Kani 2 Stand
Freestanding bike racks are ideal as an indoor storage solution for a few reasons. First, they limit any possible ceiling damage from improperly installed telescoping rack designs. Second, they can be easily moved and reset if necessary. Last, they work virtually anywhere there is a firm, level surface to work to stand them on, making them just as feasible for your home or apartment, garage or office. It certainly helps the cause if the rack also looks good and is incredibly flexible to various frame designs and sizes. Enter the Kogu Masamune Kani 2 Stand, the freestanding version of the best selling telescopic Kani 1 design. The 6'9" tall Kani 2 will safely, perfectly hold two bikes horizontally, and features an offset, four leg steel base that is inherently stable and has adjustable feet for fine tuning a level set-up. Sound like the right rack for you? Read on.
Kogu Masamune is a Japanese manufacturer that designs and builds sturdy, reliable, and incredibly practical bike storage solutions using the best combination of materials and fittings. The Kani 2 features a round, stiff aluminum two-piece pillar that defeats torque and bending forces. Mounted to the strong steel base, the pillar keeps the overall weight manageable, with the heavier mass and offset K-shaped leg design of the base keeping the unit stable. The screw-type adjustable feet at the ends of all four legs make leveling simple and easy. We don't recommend using the Kani 2 on soft carpeted surfaces as pads, seams and nailing strips can cause imbalances, but you can decide this for yourself based on your specific situation.
The Kani 2 is equipped with two bike holders. Each can be mounted at any point on the pillar, so you can define the upper and lower heights based on your specific bikes and usable height. Each holder is a rotating extension cradle with two arms that pivot at the center and individual bike hooks that also pivot. You can tighten those into place once you define the position of the bike, or leave them a slightly less than tight for greater flexibility. The overall effect is such you can completely match the angles, features and design of your frame to best hang your bike. The natural tendency is to create a level set-up and frankly, that looks great. Just keep in mind that you may want to dip the front end a little so the cockpit and wheel don't flop over side to side. We normally recommend setting up the bottom bike first, and as close to the floor as you can, especially if you have overall height limitations. Then set-up the upper bike holder with the same principles. Many users choose to alternate bike direction, but if you have enough height, both pointed in the same direction, with the drivetrain facing outward, has the most visual appeal. Another tip: whenever possible, mount your heavier bike at the bottom. It contributes greatly to overall stability. This may not be ideal if a smaller rider requires their bike to sit lower, but in general having a lighter bike up high makes it easier to lift up and set in the cradles while heavier bike on the bottom keeps the center of gravity low.
The cradles themselves are steel, and the hook zones are covered in a durable urethane material that protects and offer some non-slip grip to the frame surface. Some technical details: each bike holder can support 44lbs, and the center of the cradle hooks sit 4" from surface of the pillar, and can accommodate a maximum frame tube diameter of 2.55" (65mm). Make sure you include exposed cable housing in your measurement if necessary. When setting up your pillar you want to know the maximum handlebar width required, as that will determine how far your pillar will need to be from a wall. You will be impressed by the range of cradle adjustments and flexibility for different frame designs. If you will always mount the same bikes on the rack, take your time and perfect the setup to your needs. Adjustments are simple and hardware requires common bike tools.
Careful assemblers will note that the base is designed for two configurations- the K style recommended for two bikes mounted on one side, and an X variant for when bikes are mounted on either wide of the Kani 2. Most users will use the K style, and move the Kani 2 as close to a wall as handlebars and base will allow. The Kani 2 is a great freestanding bike rack for mounting two bikes horizontally. If you require great flexibility in placement or have ceiling angle or height limitations, a telescoping design won't work for you. Plus, a freestanding unit works in far more locations and situations, offering more long-term practicality. Kogu Masamune has delivered an excellent stand in the Kani 2 and if freestanding is your choice, we highly recommend it.
Details
- Secure, stable 6'9" tall freestanding rack for holding two bikes horizontally
- Strong, light aluminum 2 piece pillar fastens via center support into a single unit
- Steel leg base design offers offset leg position and adjustable feet for optimal use
- Feet feature firm rubber bases to protect flooring
- Always make sure your floor surface is solid and close to level to start
- Two bike holding cradle system included, fully adjustable up to 35° angle
- Cradle arms & hooks are fully adjustable, covered with urethane to protect frame
- Cradle hooks can accommodate frame tube diameters up to 2.55" (65mm)
- Independent height adjustment of each bike holder on pillar allows for custom setup
- Each bike holder can support 44lbs max, and can be setup 13.4-16.6" wide
- Base dimension in K shape setup: 31.9" W by 15.75" D
- Anodized Grey finish
- Weight: 12.6 lbs (5.7kg)
- Made in Japan