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12/06/2023
I have used and abused this rack. It’s pretty much seen it all over the past year. It’s been in the mountains, seen plenty of mud, snow, rain, extreme heat and now southern humidity and salty sea air. I first got it when I lived on the west coast. Mainly just transporting bikes in and around the city. I honestly believe that the taillights have saved my bikes more than once. I love the way Kuat mounted the lights. They are on sort of a 45-degree angle allowing them to be highly effective when the rack is empty and upright or when loaded and down. Kuat definitely had their thinking caps on when they designed this rack! Every little detail seemed to be thoughtfully planned out. Ease of use, the way the bikes are secured, safety, everything!
The real test was when I moved from San Francisco to Miami. 3500 miles over 8 days and through 9 states! I was carrying my dad’s Pinarello Dogma F and my OPEN U.P. gravel bike. LOTS of money riding on that rack and it was never an issue. Bikes always felt secure at highway speeds even when driving through the desert at 80+ mph. Every time we stopped for food I wasn’t concerned about theft as the cable is heavy duty and super secure. The blinkers on the rack definitely made me feel confident in traffic knowing that the people behind me could see turn and brake signals. Overall, I couldn’t think of a single thing I would changed about this bike rack! Huge thanks to Kuat for making such a great product!
In the realm of hitch racks, the Kuat Piston Pro X emerges as a trailblazer, defying conventional classifications and setting a new standard for cycling enthusiasts. After a month of rigorous testing, it's evident that this rack isn't just an accessory; it's a superrack, redefining expectations and standing in a league of its own.
The Kuat Piston Pro X transcends the ordinary with a construction that melds innovation and aesthetics. It's not merely a utilitarian piece; it's a desirable gear that boasts features previously unseen in the world of hitch racks. The meticulously designed list of features elevates it above its counterparts, even surpassing Kuat's own renowned models in terms of style and functionality.
Having put the Piston Pro X through its paces for the past year, I can attest to its impressive performance. Küat has seamlessly transformed the rack, making it not only user-friendly but also a sophisticated piece of cycling equipment. Smart features, such as integrated brake and turn-signal lights, add a layer of intelligence to its design, enhancing safety and functionality.
What sets the Piston Pro X apart is its ability to accommodate a diverse range of bike sizes and weights, surpassing the capabilities of most racks currently available. Küat has engineered a masterpiece that not only carries the weight of your bikes but also the weight of expectations. While the price of the top-end Pro X model may be a premium, it reflects an investment in durability and enduring style.
The promise of durability and sustained elegance is delivered through the rack's all-metal construction. Powder-coated parts and stainless-steel hardware ensure longevity, making the Piston Pro X a lasting companion for your cycling adventures.
At first glance, the Piston Pro X may share a resemblance with Küat's NV 2.0, but a closer inspection reveals a groundbreaking wheel-clamping system that redefines safety and convenience. Departing from the J-shaped arms of previous Küat racks, the Piston Pro X employs elongated U-shaped arms, a design popularized by trailblazers like 1Up and adopted by industry giants such as Thule.
This new clamping system not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also outperforms its predecessor on multiple fronts. It caters to a wider range of wheel diameters and tire widths, offering unparalleled ease of use. Bid farewell to the bothersome ratcheting strap for securing the rear wheel—each wheel now enjoys the embrace of its dedicated U-shaped clamp.
The Piston Pro X's arms gracefully cradle the tires, steering clear of any contact with fork legs. This innovative approach eliminates the risk of rubbing or scraping against your bike's precious carbon or metal parts. The ratcheting mechanism, ingeniously nestled into the rack base, stays out of reach from your hands, ensuring a pinch-free experience—an exemplary shift that propels Küat ahead in the competitive landscape.
Beyond these significant improvements, the Piston Pro X boasts additional features that truly set it apart. Adjusting the arms to accommodate different wheel sizes is a breeze—simply pinch a spring-loaded lever on the tire chocks and effortlessly slide them into the desired position. With just one hand, the system adapts to wheels ranging from 18 inches to 29 inches or 700c, accommodating tires up to 5 inches wide without the need for adapters—an unprecedented feat in the rack industry.
Throughout a year of rigorous testing, spanning miles at or above highway speeds and challenging terrains, the Piston Pro X proved unwavering in securing my bikes. However, transparency prevails—I observed a slight wobble in some 29ers with wider tires. Anticipating the future, Kuat could potentially address this with a higher clamping point in subsequent versions.
In the realm of bike racks, Küat's Piston Pro X takes center stage with a dazzling array of features that go beyond the ordinary. From Kashima-coated pistons to integrated lights, locks, and magnetic marvels, this rack sets a new standard for innovation and convenience.
