Recommendation of Kuat Bike Rack For 2007 Honda Element With Class I Hitch

Question:

I am trying to decide which Kuat bike rack, Alpha or Beta, to buy for my 2007 Honda Element with Class 1 hitch. Which one do you think best fits the bill or am I missing the boat with Kuat and there is another lightweight alternative that is superior?

asked by: Tom H

Expert Reply:

The Kuat bike racks are an excellent choice for a lightweight alternative bike rack on your 2007 Honda Element. Since you have a Class I hitch you are limited to only transporting two bikes.

Adding three bikes to a rack that is installed in a Class I hitch causes too much stress on the hitch and vehicle frame because of the amount of weight and the extra distance away from the vehicle. Sort of like adding a pipe to a wrench to get more leverage, the bike rack will place more load on the hitch and vehicle frame than it is designed to accept.

So I would recommend the Kuat Beta 2 Bike Hitch Rack, part # B202-114, for your Class I hitch on your 2007 Honda Element. It will hold 2 bikes and has a total weight capacity of 80 lbs.

If you are going to be carrying womens or childrens bikes that do not have the horizontal bar at the top of the frame, you will want to use the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, part # TH982XT. It attaches to the center seat post and to the handlebar post and provides a horizontal bar, so the bike can ride level on the bike rack. I am including a link to a video review on the bike adapter bar.

I would also recommend the Kuat Bike Rack Lock, part # KUATLOCK. This will lock your bike rack to your hitch.

expert reply by: Jeff D