Kuat Piston ION Fit for Specialized Vado with Fender and Required Wheel Straps
Updated 05/06/2026 | Published 05/04/2026
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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?
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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
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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?