Outshining even Kashima-coated pistons, the integrated lights on the Piston Pro X redefine visibility. LED light strips adorning the rearmost bike tray not only add a touch of brilliance but also function as tail lights when connected to a vehicle’s trailer-wiring harness. While a wiring harness is a prerequisite, the reward is worth it. The lights blink with your turn signals and illuminate when you hit the brakes, akin to your car’s rear driving lights—ensuring a safer night ride.
A small cable links your wiring harness to the front of the rack, cleverly held in place by magnets. Removing the rack becomes as easy as any other, thanks to this ingenious design. The cord features adjustable magnets along its length, preventing it from drooping below the rack and minimizing the risk of snagging on obstacles. As cyclists, we appreciate the significance of visibility, and Küat's approach with integrated lights sets a commendable standard for the industry.
The base two-bike model showcases a large pivoting handle on the right side of the rack's base, providing effortless raising when not in use and creating extra space for opening rear tailgates. Operating on large Igus bushings, the handle feels solid and can be manipulated either by hand or foot. While the foot operation adds a cool touch, Küat's competition gains a slight edge with one-handed handles. Nevertheless, Küat's design shines when adding a third or fourth bike tray, as the extensions come equipped with their own handle.
Adding to its arsenal of features, the Piston Pro X incorporates a semi-integrated cable lock. The locking mechanism, seamlessly integrated into the rack's frame, clamps down on the cable end when inserted. While managing a separate cable demands a bit more effort, it brings notable advantages. Faster setup with multiple bikes and the ability to use a larger, stronger cable for comprehensive security are distinguishing traits. The 12mm cable included with the rack stands out for its thickness, surpassing those found on integrated systems.
In the world of bike racks, longevity is a rare gem, and Küat's Pro X not only acknowledges this but sets a new standard for enduring quality. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Küat ensures that this rack outlasts the seasons, akin to your faithful bike that has seen countless rides. Particularly noteworthy is the dedication Küat has shown in creating a durable product, a testament to their commitment even in the face of challenging conditions.
Residing in the unforgiving Florida humidity, sea air and sun, where hot rides and salty sea air are part of the cycling routine, I've experienced the frustration of watching excellent but pricey racks succumb to rust and fade within just a few seasons. Küat's Pro X, however, rises to the challenge. Built to withstand the harshest conditions, this rack is not merely a seasonal companion but a decade-long commitment. Constructed entirely of metal, with a steel hitch and aluminum frame, it exudes strength, sturdiness, and a design superior to any rack currently available.
The rack's hitch mount is a pinnacle of durability, surpassing even Küat's own previous systems. A locking pin and an expanding cam secure it in the receiver, with a design that prevents over-tightening. Küat's foresight extends to the inclusion of a stow space for the required 8mm tool at the back of the rack. Ingeniously held in place by magnets, the tool can be further secured with the same key used for the hitch pin and bike cable, showcasing Küat's commitment to both security and convenience.
Embarking on a year-long journey of rigorous testing, the Küat Piston Pro X has revealed its true character — a blend of sturdiness, operational ease, and a feature set that demands attention. From the intriguing LED lights to the controversial Kashima-coated pistons, every aspect has been scrutinized against a backdrop of other racks. The verdict is clear: the Piston Pro X stands out, offering an unparalleled combination of safety, security, and user-friendly operation.
Admittedly, the price tag prompts contemplation. For those accustomed to scouting eBay or local bike club classifieds for their next rack, the cost may raise eyebrows. However, the Piston Pro X justifies its price point with an array of features and robust construction that elevate it at least 50 percent above its counterparts. If you prioritize a rack that goes beyond functionality, blending aesthetics and enjoyment in use, the Piston Pro X is an investment that promises not just convenience but an elevated biking experience.
In conclusion, while the price may give pause, the Küat Piston Pro X proves its worth through a superior feature set, unmatched capacity, and enduring construction. If you seek a rack that transcends the ordinary, effortlessly accommodating various bikes and enhancing your overall biking enjoyment, the Piston Pro X is a solid choice that delivers on its promises.
Happy riding and thanks for checking out RA Cycles!
Locking mechanism seamlessly integrated into the rack's frame.
Stow space for the required 8mm tool at the back of the rack. Ingeniously held in place by magnets, the tool can be further secured with the same key used for the hitch pin and bike cable.
Kashima-coated pistons
With just one hand, the system adapts to wheels ranging from 18 inches to 29 inches or 700c, accommodating tires up to 5 inches wide without the need for adapters
User-Friendly Pivoting Handle
