First Look - Kuat Transfer Rack

Kuat is a US based company that offers a range of unique bike racks. We had a quick play with the Kuat Transfer rack; one of their more affordable models that retails for $450.

Rather than clamping the top tube like many cheaper racks, the Transfer cradles the tyres from underneath with large moulded supports. To hold the bikes in place, a pivoting arm clamps the front wheel from above. As there’s no contact with the frame, you can safely load up a muddy MTB without worrying about the paintwork getting scratched.

The rack fits directly into a square hitch (both 1.25” & 2” receivers) and is available in two and three bike versions. We tried the double rack and it handled two mountain bikes without any clashing of parts. Fat tyres aren’t a problem either and we mounted a 3.0 inch plus tyre bike as well as 29ers, road bikes and kid’s bikes without a hitch. For full-on fat bikes, Kuat offers a dedicated ‘Phat’ kit as a separate item.

A single threaded pin makes mounting the rack fast and easy and the fit between the hitch and receiver was quite solid. Once in place the rack can be folded down for rear door access; this will allow you to open the back of a hatch but won’t provide sufficient clearance for a wagon with a swing-out door. With the bikes removed, the Transfer also folds up to get it out of the way without removing it completely. Again this mightn’t work on vehicles with a rear mounted spare tyre but it should be effective in most other cases.

There’s an 18kg per bike weight limit and the maximum recommended wheelbase is 1,193mm, so most XC and trail bike should fit nicely. If you’re carting big and heavy gravity bikes, it’d be wise to opt for the sturdier Kuat NV model; using the same hassle-free mounting system, it can handle up to 27kg per bike with wheelbase lengths up to 1,219mm. As with most rear-mounted bike racks, the Transfer may obscure your number plate and/or taillights. If this is the case, you’ll need to purchase a third party plate holder and light.

Bike mounting and removal with the Transfer was easy and really fast with no tools required. The fact it also protects the finish of your pride and joy – even when it’s lathered in mud – is a real bonus.

For more information on the Kuat range go to Blue Globe Alliance.