This platform rack has arms that deploy with the tap of a lever, making loading and unloading bikes almost effortless. Arms hold your bikes securely by the wheels. Bikes can be loaded onto the wheel trays front to back to prevent handlebar contact.
Features:
Specs:
The Piston Pro has arms with hydro-pneumatic struts that deploy automatically by simply tapping the release levers, so you can easily load your bikes with both hands. They operate like the gas struts on your SUV that lift and support the rear hatch.
To load your bikes, tap the levers to deploy the hydro-pneumatic arms, set your bikes on the trays, and rotate the arms up over the wheels. Ratchets hold the arms in place, so once you squeeze the arms against the wheels there's nothing left to do. When you're ready to unload your bikes, tap the levers to release the arms - it's that simple.
The U-shaped arms have bridges that secure your bikes firmly by the wheel, so they won't scratch or scuff the bike's frame. Each arm has labelled settings for its bridge - 20", 24", 26", 27.5" and 29" tires. Just pinch the spring-loaded levers on each bridge and slide it to the corresponding tire size for each bike - no tools required.
The Piston Pro doesn't have cradles for the wheels like most platform-style bike racks. Instead, it has wheel trays that allow you to position your bikes on the rack exactly where you want them, not where the cradles dictate you place them. This helps prevent your handlebars and other bike parts from bumping into each other. Additionally, the trays have grooves in the tracks that accommodate narrow 18c road bike tires up to 5" fat bike tires.
The rack tilts down with your bikes loaded. So, whether you're at the trail or the grocery store, you don't have to remove your bikes to access your cargo area. It also folds up when not in use. This leaves a smaller footprint, so you can keep the rack on your vehicle to park in your garage. And if you want to remove it, it doesn't take up as much space to store it.
The spring-loaded hand and foot pedal is easily accessible when the rack is tilted up. When you're ready to load your bikes, simply step on the pedal and lower the rack with both hands. To tilt the rack with bikes loaded, reach under your front bike and pull up on the pedal with your hand. No more crawling through your bikes or squeezing between the rack and the vehicle to hit the tilt release lever. To return it to the upright position, pull up on the lever and raise the rack until it clicks into position.
The rack is easy to install. Just slide the shank into your hitch and use the included security tool to tighten the flatlock cam. As you tighten the cam, an anti-rattle wedge is deployed inside the shank to help take play out of the hitch connection.
The security tool has a hollow-point hex indentation, so it can only be used with the Piston Pro. This helps keep the rack secure on your vehicle. When you're done using it, you can store it in your trunk or glove compartment.
A cable lock is included to secure your bikes to the rack. The 12-mm thick, braided steel cable threads through your bike's frames, and locks back into the rack. The cable has a soft rubber cover that won't scratch or scuff your bikes' paint. A stainless steel hitch lock is also included to secure the rack to your vehicle.
An aluminum ramp (sold separately) lets you roll your heavy e-bikes on and off the rack - no heavy lifting required. The ramp telescopes to ensure it touches the ground so you don't have to lift your bike at all. It can also be used to decrease the angle of approach to make loading even easier.
A hook-and-loop strap kit (sold separately) lets you carry bikes with fenders. The Fender Kit Only setting on each arm indicates where to place the straps so they don't make contact with your bike's fenders.
1-Bike or 2-bike add-on (sold separately) lets you easily convert the rack to carry 3 or 4 bikes.
California residents: click here
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars (6 Customer Reviews)
This platform rack has arms that deploy with the tap of a lever, making loading and unloading bikes almost effortless. Arms hold your bikes securely by the wheels. Bikes can be loaded onto the wheel trays front to back to prevent handlebar contact.etrailer does an excellent job reviewing and showcasing its products. We spent many hours of research on the site before deciding on the Kuat. Assembly was fairly simple and quick. The features of the rack make it easy to use. Stable ride for our bikes down a wide variety of conditions (highway, dirt road, wash boards). Expensive, but the ease of use and quality make it worthwhile.
I researched tray racks for mountain bikes and knew that Kuat's Piston Pro was the best rack for my needs. I love etrailer for the how to install videos, support and pricing. If etrailer sells an item I'm interested in I purchase from them. I do this because of how hard they work for their customers. This rack is exceptional. Build quality is first class. The assembly was simple, the locking cable and hitch lock are very sturdy. My 29" wheel full suspension Specialized fits perfectly. My son's smaller Scott Mountain Bike also fits perfectly. We are getting Fat Tire Bikes and the trays support 5" tire widths. Adjustments for wheel size is simple, loading a bike is even easier. The bikes are solidly secured in place. 10 out of 10.
It was a surprise treat to have it setup and installed under an hour! Works very efficiently as advertised def worth look into it.
Do you have a question about this Hitch Bike Rack?
Info for this part was:
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.