Kuat Piston ION Fit for Specialized Vado with Fender and Required Wheel Straps
Updated 05/06/2026 | Published 05/04/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2025 Specialized Vado 5.0 with a rear fender. Will it work putting the rear piston below the fender and using a wheel strap?
asked by: Bruce L
Expert Reply:
Bruce, Yes, that will work with your Specialized Vado 5.0, and the Kuat Piston ION part # KU89SR is actually built to handle bikes with fenders like yours.
You can position the rear piston below the fender, but you will need to use the Kuat Fender Straps, part # KU43VR, to properly secure the wheel without putting pressure on the fender.
That is really the key to making this setup safe and solid. The arms should always contact the tire, not the fender, and the fender straps are what hold the wheel in place so you are not risking any flex or damage to that rear fender. When set up this way, the bike will sit securely on the rack and you will not have to worry about wobble or rubbing while you are driving.
That is a great bike, and I completely understand wanting to keep it protected while still making loading easy and stress free.
What kind of rides are you usually taking it out for, more city paths or longer greenway trips?
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kuat Piston ION E-Bike Platform Rack for 2 Bikes w/ Ramp - 2" Hitches - Sandy Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does the Stealth Hitch for a 2023 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 SUV Block the Backup Camera?
- Search Results: kuat hitch bike racks
- Search Results: kuat bike ramp
- Search Results: bike rack straps
- Search Results: bike straps
- Q&A: Can Kuat Piston Pro Carry Veloctric Nomad 2x
- Shop: Inno Tire Hold HD Fender Bracket for Bikes with Fenders
- Q&A: Gazelle C380 E-Bike Compatibility With Kuat Bike Racks
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Fender Straps for Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack
- Shop: Loading Ramp for Kuat Piston Pro and Piston Pro X Bike Rack
- Shop: Fender Straps for Kuat Piston Pro, Piston Pro X, Piston SR, or Piston ION Bike Rack - Qty 2
- Shop: Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Hollywood Racks CrossTrack Bike Rack for 1 Bike - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Replacement Tie-Down Straps with Cam Buckle for Hollywood Racks Trunk Mount Bike Racks - Qty 2
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Kuat Piston ION Fit for Specialized Vado with Fender and Required Wheel Straps
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Tire Chains
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Q&A: Looking for Bike Rack that Will Clear Rear Spare of Jeep Wrangler
- Q&A: Light Kit that Fits Kuat Piston ION 2-Bike Rack
- Q&A: Which Hitch Is Best for Carrying E-Bikes and Light Towing with a 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
Bruce L.
5/6/2026
WE do a lot of street riding in our community and we have done many many rails to trails rides throughout the country. We currently have a smaller Kuat but now we have two electric assist bikes. Do you have any "specials" for long time customers?