terms it is then by far the most cost-effective option). There you go, a handy piece of consumer advice.
Well done, John! Now where can we send your KAROORAK today?
PS, more than a KAROORAK…
If you don’t know about the Karoo gravel grinders from Prince Albert, the Camdeboo gravel grinders from Graaff Reinet, or Langeberg gravel grinders in Montagu yet, hop on over and have a look. It’s a 3-day social, cycling and culinary experience. Including spectacular routes, excellent dining, and comfortable accommodation. And yes, e-bikes are most welcome. Did you know that MTB Africa stands for Mixed Terrain Biking in Africa?
