Why We Like The Kuat Piston Pro Hitch Rack
Kuat's Piston Pro Hitch Rack shares features with their most high-end bike rack but sheds extra bells and whistles for a simpler, scaled-down tool. Its all-metal construction is tough as nails, keeping us worry-free as we speed down the freeway and off-road to our destination. OneTap Piston arms use hydro-pneumatic tech to open and close the arms with a simple touch, and the touchless design keeps the rugged rack away from our bikes' frames, preventing scratches and dings in the paint.
Details
- Slimmed-down bike rack with high-end features
- All-metal construction for bombproof durability
- Hydro-pneumatic tire arms offer no-contact security
- Hitch cam and included stainless-steel lock keep bikes safe
- Holds bikes with up to 5-inch wide tires and 57-inch wheelbases
- Two-bike, 120-pound capacity; add-ons sold separately
- Item #KUAZ00V
- Bike Capacity
- 2
- Compatibility
- [1.25in] 1.25in hitch, 67lb capacity (per tray), 53in wheelbase, 5in tire width, [2in] 2in hitch, 60lb capacity (per tray), 53in wheelbase, 5in tire width
- Locks Included
- hitch lock
- Part Number
- [1.25in] PP12B, [2in] PP22B
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
- Activity
- travel
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 6 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageDecember 27, 2024
Solid with great features
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
This rack is solid. Great features include easy adjustment for wheel size, cable and hitch pin locks.
December 23, 2024
backcountry lied about shipping cost
final shipping cost on CC charge was almost $50 over what the back country receipt reads. Would of paid it if they had been honest up front. Canceled order because of hidden cost.
November 18, 2024
Almost perfect!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
We bought this rack to carry my heavy E-bike it is for sure super pricy! It is definitely built well and holds the bikes well but i will saw one flaw is the key used to put the hitch on doesn't connect to the rack so you just have to remember to bring it or else you won't be getting the rack on or off the car. That was a huge bummer! I didn't think that was a good enough reason to pay the extra money for the X model. The one handed operation is seamless we love it! We were deciding between this and the Saris rack and i think we made the right decision. THe delivery was quick and easy great company as well giving the 15% off discount. Just wish we could have waited for black Friday but we needed it sooner.
September 8, 2024
Very Sturdy and Well Built
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Very Sturdy and Well built. Easy to use. Took me about 30 minutes to unpack and assemble. Maybe obvious to others, but install the kick lever first, as the rack will not fold and unfold without it. Once its assembled its less than one minute to get on and off your trailer hitch. less than 10 seconds to load and unload bikes. I'm glad I didn't spend the extra $300-400 on the Piston Pro X, as I'm not sure it was worth the lights that integrate into your braking system and turn signal. I have this on a Yukon, and my brake lights and turn signal on my car are much wider than the rack. Otherwise it is the same rack as the Piston Pro X in case anyone is wondering.
Originally reviewed on Competitivecyclist.com
August 30, 2024
Near flawless design
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Size Bought:
- 1.25" hitch
I am replacing a Thule rack of over 10 years, since it doesn't work well with modern bikes (tire size and wheel spacing). This one sits lower on my car, which means it keeps my brake and turn lights fully visible, but completely obscures my license plate. Fortunately Kuat sells a license place adapter for this very reason (~$50), to keep your car mostly street legal (without lights). I took my bike to a mountain bike race last weekend and I couldn't imagine a better experience with hauling my bike around. It's super fast, easy to use, stable, and hinges between positions in a snap. The only things I could give negative reviews on are arguably positive... It's very heavy, which means it's a bear to move around but solidly built. And, the lock provided is subpar, but that leaves the flexibility to get any level of lock you prefer to use. I think I'll get a heavy duty chain lock that I can just store in the trunk.
August 12, 2024
Robust product shipped in “paper bag”
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Size Bought:
- 1.25” hitch
As I got an EMTB, lifting and mounting it on the roof rack (and the reverse process) became unpractical/ unsafe especially when I am spent after many miles of ups and downs. I did a lot of research on hitch mount racks and concluded that I wanted a rack with the wing style locking system and chose this Kuat Piston. The rack itself is fantastic as expected but man, Kuat needs some competent packaging engineers. The rack came in a pretty large cardboard box and the box did not have anything to grab for handling and carrying. I felt so sorry about an FedEx driver. It looked like the box was rolled around on the ground as its corners and edges were rounded. When I opened the box (on my driveway), I was shocked to see all the pieces were all over the place in the box. You have been warned. Apart from that, the rack itself is robust and works great with my bike. It is heavy (~60lbs) and heavier than my bike, so it stays on my car most of the time. The bike still wiggles a bit but that is expected due to the mechanism of the wings and the fact that the bike is not one solid piece (it is. Nice to have the steering capability!). I use Velcro straps to secure each wing and wheel as an added security. I wish they used a longer, bar-style wedge instead of the ball at the end of the hitch as the rack can still sway a bit in the receiver.
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