Kuat Transfer v2 Hitch Rack for 1, 2, 3, or 4 Bikes Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Kuat

Price: $349 (1 bike); $449 (2 bike); $549 (3 bike)

Rack Weight: 1.25″ 1-Bike: 28 lbs; 1.25″ 2-Bike: 35 lbs; 2″ 2-Bike: 37 lbs 2″ 3-Bike: 51 lbs; 1-Bike Add-On: 11 lbs

Carrying Capacity: 1-Bike: 60lbs/Bike; 1 Bike Add On: Weight capacity drops to 40lbs/bike with 2 bike setups; 2-Bike w/ 1.25”-2” Ball Cam: 40lbs/Bike; 2-Bike w/ 2” Flatlock Cam: 60lbs/Bike; 1 Bike Add On: Weight capacity drops to 40lbs/bike with 3 bike setups;3-Bike: 40lbs/Bike; 1 Bike Add On: Weight capacity remains at 40lbs/bike with 4 bike setups

Holds wheels: 18″-29″

Fits wheelbases: Up to a 50″

Rated for RV use: – 2″ 2-bike version only, weight capacity drops to 40lbs per tray

Security: Semi-integrated bicycle cable lock; Tamper-resistant hitch security

Shipping Weight: 1-Bike: 33lbs; 2-Bike, 2”: 44lbs; 3-Bike: 63lbs; 1-Bike Add-on: 16lbs

How Obtained: Company sample

Availability: Online or retail

RBR Advertiser: No

In January 2019, I reviewed the Kuat Transfer hitch rack. I liked the rack then but felt the company could improve on a few features. Fast forward, and Kuat addresses many of my suggested improvements, plus more in version 2. For a full rundown of features, view Kuat’s video, but a few of the key enhancements include:

Like in 2019, I tested the two-bike version, which arrived from Kuat in a single box. I’m in awe of the package designer who kept the packing materials to a minimum, yet everything arrived in perfect condition. Assembly was straightforward and took under an hour, with the company including all the tools in the box. The instructions were easy to follow, except it would have been helpful to have some torque specs. I didn’t know if the bolts should be hand tightened or torqued to a specific nM.

Kuat racks are so appealing because they are affordable, compact for easy storage, and don’t weigh a ton. Ranging from $349 (1 bike) to $549 (3 bikes), the Transfer v2 is an affordable option for those riders looking for a quality hitch rack. When not hauling bikes, the rack folds down and close to the vehicle (take measurements to ensure the wheel cradle won’t hit the bumper). Also, when off the vehicle, the Transfer v2 stows up against the garage wall taking up minimum space. Or use the optional Rackdock ($89) to stow it. Also, as a woman with lower back problems, I appreciate the lightweight—at ~40 lbs for the 2-bike version—the rack is easy to maneuver on and off the car.

Another feature to point out for those with back issues or heavy bikes, the Transfer v2 has an open design, making it easy to load and unload. The center of the rack is an open format allowing you to stand close to the bike when lifting it on or off the rack, thus reducing back strain.

The Transfer v2 has a modular design for 1, 2, 3, and 4 bike options. And as with the first version, it hinges down to enable accessing the vehicle’s hatch/trunk easier.

One of the new features of this version is a semi-integrated bike cable lock. It’s is about 7.5′ long and uses a locking pin to secure the cable to the rack. The cable is a deterrent to a thief looking to grab and go but easily snipped with cable cutters. Personally, I don’t leave my bike unattended for very long since I’ve had mine stolen a few years ago while on the rack.

The cable is “semi-integrated,” meaning there’s nowhere on the rack to store it when not in use. Instead, Kuat provides a burlap bag for the tools and cable, but I’d prefer to see a retractable cable making it one less thing to worry about losing.

Kuat provides two keys that come on a keychain that doubles as a bottle opener, always a handy item to have around for post-ride libations.

Another new feature is the flatlock hitch cam that expands with the turn of a special Allen key. As the flatlock expands, the hitch becomes stabilized in the receiver. Double-check the flatlock on long trips, as I found it tends to loosen over time. The 8mm security Allen wrench has a unique head, so a thief can’t remove the rack unless they have the same head. Just don’t lose it, or you won’t be able to get it off your car until Kuat sends a replacement.

It was strange that the instruction manual stated to tighten the flatlock hitch cam to 24 nM. But without the same security Allen head for your torque wrench, you’re guessing at the amount of force to use.

Kuat also lengthened the J-arms on the new version to allow for more clearance with bigger tires. This is something I called out in my initial review as a problem. The longer arm is a much better design and easily clears a mountain bike and 5″ fat tire.

There are accessories available for the Transfer v2 rack:

Pivot v2 – For $398, the pivot arm lets you swing the rack away from the rear of the car for even easier access to your hatch or trunk.

Hi-Lo Pro Hitch Extension – At $119, the HiLo is a 2″ hitch providing 10″ of extension.

Phat Bike Kit – for $15, the kit provides a rear tire extension strap and a Velcro front tire strap

Kuat’s modular design, affordable price, and new Transfer v2 features make this hitch rack a good option. It accommodates a variety of bikes from kids to road to fat tire, and 1, 2, 3, or 4 bike options. Kuat racks can get you and your gear there no matter where the next adventure takes you.

Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.