Excellent video, very informative and the right amount of detail for a new bike rack owner. As soon as I get the hitch installed on my Hyundai Kona, hopefully this week, I will be buying the 1.25" one bike version as long as I can get the 1-bike add on kit. I like the idea of being as light and minimal as possible. When I look at the Kuat website, I believe it states that the add-on is not compatible for the 1.25" 2 bike version.
I just bought the new version with the ball cam. Much better design. Didn’t like the threaded bolt through the hitch. It also comes with a cable lock as well. I used an old lock for the hitch as well
Very good review. My only concern, and I may be overthinking this, is with the release lever that allows the rack to fold up and down. It appears that the lever is exposed in the stowed position and that a car backing or driving into it could release the rack and allow it to drop onto the "offending" car. Your thoughts or experiences of others please
If someone is driving into the back of your car or you hit something while backing up it is more likely that you will bend/break the rack than you will hit just the lever and drop the rack. Them hitting your rack is going to do more damage than it "unfolding" and falling into the top of their hood. I drive around with my rack in the "open" or "unfolded" position all the time. It's easier to see what's on my backup camera and my car is short enough that I can still fit into the garage and parking spaces with the rack down. Besides, we drive around with it down when loaded, why should it be any different if there aren't bikes on it?!
excellent review, but I wish I could see how quick you can get that removed. You did get it on quick, so I think removing it will be quick too with your wrench tool. I appreciate all your tips, and quality demonstration. I ordered one through a bike store after getting a new fuel ex7 in the small size that isn't fitting my allen hang hitch rack very well... I needed a bike bar and it moves around some still. I don't like it.
Dylan, you probably have the rack by now and have figured this out, but yeah it is probably slightly faster and easier to remove than to install. You don't have to figure out how deep to insert the rack into the hitch, which saves a little time. Thanks for the question.
I’m looking to purchase this rack or a similar one. From what I’ve read, you can only use 1 add on. So if you get the 2 bike, you can only hold 3 total with the add on
Yeah, they updated it to the V2, making some worthwhile but more costly upgrades. And now the locking kits are included. It has a easier way to securing to the hitch, which is also more stable and strong, uses a camming device instead of a threaded hitch pin. The trays and arms also fit a slightly wider range of bikes and the overall rack is a little more reinforced.
Thanks for the video. Very detailed and informative. I am trying to find a place where I can buy a 3-bike Transfer v2 rack. I also need to buy a hitch setup for my 2014 Prius. Do you have a recommendation that would work for my car and this rack?
I would check with a local car dealership or Uhaul if you want someone to install the hitch to the car. If you want to DIY the hitch install, then look for a Curt brand hitch online. I happened to find mine new, in the box, on Facebook Marketplace for $50! It was pretty easy install, but I am a bike mechanic and also do a lot of routine maintenance myself on my cars. As far as finding the rack, check Kuat's dealer search on their website to find the closest bike shop that sells them.
Hello, I noticed you said the weight limit per bike was 40 lbs. worn the 1-1/4 hitch. I’ve seen the specs listed at 60 lbs for this rack. Would that discrepancy be due to the size of hitch? Thanks for your time
The weight rating changes depending on the 1, 2, 3, or 4 bike setup. It does also change per the 1-1/4 vs 2" hitch as you suggested. Here's a link to the different specs: www.kuat.com/product/transfer-v2/?specs 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
That is not necessary at all. Not even recommended. You might have to adjust the pedal position slightly to prevent them hitting the other bike, but that is all. I was simply using new, bike shop bikes, and they didn’t have any pedals installed on them yet.
I have successfully clamped the hooks outside the fender, but they need to not extend more than a few inches in front of the fork. After you install the bike like this, do an aggressive shake test in pushing/pulling in every direction to make sure it won't loosed in transit.
I really like this one but i don’t like you have to buy a locking kit. I guess the price has spiked because the one with he 2 bikes is at $379 in my area and i guess i would have to buy the lock kit separately. Bringing the cost to about 429 before tax. Looks so simple to use.
