Recommended 2-Bike Hitch Rack for Carbon-Fiber Frame Bikes Compatible with Class I Hitch

Updated 08/17/2017 | Published 08/16/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(343)

$549.00

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(4)

$253.97

Question:

Would you recommend the Kuat Transfer 2 bike rack for a 2007 VW Passat sedan? I am looking for a rack that does not touch the bike frame and this one seems to fit the ticket. Also, I noticed that it can fit a 1 1/4 hitch with an adapter. Does that mean the capacity is cut from 200lb to 100lb? If this rack is not recommended for the 2007 Passat, can you recommend one that does not touch bike frames so that it is carbon bike safe? Thanks

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

You are correct that the Kuat Transfer V2 Platform Bike Rack # KU74FR will secure bikes without making any contact at all with their frames. The rack uses a wheel-mount hook that will allow bikes without a front fender to be carried with contact made only at their wheels. With it I recommend their mating lock set # PTSCLK12.

You are also correct that the rack fits into both 1-1/4-inch and 2-inch hitches. The Transfer comes with a hitch adapter to let it fit the larger 2-inch hitches, but this adapter is NOT like a hitch adapter that reduces weight capacity.

The 1-1/4-inch Class I hitch made for the non-4Motion sedan version of the 2007 VW Passat is the Curt # C11091, it has a 200-lb tongue weight (TW) rating and that full TW capacity will remain available. I have linked the written instructions for this hitch along with an installation video.

expert reply by: Adam R