Can the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack be Used for Bikes with Fenders

Question:

I have on order from etrailer a Curt Class lll trailer hitch for my 2006 Kia Sorento. I am looking to purchase a two bike rack. I have researched many, mainly from your site. I strongly prefer this KUAT for its many features and ease of design. Affordable price. Question: I have two Townie low entry bikes. One has fenders. In customer videos I have seen bikes with fenders mounted on this rack, yet you seem to discourage the use of this rack with fenders. What are the issues/problems /failures ? I am very sold on the design elements of the KUAT V2Transfer 2. I looked at the SARIS Freedom and Swagmans offering and am put-off by design issues that I see as problematic . Thank You

asked by: Jean

Expert Reply:

The Kuat Transfer V2 # KU84FR is an excellent choice in a bike rack and will fit great with the Curt Trailer Hitch # C13513 on your 2006 Kia Sorento. The Transfer series has been a favorite of mine for a while now because it's ease of use and the simple yet effective design.

We discourage the use of wheel mount carriers like this on bikes with fenders because you are supposed to get that hook as close to the front forks as you can without touching the bike frame and then tighten it down pretty tight. This can potentially damage that fender. I've had one of our bike rack manufacturers say that you can technically tighten down those hooks on a flexible fender if you're careful but this isn't something we want to go by since that just opens a whole can of worms so we just simply say "Don't use it" and let the end-user make their own decision. If the fender is easy to remove then I recommend going that route and reinstalling it when you take the bike off the rack so you don't chance damaging it.

To avoid damaging your fender you can use a frame mount bike rack like the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE # HLY84FR and then use an adapter bar # HRBA-PRO to give the hooks something to hold your bikes by since they have the step-thru frame.

Attached are some videos for you to check out.