The price went up because the updated the rack to the V2. It has a stronger build, wider range of bikes that can fit on the rack, and offers a convenient way of securing into the hitch sleeve. They now have a camming mechanism that is more stable, stronger, and easier to tighten than the threaded hitch pin.
I found this informative, but do you know if this will work with a fat tire bike with fenders? Can the arms fit over the frame of a bike instead of just the wheels? Thanks again for sharing.
If the front fender is fairly short in front of the fork, then you can simply clamp down on the tire just outside the fender, but I would do an aggressive shake test to make sure it won't loosen in transit. I have successfully locked the arms down over a very stable metal fender on a few bikes, but not specifically a fatbike fender, so I can't say for sure it will fit. The hook arms are designed to fit over fatbike tires so I think there is a reasonable chance it will work.
Quick question that I don't think anyone knows the answer to; the Saris Freedom 2 is a VERY cheap feeling rack that states 60lbs PER BIKE weight capacity. This Kuat Transfer 2 is incredibly robust and every single part is larger and "better engineered" (if you would) than the Saris Freedom 2, yet only advertises 40lbs per bike. How the hell does that make any sense at all??
The Saris holds the bikes closer to the car's bumper and closer to each other than any other rack on the market (that I am aware of) and so based on a leverage curve it can carry more weight. Also, the Kuat has a range of bike weights it can accommodate based on which particular hitch size you purchase and how many bikes you are carrying. 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
I had ruled this rack out because the REI website states this as access to trunk with bikes unloaded. That is not what this review is showing. May be this rack is back in the running.
Most any "tray-style" hitch-mounted bike rack that has a tilt feature that allows access to the rear door while the bikes are loaded. Definitely one of my favorite features of this rack, especially on road trips.
Front bar securing the tire is not safe. You have to add so much pressure tot he front tire that it’s creating additional pressure on the tire. Bike came off the front bar in the middle of the freeway causing the front tire to drag. Brand new bike. Again front bar securing the front tire is not safe.
As long as your tires have a normal riding air pressure, this is not a problem. I’ve even used this on a flat tire. The only issue would be if the tire went flat while you were riding or you actually didn’t push the hook down very firmly on the tire. I’m sorry you let bike came loose. The only other solution is to get a more expensive rack that uses two sets of tire clamps, like the Kuat Piston Pro X or OneUp.
@@ozarkbikeguides3998 vendor even supervised and checked the bar before we left. It appears the bar may just be damaged. The bar on the second rack seems to have a firmer hold. Just in case I don’t get a full refund I bought some fastening cords to strap the bar and wheel. I think the manufacturer can add the fastening straps to the front wheel. It would t cost them much and it can prevent a horrible situation. Thankfully for the security cable and plastic strap kept this nearly $1000 new bike from flying through a four lane freeway at night.
They upgraded the rack to the Version 2 (V2) model now and the locks are included. So the price has gone up accordingly, they did make the mount into the hitch sleeve much easier and more stable/secure.
I have this rack sitting in my trunk right now. This was by far the most thorough and accurate review of it I've seen. Right on.
Thanks!
Thanks man. Very thorough and informative. Seems like it will hold well for long trips.
You've got some really good tips in here. This was very helpful. Thanks Bro!
Great videos. Still trying to figure out pros and cons of this versus their Sherpa model
That was a very informative video. Thank you for the review.
Excellent video, very informative and the right amount of detail for a new bike rack owner. As soon as I get the hitch installed on my Hyundai Kona, hopefully this week, I will be buying the 1.25" one bike version as long as I can get the 1-bike add on kit. I like the idea of being as light and minimal as possible. When I look at the Kuat website, I believe it states that the add-on is not compatible for the 1.25" 2 bike version.
