I’ve always lumped hitch racks into my personal category of “holy heck, why do these cost so much?”
It’s easy to find a hitch rack on Amazon for under $150, but I think I’d just skip buying one and tie my bike to the back of my car and drive around because the end result seems the same. And, cheaper bike racks never seem to adequately hold big, fat mountain bike tires, or fit our extravagantly long wheelbases.
Last year, at Interbike we checked out the new Kuat Transfer single tray bike rack. The Transfer is Kuat’s entry-level hitch rack at a great price, and it features Kuat engineering and quality. The 1-bike option costs $219, and an add-on costs $109. The idea is that the 1-bike option is great for someone starting out, but hey, maybe they make a friend along the way, and instead of getting rid of the 1-bike Transfer, they can buy an add-on. Unfortunately, the add-on cannot be used on the 2-bike rack to make a rack for three bikes. The three bike rack is offered separately.
- Comes in 1, 2, and 3-bike options (1-bike w/add-on tested)
- No frame contact
- Fits 1.25- and 2-inch receivers
- Fits 20- to 29-inch tires (up to 4.5-inches wide with Phat Bike kit)
- Max wheelbase: 47″
- 40-lb max weight per bike
- Weight: 20lb for 1-bike rack, 37lb for 2-bike rack
- MSRP: $249 for 1-bike Transfer (available at Amazon). $80 more for 2-bike rack (available at REI)
Transfer set up and installation
The Kuat Transfer and add-on came in separate boxes with instructions and hex wrenches, just like a coffee table from Ikea. Thankfully, the assembly was simpler than many Ikea pieces that I have built before.
In all, putting the Transfer and the add-on rack together took less than an hour.
The only problem I had was with one of the rack end caps on the add-on. The bolt squeezed the nut right through the insert instead of locking it in the end of the rack. The other end cap is stressed in the same way, but did not rip through. In either case, the end caps are mostly aesthetic and the problem doesn’t interfere with the rack’s functionality.
After that, the rack was ready to plug into my car’s hitch receiver.
On the road
When it’s time to hit the road, throwing bikes on the rack is easy. There’s a foot-activated pedal under the rack. Push that to bring the rack down from its upward mode, where it is stored when it’s not in use.
The rack arms swing out in front so you can hoist the bike up, and plant it in the wide tire trays. The bikes actually stayed upright even when the clamp arm was down, making it easy to let go of the bike, grab the arm, and bring it down to the front tire right in front of the fork crown. Then, it’s just one tire strap on the rear tire cradle.
Two bikes on the rack play nicely together and don’t bump or trade paint. The construction of the add-on rack seems solid and I wouldn’t worry about any stress on the joining parts.
I experienced some wiggle from the rack when the hitch pin threads came loose a few times. With a cotter pin or lock on the end, it’s not going anywhere, but does get annoying. I resolved it by dropping some Loctite on the threads and the rack stayed secure.
Kuat Pivot
Kuat also sent along its new swingarm adapter, called the Pivot, to test. The idea with the Pivot is to mount it with a bike rack for people with hatchbacks or pick up trucks who still need access to the back. The Pivot can swing the rack out to the side and out of the way.
- Fits 2-inch hitch receivers only
- 250lb weight limit
- Swings out 90-degrees
- Locking, anti-rattle hitch pin
- MSRP: $295 (available at Amazon)
The Kuat Pivot comes fully assembled in all its heft. There is nothing tricky about installation. Plug it into the receiver and install the locking hitch pin, then treat the Pivot like a receiver and install the bike rack.
First lift up on the toggle clamp, which secures the Pivot in the closed position.
Then pull out the safety pin, which also secures the Pivot in the closed position.
The Pivot swings out to the side easily.
The Pivot is then out of the way, making it easy to get into the rear of the vehicle.
The Pivot does exactly what it says and is simple to use. I have no doubt that because of its solid construction it will outlast most of its buyers.
Conclusion
For just over $200, the Kuat Transfer is a solid choice and it’s great that buyers can add on an additional rack down the road as well. So far, aside from the end caps, everything else on the rack seems very solid. It’s simple, lightweight, looks great mounted, and is easy to use.
The Pivot is going to be great for summer camping trips. It’s hefty, solid, also easy to use, and a smart gadget to add for easier transportation and access.
⭐️ Find the Kuat Transfer Hitch Rack at Amazon and other online retailers.
Thanks to Kuat for providing the Transfer and Pivot for review.
Excellent article. I have narrowed my choices to this particular rack. I ride by myself about 80% of the time and didn’t want the excess baggage of a second rack that I will not use. I really appreciate the option to add on an extra rack if needed! Two questions….does the rack pivot downwards and what is that black bike fearured in the review?
Hey coot271, glad to hear it helped. Yes, the rack pivots upwards when not in use, and downwards in use. It’s holding up quite well so far. The black bike is my Banshee Spitfire 🙂
I have this rack and absolutely love it. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a hitch mount rack. The only comment I have is that you’ve got to be careful with the shorter wheelbase bikes. My wife’s extra small hardtail needs to be in the tray with the front wheel tray in the “up” position. If you get one, I suggest “practicing” putting your bikes on there if you have a shorter wheelbase and driving around the neighborhood swerving around. I didn’t do that and almost lost her bike doing 45mph down a highway 🙂 my fault for not definitively making sure it was secure. Would still recommend this!
I’ve had the NV for a couple of years now, but added the Pivot this past fall. It’s a game changer at the trailhead, especially bc I can use my truck’s tailgate while we get ready to ride or for post-ride refreshments. Plus, I have a theory that with the pivot and NV rack and my Dakine tailgate pad, I can shuttle 7 bikes in my Frontier. Hope to test that out soon.
Great review. I too tested and reviewed the Kuat Transfer a month or two back, but without the pivot arm. It definitely is a good quality rack that doesn’t break the bank. Also the 2 bike version is light weight enough if you are small or not very strong. Some hitch racks are just so heavy.
https://www.roadbikerider.com/kuat-transfer-hitch-bicycle-rack-review/
Agreed on that…very light and easy to swing up.
Thule do great rear bike rack in Europe I’m not sure if they have a presence in USA. Their system looks a LOT easier than the one in the article. I’ve been using a two bike one for over 6 years and have not had any problems with it. The only thing I would say is the one I have would not take bikes with tyres over 3 inches diameter nor take the weight of two ebike, Thule may have made some to accommodate this but as I’m happy with what I have I haven’t been looking to replace it.