This might just be the solo rider’s dream
Watch my video above and then check out Kuat’s site to get your own Piston SR or any of their other awesome products. If you do, I’d really appreciate it if you used my affiliate link. It doesn’t cost you extra, and it really helps out my channel.
For starters
I have been looking for a single bike rack for a few years now. I’ve been using a Kuat Huck tailgate pad for about a year and a half, and it’s worked great. It will hold up to five bikes, and costs less than $400.
Lately
I’ve been reviewing a lot of e-bikes on my channel and more specifically, fat tire e-bikes. Some of these fat tire e-bikes can weigh up to 90 pounds. That’s a lot to lift up over a tailgate pad. Also, the vast majority of the time when I ride, even if I’m riding with other people, I’m leaving from my house solo. So, a solo bike rack is perfect for me.
Kuat Piston SR build
This rack was originally designed as a roof rack, but there is a hitch mount that can be purchased to make this a single bike rack. The tray just bolts on to the hitch mount with four bolts. One lever press opens the mounting arms and reveals the Kashima coated pistons. This one-handed action is what sets this rack apart from the competition, and that simplicity carries over to the wheel size selection which is one-handed and requires zero tools.
Rack Ratings
- Trough holds up to a 5-inch (127mm) wide tire
- Rack arms will handle up to a 53-inch (134.6cm) wheelbase
- Will hold a wheel anywhere from 29er (700c) down to a 20″
- 100 lbs (45.3 kg) max weight when attached properly to a vehicle
- ***RV Certified*** max weight 67 lbs (30.4 kg)
E-bike Ramp
Requires the removal of one of the piston arm bump stops (7mm hex). Rack arm will fold down out of the way. Ramp is adjustable in length and tightens with thumb screws. Hooks on to the end of the rack to allow easy roll-up of heavy bikes, or simpler loading for the disabled community of riders.
pros
- Sits really close to the bumper while still having clearance for pedals and handlebars
- Integrated braided cable lock
- Hitch lock with dust cover
- Hitch stabilization expander makes the rack feel like it is one with your vehicle
- Tested the rack with two flat tires and the bike stays put
Cons
- Premium price ($657)
- Single bike rack is super niche – but Kuat offers models from one bike up to four bike setups
- The e-bike ramp – I’m glad it exists, but it could be done better.
In Conclusion
This Kuat rack is super stable and super premium. This particular single rack is not for everyone, but it is my ideal setup. I still have the tailgate pad when I need to haul multiple bikes, but having a single rack that is super compact and easy to load and unload is really nice to have. I’m a big believer that the easier you make it to do things, the more likely you are to do those things. So, hopefully a well-made, easy to use rack gets you to the trails more frequently. Again, I’d really appreciate it if you watched the embedded video review above and please go check out the Kuat products using my affiliate link. https://alnk.to/bPcwgiC
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