Excellent and thorough review
I just bought the new version with the ball cam. Much better design. Didn’t like the threaded bolt through the hitch. It also comes with a cable lock as well. I used an old lock for the hitch as well
Excellent video.
Just picked mine up today.👍
Very good review. My only concern, and I may be overthinking this, is with the release lever that allows the rack to fold up and down. It appears that the lever is exposed in the stowed position and that a car backing or driving into it could release the rack and allow it to drop onto the "offending" car. Your thoughts or experiences of others please
If someone is driving into the back of your car or you hit something while backing up it is more likely that you will bend/break the rack than you will hit just the lever and drop the rack. Them hitting your rack is going to do more damage than it "unfolding" and falling into the top of their hood. I drive around with my rack in the "open" or "unfolded" position all the time. It's easier to see what's on my backup camera and my car is short enough that I can still fit into the garage and parking spaces with the rack down. Besides, we drive around with it down when loaded, why should it be any different if there aren't bikes on it?!
Still looks a bit wobbly but then it looks like you just didn't bother tightening down the anti-wobble bolt, right?
excellent review, but I wish I could see how quick you can get that removed. You did get it on quick, so I think removing it will be quick too with your wrench tool. I appreciate all your tips, and quality demonstration. I ordered one through a bike store after getting a new fuel ex7 in the small size that isn't fitting my allen hang hitch rack very well... I needed a bike bar and it moves around some still. I don't like it.
Dylan, you probably have the rack by now and have figured this out, but yeah it is probably slightly faster and easier to remove than to install. You don't have to figure out how deep to insert the rack into the hitch, which saves a little time. Thanks for the question.
@@ozarkbikeguides3998 I bought the exact bike rack you reviewed, and I love it. Works great with my garage. On in 1-2 min, and off in 30 seconds!
Neat. I didn’t know that I could do two addons even on my 1 1/4 hitch.
I’m looking to purchase this rack or a similar one. From what I’ve read, you can only use 1 add on. So if you get the 2 bike, you can only hold 3 total with the add on
@@magnate2372 correct.
You can only add-on 1-bike to the 1-1/4 hitch. Sorry if I misspoke or mislead you.
Where did you get this for that cost? The 2 bike model seems to be $450 now.
Yeah, they updated it to the V2, making some worthwhile but more costly upgrades. And now the locking kits are included. It has a easier way to securing to the hitch, which is also more stable and strong, uses a camming device instead of a threaded hitch pin. The trays and arms also fit a slightly wider range of bikes and the overall rack is a little more reinforced.
Thanks for the video. Very detailed and informative. I am trying to find a place where I can buy a 3-bike Transfer v2 rack. I also need to buy a hitch setup for my 2014 Prius. Do you have a recommendation that would work for my car and this rack?
I would check with a local car dealership or Uhaul if you want someone to install the hitch to the car. If you want to DIY the hitch install, then look for a Curt brand hitch online. I happened to find mine new, in the box, on Facebook Marketplace for $50! It was pretty easy install, but I am a bike mechanic and also do a lot of routine maintenance myself on my cars. As far as finding the rack, check Kuat's dealer search on their website to find the closest bike shop that sells them.
Hello, I noticed you said the weight limit per bike was 40 lbs. worn the 1-1/4 hitch. I’ve seen the specs listed at 60 lbs for this rack. Would that discrepancy be due to the size of hitch? Thanks for your time
The weight rating changes depending on the 1, 2, 3, or 4 bike setup. It does also change per the 1-1/4 vs 2" hitch as you suggested. Here's a link to the different specs: www.kuat.com/product/transfer-v2/?specs
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
I noticed you removed the pedals on the bike closest to the car.
Would the pedals hit the car? is this something that is recommended to do?
That is not necessary at all. Not even recommended. You might have to adjust the pedal position slightly to prevent them hitting the other bike, but that is all. I was simply using new, bike shop bikes, and they didn’t have any pedals installed on them yet.
Looks like the rack I am going to buy. My question is on my Surly LHT with fenders how can i use the hooks?
