Kuat has a new platform hitch rack out today and it has some new tricks up its sleeve, like LED taillights and Kashima-coated arms, just like the priciest Fox options for mountain bike suspension.
The Kuat Piston Pro X debuts as the brand’s first rack that ditches the wheel hook and straps in favor of four arms on both sides which close on the wheels. The Piston Pro X has some valuable specs, like a generous 67lb per bike weight limit, a 53″ max wheelbase, an 18-29″ wheel size range, with a max tire width of 5″. The Piston Pro X also has a 1-2 bike add-on, but comes as a 2-bike rack that fits a 2″ hitch. Like the Saris MTR we tested a few years ago, the Piston Pro X has offset trays for easier bike stacking, and it has a semi-integrated 12mm-thick cable lock.
Kuat’s new OneTap feature will open the cradle arms automatically with a hydro-pnuematic lever, which the brand says will make for an easier time loading. The new rack also implements integrated LEDs which should be a nice feature since wheels can often block the tail lights on a vehicle.
Does anyone need the gold-coated suspension standard on their bike racks? The answer is of course no, just like no one needs Kashima-coated suspension. But it is there for those who can shell out for it. Rack designers usually make high-end racks like this for their customers that are paying for high-end vehicles and want something that will match their vehicle’s aesthetic. The Piston Pro X now sits as the most expensive and feature-some bike rack in their lineup. It’s cool to see some fresh ideas, whereas most brands have basically been making their own 1up competitors.
Most of these tray-style, platform hitch racks have been hovering around the $800 price mark. But those racks don’t have electronics and friction-reducing materials. As such, the Piston Pro X rings in at $1,389. Availability is spring 2022, and Kuat is planning a pared-down model for the fall of 2022 for $989.
Spin that $1389 price tag any way you desire. That’s just silly stupid. It’s yet another 1UP copy/imitation and my 1UP cost less than that to carry FOUR bikes. I’m sure Kuat doesn’t need to worry, there’s plenty on people out there with their pricey mopeds looking to wast even more money….posers!!
Oh boy! Marinizing aluminum components is new, all over again…