Wife and I have Surly Bridge Clubs with fenders and ended up cutting the front fender flush with the forks.
I have successfully clamped the hooks outside the fender, but they need to not extend more than a few inches in front of the fork. After you install the bike like this, do an aggressive shake test in pushing/pulling in every direction to make sure it won't loosed in transit.
I really like this one but i don’t like you have to buy a locking kit. I guess the price has spiked because the one with he 2 bikes is at $379 in my area and i guess i would have to buy the lock kit separately. Bringing the cost to about 429 before tax. Looks so simple to use.
The price went up because the updated the rack to the V2. It has a stronger build, wider range of bikes that can fit on the rack, and offers a convenient way of securing into the hitch sleeve. They now have a camming mechanism that is more stable, stronger, and easier to tighten than the threaded hitch pin.
@@ozarkbikeguides3998the new one does not use thru pin? For 1.25 inch receiver ?
I found this informative, but do you know if this will work with a fat tire bike with fenders? Can the arms fit over the frame of a bike instead of just the wheels? Thanks again for sharing.
If the front fender is fairly short in front of the fork, then you can simply clamp down on the tire just outside the fender, but I would do an aggressive shake test to make sure it won't loosen in transit. I have successfully locked the arms down over a very stable metal fender on a few bikes, but not specifically a fatbike fender, so I can't say for sure it will fit. The hook arms are designed to fit over fatbike tires so I think there is a reasonable chance it will work.
Quick question that I don't think anyone knows the answer to; the Saris Freedom 2 is a VERY cheap feeling rack that states 60lbs PER BIKE weight capacity. This Kuat Transfer 2 is incredibly robust and every single part is larger and "better engineered" (if you would) than the Saris Freedom 2, yet only advertises 40lbs per bike. How the hell does that make any sense at all??
The Saris holds the bikes closer to the car's bumper and closer to each other than any other rack on the market (that I am aware of) and so based on a leverage curve it can carry more weight. Also, the Kuat has a range of bike weights it can accommodate based on which particular hitch size you purchase and how many bikes you are carrying.
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
I had ruled this rack out because the REI website states this as access to trunk with bikes unloaded. That is not what this review is showing. May be this rack is back in the running.
Most any "tray-style" hitch-mounted bike rack that has a tilt feature that allows access to the rear door while the bikes are loaded. Definitely one of my favorite features of this rack, especially on road trips.
Question: it says fit 2-inch or 1.25-inch, yet It is for 2-inch receiver; do I need to extra buy an adapter ?
@@ozarkbikeguides3998 thank you
Front bar securing the tire is not safe. You have to add so much pressure tot he front tire that it’s creating additional pressure on the tire. Bike came off the front bar in the middle of the freeway causing the front tire to drag. Brand new bike. Again front bar securing the front tire is not safe.
As long as your tires have a normal riding air pressure, this is not a problem. I’ve even used this on a flat tire. The only issue would be if the tire went flat while you were riding or you actually didn’t push the hook down very firmly on the tire. I’m sorry you let bike came loose. The only other solution is to get a more expensive rack that uses two sets of tire clamps, like the Kuat Piston Pro X or OneUp.
@@ozarkbikeguides3998 vendor even supervised and checked the bar before we left. It appears the bar may just be damaged. The bar on the second rack seems to have a firmer hold. Just in case I don’t get a full refund I bought some fastening cords to strap the bar and wheel. I think the manufacturer can add the fastening straps to the front wheel. It would t cost them much and it can prevent a horrible situation. Thankfully for the security cable and plastic strap kept this nearly $1000 new bike from flying through a four lane freeway at night.
Where can you buy that rake for $400?
They upgraded the rack to the Version 2 (V2) model now and the locks are included. So the price has gone up accordingly, they did make the mount into the hitch sleeve much easier and more stable/secure.
voice is really low volume
Sorry, just using my phone. Not a professional videographer by any means...